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  • 菲律賓國旗

  Pope Leo XIV Recovering as Expected After Surgery to Remove Part of Right Lung

  Pope Leo XIV is recovering as expected following surgery to remove part of his right lung, the Vatican said in its latest update on Wednesday. Blood tests and a chest X-ray conducted that morning showed results within the normal range for the procedure, indicating that his post-operative recovery was progressing as anticipated.The pontiff underwent thoracic surgery on Tuesday at Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in Rome. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted technique, with the operation lasting approximately 90 minutes. Further examination of the removed tissue revealed evidence of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Medical staff are continuing to monitor his condition following the procedure.According to the Vatican, the pope has begun respiratory physiotherapy and is able to walk around his hospital room. He has also resumed eating, including breakfast and lunch. The medical team said his recovery remained on course. Leo had previously disclosed that doctors had found a nodule in his lung and recommended its removal. At the time, he described the growth as having been detected at an early stage and as being well-contained.The pope has cancelled all public engagements through October 20 to allow time for recovery. Vatican officials said the institution's routine administrative work would continue during his hospital stay, although matters requiring the pontiff's signature could be postponed. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said members of the clergy were praying for the pope's health and expressing hope for his recovery.

  2026-10-17 09:00
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  • 菲律賓國旗

  US Inflation Accelerates to 3.7% in September, Exceeding Forecasts

  Inflation in the United States picked up again in September, with consumer prices rising faster than economists had anticipated. Data released by the US Department of Labor showed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 3.7% from a year earlier, compared with 3.4% in August. The latest figure also exceeded the market forecast of 3.6%, with higher energy costs contributing to the renewed pressure on household budgets.The monthly figures also pointed to a faster pace of price growth. The CPI climbed 0.6% from August to September, following a 0.4% increase in the previous month. The larger monthly gain indicates that inflationary pressures strengthened toward the end of the third quarter, despite expectations for a more modest rise in the annual rate.Fuel prices played a significant role in the latest increase. Official figures showed that gasoline prices jumped 9.1% in September from the previous month, while the overall energy index rose 5.2%. The surge in gasoline costs accounted for a substantial share of the monthly increase in consumer prices, potentially adding to expenses for commuters and households.Underlying inflation also moved higher. Excluding the more volatile food and energy categories, core CPI rose 2.6% year over year, up from 2.4% in August, while the monthly increase remained at 0.3%. The simultaneous rise in headline and core inflation suggests that price pressures have yet to ease fully, leaving the direction of inflation an important issue for consumers and policymakers.

  2026-10-17 09:00
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  • 菲律賓國旗

  Child Online Safety Unites US Parties as Social Media Regulation Gains Momentum

  Concerns about social media's impact on young people are drawing bipartisan support in the United States. Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico supports restricting access for children under 16, while Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton has pursued legal action against major technology companies over potential risks to minors.US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data for 2025 show that about one-third of young people experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, roughly 10% more than a decade earlier. However, researchers say the causes remain unclear, with economic pressures, changing social connections and the pandemic also potentially contributing. Parents' groups and public health advocates are nevertheless pushing for stronger safeguards and federal legislation.Meta reached a $17 billion settlement this year with a coalition of US states and other jurisdictions and pledged changes to its child protection policies. Other platforms also face lawsuits and investigations. Congress is considering the Kids Online Safety Act, which would require companies to introduce safeguards. Some technology firms favor giving parents greater control over app downloads rather than imposing broad social media bans.Public health advocates warn that algorithms may amplify content promoting unrealistic body images and extreme dieting, potentially increasing eating disorders and mental health problems among young users. Technology companies are lobbying to influence legislation. With the UK and Australia introducing restrictions for under-16s, the US faces continuing debate over how to balance child protection, parental rights and individual freedom.

  2026-10-16 09:00