(Photo provided with release.)

When lung cancer is caught at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is seven times higher than the survival rate for late-stage, metastatic lung cancer  

Pittsburgh, PA — Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Forbes Hospital is expanding its lung cancer diagnostic and care capabilities by introducing the Ion Endoluminal System, a state-of-the-art robotic-assisted bronchoscopy technology that helps catch lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

This cutting-edge system now offers patients east of Pittsburgh access to precise and minimally invasive lung biopsy procedures, closer to home.

The Ion system, developed by Intuitive Surgical, is designed to help interventional pulmonologists navigate deep into the lung to reach small, peripheral nodules that might otherwise be inaccessible through traditional biopsy methods. The system’s ultra-thin robotic catheter enters through the patient’s mouth and throat, allowing for a guided, real-time, 3D imaging approach to bronchoscopy that enhances accuracy and precision in sampling tissue, and reduces complication risks for patients.

“This advanced robotic technology is truly a game-changer in our fight against lung cancer,” said Mark Rubino, MD, President of Forbes Hospital. “By making this technology available locally, we’re enabling our patients to have potentially life-saving biopsies and diagnoses close to home, reducing the need for travel and the associated stress during what can be a critical time in their care.”

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer being the most common form. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential – the average five-year survival rate for lung and bronchus cancer is approximately 26%, and for lung cancer that has metastasized, the five-year survival rate is 8.9%, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, when the lung cancer is caught early and “localized,” meaning it’s confined to the primary site and hasn’t metastasized to other nodes or organs, the five-year survival rate is 64%.

But traditional biopsy methods have a harder time reaching deeply situated lung nodules, leading to diagnoses only after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

“With the Ion system, we can now biopsy lung lesions that were previously out of reach,” said Giath Shari, MD, a pulmonologist at Forbes Hospital. “This system allows us to map out a pathway to the nodule, reach it with exceptional precision, and obtain tissue samples without requiring a more invasive CT-guided biopsy. That means we can provide diagnoses with a fraction of the previous risk of complications, enabling our team to act quickly if treatment is needed.”

The American Cancer Society recommends annual lung cancer screenings using a low-dose CT scan for high-risk individuals, typically adults ages 50 to 80, who have a history of heavy smoking. If a suspicious nodule is detected, the Ion system allows pulmonologists to perform a biopsy and determine the next steps, which could include surgery, chemotherapy, or other targeted interventions.

“The sooner we can confirm or rule out cancer, the sooner we can move forward with an individualized treatment plan,” said Hiran Fernando, MD, Director Thoracic Surgery at Forbes and Allegheny General Hospital. “With the multidisciplinary team we have at Forbes, including oncologists, radiologists, and thoracic surgeons, we’re equipped to deliver comprehensive, high-quality lung cancer care in that community.”

Since its initial deployment in 2021 at AHN’s Allegheny General Hospital and, more recently, at AHN Saint Vincent in Erie, the Ion endoluminal system has shown great promise in helping pinpoint lung lesions and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Since launching the Ion Endoluminal System at Forbes Hospital, Dr. Shari and his team have performed multiple cases with excellent results, helping patients gain insights into their conditions and confidently plan their care. For more information about Forbes Hospital or AHN Cancer Institute-Forbes, visit https://www.ahn.org/locations/cancer-institute/forbes.

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that a Butler County jury has convicted a man of sexually assaulting a pre-teen child, beginning when the victim was seven-years-old.

Shaun Sheffer, 45, was charged in 2023 after a Statewide Investigating Grand Jury recommended charges against numerous members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith.

This week, Sheffer was convicted of three counts of rape — including rape of a person with a mental disability — and three counts of indecent assault.

Sheffer will be sentenced on February 19.

“This defendant sexually assaulted a victim who was wholly vulnerable due to their age and mental disability,” Attorney General Henry said. “I commend the grand jurors, the trial jurors, and, of course, the brave victim for ensuring a predator did not escape justice.”

The charges stem from the 49th Investigating Grand Jury and were filed and prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General. The abuse happened around 1995 and 2000 in Butler County.

According to testimony, Sheffer was a close acquaintance of the victim and the assaults occurred when the victim was between the ages of seven and 12.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Alicia Werner.

Severe Weather Could Drive Up Energy Demand During the Long Holiday Weekend and Beyond

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today alerted consumers across the Commonwealth about the forecast of extremely cold temperatures for early next week, which is expected to drive up peak demand for electricity and natural gas.

The PUC is closely coordinating efforts with the regional electric grid operator PJM Interconnection (PJM), as well as local electric and natural gas utility operators across Pennsylvania, to ensure that systems remain reliable during this cold snap.

“The relatively mild weekend conditions may conceal the extremely cold weather expected to hit Pennsylvania early next week – leaving some consumers surprised and potentially unprepared,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “We are working around the clock with PJM and all of our utilities to ensure that everyone is fully prepared for the higher stress on energy delivery systems. We want to make sure that Pennsylvania families and businesses stay warm and safe over the long holiday weekend and into the early part of next week.”

Close Coordination and Preparations Underway

The PUC is working closely with local utilities, PJM and various state agencies to ensure that all parties are prepared for the challenging days ahead. 

• PJM Declaration of Conservation Operations – PJM Interconnection has issued a Declaration of Conservation Operations from Monday, January 20, through Wednesday, January 22, to allow more flexibility to maintain reliability and to ensure that all systems and equipment are ready for the frigid conditions.
• Utility Actions – Utilities throughout the state are already taking steps to prepare for the added stress on their systems, including:
  • Increased Customer Outreach about conservation, efficiency and service issues.
  • Added Staffing for possible maintenance and repair.
  • Ensuring Equipment and Materials are in stock.
  • Canceling Non-Essential Planned Outages during the event.
  • Monitoring Circuits and Equipment to identify potential issues.
  • Identifying Critical Circuits that support essential facilities (e.g., hospitals).
  • Conducting Additional Leak Surveys for natural gas systems.
  • Preparing Emergency Messaging Systems, in the event they are needed.

PUC Working With State Agencies

The PUC continues to work closely with the Governor’s Office, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and other agencies that may be involved in a coordinated response to severe weather-related energy issues.

“In many respects, this situation feels similar to Winter Storm Elliott in 2022, when bitter cold temperatures stretched the energy grid to extremes,” Chairman DeFrank added. “Fortunately, this time we have more time to prepare, and our lines of communication with PJM and the utilities are open and active. We are ready to implement voluntary conservation steps, if needed, and are prepared for any additional directives from PJM.”

Tips for Consumers

 The PUC urges residents to stay informed and consider simple steps to reduce energy usage when temperatures plunge, such as:

1. Adjust Your Thermostat – Lowering the thermostat a few degrees, especially during times you are away or asleep, can significantly reduce energy consumption.
2. Seal Leaks and Drafts – Use weather stripping, caulk, or door sweeps to block cold drafts and keep warm air indoors.
3. Use Natural Sunlight – Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to let in warmth and close them at night to retain heat.
4. Bundle Up Indoors – Dress in layers and use extra blankets to stay warm without turning up the heat excessively.
5. Maintain Heating Systems – Change furnace filters regularly and schedule maintenance if possible, ensuring systems run efficiently.
6. Unplug and Power Down – Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use to conserve electricity.

“Everyone has a role to play in managing energy usage,” Chairman DeFrank noted. “Simple steps can help keep bills manageable, reduce the strain on energy systems, and ensure that critical power remains available to all who need it. Stay tuned for any additional updates or recommendations over the weekend and early next week.”

Stay Informed

 The PUC urged consumers to take the following additional steps, to ensure they receive important updates in a timely manner:

 Follow announcements from your local utility and from the PUC for any changes or updates regarding possible conservation measures.

• Sign up for alerts and notifications from local weather services, your utility company, PEMA, and local emergency management agencies.
• Follow your utility, the PUC, and emergency agencies on social media to receive those updates.
• Check local media and PUC resources over the holiday weekend for any quickly developing updates.

