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The latest news from the State Capitol |
Smash Those Spotted Lanternfly Eggs!
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is encouraging all of us to do our part to combat the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly.
Destroy those egg masses before the weather warms up for good and eggs hatch. Officials suggest power-washing equipment and vehicles, inspecting the undercarriages of vehicles and inspecting other hard surfaces such as patio furniture, grills or play equipment.
More information about this invasive species is available here.
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Attorney General Issues Warning About Device Misuse
AirTags are small devices that people use in conjunction with an iPhone to track their own pets, keys and other belongings that can be lost. Unfortunately, the Office of Attorney General has found it necessary to issue a consumer alert to educate Pennsylvanians and help protect them from the malicious misuse of Apple AirTags to track their locations and belongings without their knowledge or consent.
Individuals have reported finding unknown AirTags attached to their cars, in their purses or coat pockets, and other personal property. Others have reported receiving alerts on their phones that their location information is being shared, even if they have not found an AirTag or other connected accessory on their person.
Consumers should take the following steps to safeguard themselves and their belongings:
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Listen for unfamiliar beeping. When an AirTag is separated from a familiar device for some time, the AirTag will start to make a beeping noise. If you hear this beeping noise, try to locate its source. |
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Watch for “Item Detected Near You” notifications on iPhones. If your iPhone has been close to an unfamiliar AirTag or other accessory for a prolonged period of time, you may receive a notification on the Find My application stating, “Item Detected Near You.” |
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If you have an Android device, download Tracker Detect from the Google Play Store. If you hear unfamiliar beeping, you can use Tracker Detect on your Android device to find any unfamiliar AirTags within your Bluetooth range. |
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Know that not all unfamiliar AirTags are malicious. While it is important to be careful, AirTags are sometimes legitimately lost by their users, and your device will alert you regardless. If an AirTag has been reported lost, your Find My notification will give you information to allow you to return it. |
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Check for updated guidance. Apple has issued guidance on how to deal with unknown AirTags or Find My alerts. If you come across any issues, check with Apple for updated guidance. |
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Update your Apple device’s operating system. Apple is implementing new safety measures, so make sure you update your Apple device’s operating system regularly. |
For additional details about the tips above, click here.
Consumers who believe they may have found a misused Apple AirTag in their belongings should contact local law enforcement.
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PHEAA to Offer Webinars
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting several statewide webinars in the coming weeks.
On Monday, Feb. 28, and Monday, April 18, from 6-7 p.m., it will present an overview of the 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. The event will guide students and families through a step-by-step process for filing the FAFSA and state grant application.
On Monday, March 7, from 6-7 p.m., and Monday, March 28, from noon to 1 p.m., PHEAA will host a webinar on understanding the financial decision students need to make concerning higher education, including higher education costs, types of financial aid available and how to apply for financial aid.
Finally, on Wednesday, April 13, from 6-7 p.m., PHEAA will present a webinar on planning and goal setting that high school juniors should be working on to prepare for the financial aid process they’ll face as seniors.
To register for any of the seminars, please visit
www.PHEAA.org/virtual
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Boosting Traffic Law Awareness
With 2021 preliminary data showing as much as a 10% increase in deaths on our roadways, the Pennsylvania State Police and PennDOT are marking Pennsylvania’s Highway Safety Law Awareness Week, Feb. 20-26, by focusing on laws that impact crashes and fatalities each year.
Distracted Driving: Pennsylvania’s texting-while-driving ban prohibits as a primary offense any driver from using an interactive wireless communication device to send, read or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion.
Seat Belts: Pennsylvania law requires any occupant younger than age 18 to buckle up when riding in a vehicle, as well as drivers and front-seat passengers. Children under the age of 2 must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, and children under the age of 4 must be restrained in an approved child safety seat. Children must ride in a booster seat until their eighth birthday.
Impaired Driving: Pennsylvania law prohibits individuals from driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. Penalties for driving while impaired depend on the individual’s level of impairment and prior offenses and can include up to $10,000 in fines, up to five years in prison, up to 18 months license suspension, one year of ignition interlock, and more. For more information on the penalties, check out Pennsylvania's DUI Law.
Speeding: Pennsylvania law on speed restrictions requires motorists to drive at reasonable and prudent speeds for the current conditions. Drivers must drive at a safe and appropriate speed when approaching and crossing intersections, railroad grade crossings, curves, hill crests, narrow or winding roads, and when special hazards exist with respect to pedestrians, other traffic, or weather or highway conditions.
Pennsylvania's Young Driver Law:Pennsylvania licenses young drivers through a three-stage program, reflecting the driver’s gradual progression in skill, experience and decision-making ability. The law has proven effective in reducing crashes and fatalities for 16- and 17-year-olds.
For more information on PennDOT's highway safety efforts visit,
www.PennDOT.gov/safety.
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On Thursday, Gov. Tom Wolf and I visited the UPS “super hub” in Lower Swatara Township to learn about the company’s expansion in Pennsylvania. UPS has been seeking to add 1,700 jobs in the Commonwealth in the past year, including the North Union Street site. This new location was chosen because of its highway access and distribution potential for the Mid-Atlantic. Welcome to the 106th District.
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