Banner Health First to Implant Revolutionary Device for Mitral Valve Repair

The groundbreaking technology offers hope for patients with leaky heart valves

Banner Health has become the first health care system in the United States to perform a revolutionary new procedure that could change the lives of millions of Americans living with a leaky heart valve.

Paul Sorajja, MD, a nationally recognized leader in interventional cardiology and valve science with Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, successfully completed the groundbreaking procedure using Valcare’s AMEND ring, offering a new option to patients who previously faced limited treatment options.

The procedure treats mitral regurgitation, a condition where the heart’s mitral valve doesn’t close properly, causing blood to leak backward instead of flowing forward through the body. It affects millions of Americans and can leave people feeling exhausted, short of breath, and unable to enjoy everyday activities, because the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body.

“For many patients living with a leaky heart valve, the thought of open-heart surgery can be overwhelming or simply not an option due to age or other health conditions,” said Dr. Sorajja, Banner interventional cardiologist and assistant clinical professor of internal medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Phoenix. “This new procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative that could help patients get back to living their lives with less pain, faster recovery, and better outcomes.”

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Love’s price tag: top Valentine’s gifts up 51% in a decade – new analysis

Over the past decade, the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts have traded a bottle of champagne, then costing $51.54, for a greeting card now averaging $7.19.

A decade ago, the classic Valentine’s Day bundle of chocolates, diamond earrings, roses, dinner for two and champagne tallied just $512.

Today, swapping champagne for a greeting card drives the total to $774 – a $262 spike rivaling a week’s groceries for the average American family.

That’s a 51% overall increase, outpacing the cumulative inflation rate over the same period and representing real erosion in purchasing power for anyone trying to recreate the romance of years past.

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Joseph Kavalunis, 70, of Haddon Heights

Suddenly, On January 31, 2026. Age 70, Of Haddon Heights. Cherished Son of the late Vincent and Irene Kavalunis. Beloved brother of the late Sandra Kavalunis.

Funeral Arrangements are Pending at this time. Please contact McCann – Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City Ph: 856 – 456 – 1142 for additional information.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Joseph Kavalunis, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Congressman Norcross to deliver funding for Camden County College

Today at noon, the Camden County Board of Commissioners will join Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) as he delivers $850,000 in Community Project Funding to Camden County College, Truman Hall, Room 101, 200 College Drive, Gloucester County, parking lot 11. The funding will be used to renovate and expand a facility that will house a new electric and hybrid vehicle technician training program.

“This funding is an investment in the future for our students, their careers, and the future of clean, eco-friendly transportation,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Nash. “On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, we are grateful for Congressman Norcross’ advocacy and support that has ensured Camden County College will be on the forefront of automotive innovation in our region for years to come turning out the best mechanics with right skillsets for 21st century vehicles.”

With New Jersey projected to welcome over $2 million electric vehicles to our roadways by 2035, this funding will help ensure Camden County College has an adequate space to accommodate the expansion of the electric vehicle training program and meet OSHA safety requirements.

Missing Person Sophia Ndow and her 2-month-old daughter, Nazara Burgos

The Philadelphia Police Department is asking the public for assistance in locating 29-year-old Sophia Ndow and her 2-month-old daughter, Nazara Burgos, who have been reported missing from their South Philadelphia home.

The investigation began after Ndow was last seen on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 when she departed her residence on the 400 block of Washington Avenue with her infant daughter. Their whereabouts are unknown.

Ndow is described as a Black female, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 100 pounds. Her daughter, Nazara, is a 2-month-old Black female. There is no clothing description at this time.

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UNITE HERE Local 54 Endorses Tim Alexander for Congress

UNITE HERE Local 54, the hospitality workers’ union representing over 13,000 workers across New Jersey, Delaware and Eastern PA today announced its endorsement of Tim Alexander in the Democratic primary for Congress in New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District.

Local 54 members work every day in casinos, hotels, and food service —the backbone of South Jersey’s economy. The union cited Alexander’s commitment to working families, good union jobs, affordable healthcare, and protecting the right of workers to organize as key reasons for its support.