Consumers should also remember that Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, is part of the holiday weekend when many households and businesses may alter their normal schedules—an added factor to keep in mind when planning your energy use.

Source for Photo: As of 2022, more than 978,000 foreign born people are living in Pennsylvania. More than 522,000 are naturalized U.S. citizens. (Tetiana/Adobe Stock) Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Service

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office on Monday, a Pennsylvania group is helping some residents prepare for possible deportation actions – and warning of the consequences. Trump has said his administration will undertake what he calls “the largest mass deportation in U-S history.” Cathryn Miller-Wilson of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society in Pennsylvania advises people to stay calm, assert their right to a hearing, and avoid opening their doors to unexpected visitors. She adds mass deportation would mean workforce shortages for the state, as well as higher tax burdens for residents and businesses. America First Legal, representing the Trump administration, has already cautioned more than 200 officials in so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions about possible legal repercussions for hindering federal immigration enforcement or assisting undocumented people. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has pledged to protect residents’ rights and uphold community safety.

(File Photo of Gavel)

Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced on Wednesday that a man from Guatemala pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien. Twenty-six-year-old Josue Raul Ascon Morales was sentenced because he was in the United States illegally in March of 2008. The Moon Township Police Department found him on September 1st, 2024 in traffic. Ascon Morales was taken to jail on October 22nd, 2024 and also admitted to entering into the United States illegally in April of 2018. A federal grand jury indiceted Ascon Morales on November 19th, 2024.

(File Photo of Gavel)

Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced Wednesday that a man from El Salvador pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien. Forty-one-year-old Jose Humberto Diaz-Tobar was given a sentence. Diaz-Tobar was in a traffic accident on February 1st, 2024 when the Allegheny County Police Department found him. Diaz-Tobar was taken to jail on July 24th, 2024 and was there for about six months for being in the United States illegally in October of 2012.

(File Photo of the Aliquippa School Board logo)

(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Aliquippa, PA) The Aliquippa school board made several motions at Wednesday night’s regular meeting. The board announced the approval of the cost of the plaques for the Gene Karmazyn Blackbox Theater, one estimated to cost $205, another estimated to cost $285. LSSE Civil Engineering also received a payment of $33,252.17 for surveying, engineering design and consulting services for the fieldhouse and education center at Heinz Field. On Wednesday, a transportation agreement for related services as a supplementary related service was in case of an emergency for the meeting. The school board approved the Act 1 Index and made the decision not to raise any tax for the support of the district for the 2025-26 school year at a rate that exceeds the index by the PA Department of Education, as the state rate is 6.2%. The school board entered into a memorandum of understanding  with the Mentor Partnership and the Aliquippa School district. This program will provide supports to Student Services at no cost to the district. The program is valued at $15,000. The board meets on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 6 p.m. for its work session and the regular meeting is on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Gene Karmazyn Black Box Theater.

(File Photo of PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) PennDOT announced Thursday that a $1.3 million SMART grant was given to the company from the United States Department of Transportation. The money will help to assist PennDOT and their Freight Signal Pilot technology, which can limit air pollution and congestion. This technology is in two central Pennsylvania truck traffic locations. The Freight Signal Pilots can also track locations of trucks and can increase the time that a green light is active during traffic. 

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: Coal used to play a vital role in electricity generation worldwide. Altough modern plants are much more efficient than before, it is a very polluting form of electricity.)

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) Utility providers foresee a big rise in electricity demand that could mean double-digit rate hikes if it’s met with new gas-fired power plants, according to a new report. PJM is the nonprofit independent system that manages the power grid in Pennsylvania and 12 other states. It forecasts the need for 67 more gigawatts by 2039. Sean O’Leary at the Ohio River Valley Institute says relying on natural gas for that power could drive up Pennsylvania’s rates faster than the national average. He says addressing the climate impacts of increased carbon emissions later could make costs skyrocket even more. O’Leary says PJM anticipates needing around 100 gigawatts of new capacity, combining 30 gigawatts of retiring coal and older gas plants with additional demand that equates to about two-thirds of the system’s current generation capacity.