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New treatment for heart issue requires thought

Great progress has been made in treating aortic stenosis, a heart problem that reportedly affects at least 1.5 million Americans. In severe cases of aortic stenosis, calcium buildup has narrowed the opening of the aortic valve to the point where, if left untreated, can lead to heart failure and death. There apparently have been no statistics presented publicly about the prevalence of the condition to people in the six-county Southern Alleghenies region, or even statewide, but no doubt the condition has a local presence. It might be puzzling to some people why this topic has reached ...

Dementia training could help first responders

Legislation being drafted to require EMS personnel to undergo training to help them better interact with those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias makes sense, at first blush. Sen. Lynda Culver and House members Maureen Madden and Kyle Mullins are looking for Pennsylvania to join Virginia by requiring training to help EMS providers recognize cognitive impairment and communicate effectively during emergencies. While fire departments can take the training on their own under current law,, Culver, Madden and Mullins want to make the voluntary training a ...

In hindsight, was NFL Draft worth it to Pittsburgh?

OK, the 2026 NFL Draft was a week ago. It’s time to ask the big question. Was it worth it? That depends on two things: Perspective and expectation. According to the NFL, the Pittsburgh draft was the most well attended in history. It dwarfed the drafts in Las Vegas, Green Bay and Detroit. People turned out in droves to celebrate their teams’ selections in a three-day riverfront revel. The first day broke opening records with 320,000 people. The 805,000 total smashed event-long numbers. There’s no doubt the draft was a success from the NFL’s standpoint — or for fans. Social ...

Hollywood can still make great movies

"Project Hail Mary" is proof. Based upon the novel of the same name by author Andy Weir (who also wrote "The Martian"), the science fiction film released by Amazon MGM Studios has already grossed more than $600 million worldwide, on a $190 million budget. The film had the highest opening box office revenues so far this year, and the best opening for any Amazon film ever. In fact, "Project Hail Mary" has enjoyed so much success that its theatrical run has been extended before it goes to streaming. (When was the last time that happened?) This only goes to show that audiences will ...

If they prove effective then Zyn isn’t sin

Zyns are super popular. They are little pouches people tuck into their lip to get a hit of nicotine. Zyn has competitors, like Velo and On!, but Zyn has most of the market. Young people love the pouches. They are safer than cigarettes. Their nicotine is addictive, but nicotine isn't what makes tobacco deadly. "(The) mix of chemicals -- not nicotine -- cause the serious health effects ..." says the FDA. That's why the FDA supports nicotine pouches. Still, some anti-tobacco activists oppose all nicotine use. "It's a pouch packed with problems!" Sen. Chuck ...

A simple act with lasting impact

With Pennsylvania’s primary election fast approaching, voters in the Juniata River Valley are nearing an important deadline — one that often comes and goes with far less attention than it deserves. May 4 is the final day to register to vote in the upcoming primary. It is a date that represents more than paperwork or procedure. It is the gateway to participation in the democratic process. Registering to vote takes only a few minutes, yet it is the first and most essential step in making a voice heard. For those already registered, it is also a reminder to ensure information — such ...