“Tim Alexander has been a union member, PBA #77, for over 4 decades and understands that when workers do better, our entire community does better,” said Donna DeCaprio, President of UNITE HERE Local 54. “He has consistently stood with working people, listened to our members, and fought for fair wages, safe workplaces, and dignity on the job. We are proud to endorse Tim Alexander because he will be a strong voice for South Jersey’s working families in Congress.”
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America 250: Philadelphia Zoo Announces 250,000 Actions for Animals Initiative

The Zoo is challenging Philadelphia and the world to join them in making a difference for animals, humans and habitats

Philadelphia, PA – To celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary and bring together its community, Philadelphia Zoo is issuing a challenge to help it complete 250,000 Actions for Animals before the end of 2026. This campaign will not just save animals, but create a cleaner and greener space for the humans that call Philadelphia and beyond home. Part of the Zoo’s mission is to share its passion for conservation to save wildlife, and this challenge is designed to get people thinking differently about the ways they can thrive alongside the natural world. Actions for Animals include activities like cleaning up litter, planting native plants, participating in wildlife surveys, and much more, including opportunities to partner with the Zoo on projects around its 42-acre campus. This challenge is a part of the hundreds of events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in Philadelphia throughout 2026.

“As an American first, Philadelphia Zoo is proud to be a strong leader and dedicated advocate for protecting animals, people and habitats,” said President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “While Philly will host a multitude of events and celebrations in 2026, we also want this year to be remembered as how we all came together to make differences for wildlife helping to ensure our own future. Philadelphia Zoo is a place where animals thrive and transformative memories are made. We can’t wait to see how the actions we can all take in 2026 make a better future where wildlife and people thrive together.”

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CS BEEF PACKERS, LLC RECALLS GROUND BEEF PRODUCTS THAT MAY BE CONTAMINATED WITH E. COLI O145

CS Beef Packers, LLC, a Kuna, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 22,912 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O145, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef items were produced on January 14, 2026. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

Cardboard cases containing eight 10-lb. chubs of “BEEF, COARSE GROUND, 73 L” with case code 18601, “Use/Freeze By: 02/04/26” and time stamps between 07:03 and 08:32 printed on two stickers placed on the outside of the case. The date and time stamps are also printed directly onto the clear packaging of the chub.
Cardboard cases containing four 10-lb. chubs of “FIRE RIVER FARMS CLASSIC BEEF FINE GROUND 73L” with case code 19583, “Use/Freeze By: 02/04/26” and time stamps between 07:03 and 08:32 printed on two stickers placed on the outside of the case. The date and time stamps are also printed directly onto the clear packaging of the chub.
Cardboard cases containing four 10-lb. chubs of “FIRE RIVER FARMS CLASSIC BEEF FINE GROUND 81L” with case code 19563, “Use/Freeze By: 02/04/26” and time stamps between 07:03 and 08:32 printed on two stickers placed on the outside of the case. The date and time stamps are also printed directly onto the clear packaging of the chub.

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Rowan’s Rally Falls Short in 80-77 Loss to TCNJ in Men’s Basketball

Taz Cantey scored a team-high 24 points and spearheaded a second-half rally, but Rowan’s comeback fell short to TCNJ, 80-77, in an NJAC men’s basketball game that went down to the wire. The loss snaps the Profs five-game winning streak and drops them to 9-7 in conference play, and 9-14 overall.

Cantey scored 20 points in the second half alone and C.J. Hayes hit four three-pointers and scored 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting. Khalil Baker added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Profs.

Rowan took its first lead of the game with 1:51 remaining when Hayes capped off a 6-0 spurt with a layup to give the Profs a 73-72 advantage. The teams traded leads over that final two minutes, mostly on free throws, and Rowan ended up with three chances in the final 15 seconds.

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Suspect Arrested in Robbery of 66-Year-Old Woman at Bus Stop

On January 18, 2026, at approximately 6:39 a.m., a robbery occurred at the intersection of Benner Street and Castor Avenue while a 66-year-old female victim was waiting for a Route 59 SEPTA bus. At least two offenders exited a red Jeep SUV, and one offender, described as a masked Black female in her twenties, grabbed the victim’s bookbag. A struggle ensued, during which the victim was knocked to the ground and dragged. The offender then produced a taser and used it on the victim’s arms and hands in an attempt to force her to release the bag. The offender ultimately succeeded, and the suspects fled the scene in the red Jeep SUV.