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Union County Honors Purple Heart Recipients with Rededication of Monument

The Union County Combat Wounded Purple Heart Monument in Mifflinburg was rededicated on National Purple Heart Day to honor all Purple Heart recipients from every branch of service and every war.

I was honored to join local fellow veterans, families and community members for this meaningful ceremony and to recognize the sacrifices made by those who were wounded in service to our country.

Celebrating Zoe Furman’s State Championship

Montgomery Area School District wrestler Zoe Furman was recently honored with a Senate Citation recognizing her 2025-26 PIAA State Girls’ Individual Wrestling Championship in the 136-pound weight class. Zoe completed an undefeated 45-0 season and was the first girls state champion from both her school and District 4. She plans to wrestle at Edinboro in the fall.

I was proud to recognize Zoe for this outstanding achievement and wish her all the best in her continued athletic career!

Recognizing Michael Magyar’s 25 Years of EMS Service

For 25 years, Lewisburg’s Michael Magyar has answered the call to serve his community, providing emergency medical care when people need it most. A longtime paramedic, Michael has dedicated much of his career to helping others.

It was an honor to present Michael with a Senate Citation recognizing his 25 years of EMS service. His commitment, compassion and willingness to serve are a true reflection of the best of our communities. Thank you, Michael!

Thank You to our Summer Intern, Eva

This summer, my office welcomed intern Eva DiSalvo-Carnevale, a graduate of Williamsport Area High School and current Political Science major at Rollins College.

Eva contributed greatly to our office by assisting with constituent services, supporting district staff at meetings, researching legislative issues and helping coordinate key events. Eva also worked with Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity to help constituents who have unclaimed property through the claims process.

We’re grateful for all of her hard work and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors!

Penn State Hosts Annual Ag Progress Days

It was great to be back at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days to showcase everything PA agriculture!

Ag Progress Days is Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor agricultural exposition that brings together hundreds of exhibitors from the United States and Canada. The exposition showcases the educational programs, research, and latest innovations in agricultural equipment and technology that helps make Pennsylvania a national leader in agricultural production.

While there, the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees from both the Senate and House convened for a public hearing focused on Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage and its future. The discussion highlighted the importance of supporting our farmers, strengthening the agricultural economy and making sure the next generation has opportunities to carry on this vital industry.

Penn College Leadership Program Visits Capitol

It was a pleasure to welcome students and faculty from the Penn College Leadership Program to Harrisburg recently. Students joined my staff for a roundtable discussion with representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and took a tour of the Capitol building.

Little League World Series Continues This Week

The 2026 Little League World Series is underway and continues this week in Williamsport! More information on teams, schedule of events, ticketing and parking can be found on Little League’s website.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) advises motorists to be prepared for an increase in traffic and should plan for delays, particularly in the South Williamsport and Williamsport areas.

Real-time traveler information is available through 511PA to help visitors plan their trip and avoid congestion.

School Bus Safety Legislation Awaits House Action

Over the past five years, 25,136 Pennsylvania drivers have been cited for school zone violations, including 8,302 for overtaking or illegally passing a school bus. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania breaks down the numbers here.

In September 2025, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 65, Enhancing the Safe Transportation of School Children, which would extend the stopping distance requirement from 10 feet to 15 feet before reaching the bus when the red signal lights are flashing and the side stop arm is activated. It also develops a tiered penalty system for a second or subsequent offense. Current law does not penalize repeat offenders.

With the start of a new school year nearly a year later, it still awaits a vote by the full House of Representatives. Read more about this effort to boost school bus safety here.

Schools Can Apply Now for Safety, AED Training Grants

School districts can apply now for the latest round of funding to improve safety, including an initiative passed by the General Assembly to increase the presence of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at school events.

Under the School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program, school districts, career and technical centers, intermediate units, charter schools and cyber charter schools are eligible for funding to use for safety and security assessments, staff training and more. It can also be used to improve CPR training and AED preparedness.

In addition, nonpublic schools can apply for CPR/AED Training for Nonpublic Schools Grant Program that can be used for CPR and AED training.

The AED funding is made available through Greg Moyer’s Law, named in honor of Pennsylvania student-athlete Greg Moyer, who died after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game.

Strategies to Prevent Electric Bill Spikes Highlighted at Senate Hearing

Strategies to increase energy production and lower utility bills for Pennsylvanians were the focus of a public hearing by the Senate Majority Policy Committee.

The committee heard from energy generators, utilities, business groups, taxpayer advocates and more. Pennsylvania is the top electricity exporter and supplier of natural gas, but the retirement of generation sources is driving up prices and risking electric grid reliability.

Testifiers noted the commonwealth needs to build more reliable baseload generation to keep prices stable and ensure access to energy. Read more and access hearing video here.

What to Know About Teen Gambling

Just because teens aren’t allowed to gamble doesn’t mean they don’t.

Gambling among teenagers is a growing problem. Information is available to learn what teen problem gambling is, how to recognize the warning signs and where to go for help. 

Topics include: Why do people gamble? The “gambler’s fallacy,” and Who’s at risk? Learn more here from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Elk Cam Shows Largest Free-Roaming Elk population in Eastern U.S.

Elk were once native to Pennsylvania but disappeared in the 1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, Pennsylvania is home to 1,300 to 1,400 elk, making it the largest free-roaming elk population in the eastern U.S.

Live from Elk State Forest in northern PA, the Elk Cam is a window into the world of these impressive animals, as well as turkey, deer and other wildlife. Best viewing times are mornings and evenings.

The livestream is provided by HDOnTap and made possible with the help of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission.