LANCASTER, May 22 – Building on their commitment to support food-insecure Lancastrians, state Reps. Ismail Smith Wade El’s and Nikki Rivera’s offices attended a training on an innovative online platform that is increasing food access and sustainability in the region. The Lancaster County Food Exchange uses a mobile web application to allow procurement volunteers at food pantries and community kitchens in Lancaster County to communicate their surplus items and items they are requesting. Each posting is communicated to all participants via email or text twice daily. The service is free and only requires an email address and a cell phone or laptop. Terry Kile, founder and board chair of the non-profit, gave the training. Lancaster County Food Exchange is used by 23 food pantry providers to feed Lancaster County’s estimated 50,000 residents who need more access to food. “At a time when federal government budget cuts have significantly strained food pantries’ and food banks’ abilities to provide nourishment to the food-insecure, these critical organizations have had to become more agile to ensure that our neighbors in need have food to feed their families,” Smith-Wade-El said. “And this app makes that easy by enabling them to support one another’s needs by sharing surplus or requesting additional food with the click of a button.” “There’s no better example of the phrase Read more

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026/27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives Who May Apply: Units of government (including counties) and non-profit organizations Use: To implement projects and programs that directly address the PCCD Objectives and Goals outlined in PCCD’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework Funds: A total of $8,221,880 in federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 30-35 grants with budgets not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year project period. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Department of Aging: Resilient environments for Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY Communities) Who May Apply: Non-profits, county and municipal governments, and coalitions of organizations Use: For community-based projects focused on improving the lives of older adults, people living with dementia, caregivers, and their communities Funds: A total of $325,000 is available with a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 More information: Aging Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants Who May Apply: School districts; Municipal authorities; Political subdivisions; Incorporated Read more

READING, May 13 — State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, said today he convened a coordinated public safety meeting at his office with state and local law enforcement leaders and key justice partners to address the recent rise in violence in the city. “The safety of our families requires coordinated action across every level of government,” Guzman said, adding that he remains laser-focused on addressing the issue as a top priority. “We cannot normalize violence in Reading and across Berks County.” The meeting included Reading Mayor Eddie Moran; Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams; Chief County Detective Mike Gombar; Maj. Robert Bailey, director of the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement; Capt. Chris Winesburg, commander of Troop L in Reading; and leadership from the Reading Police Department, including Chief Javier Ruiz and Deputy Chief Luz Shade. The objective was to align enforcement priorities and advance practical, enforceable measures to improve public safety. Reading Mayor Eddie Moran emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and community engagement and said he remains committed to providing peace of mind to all families across the city. “Public safety requires a shared commitment to prevention, accountability, and community trust,” Moran said. “I want to thank State Representative Manny Guzman for hosting today’s meeting and our local and state law enforcement officials for Read more

HARRISBURG, May 6 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today took a major step to protect child safety from the emerging threat of artificial intelligence by unanimously passing legislation to modernize the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. House Bill 2474 would require all mandated reporters, not just school personnel, to quickly report sexually explicit deepfake images of minors to law enforcement. The bill would ensure that authorities can immediately act to protect children and prevent further harm. According to Rivera, two incidents in Lancaster and Bucks counties -- both involving students using artificial intelligence to spread sexually explicit materials of their classmates -- prompted her and co-sponsor state Rep. Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, to introduce the bill. In 2023 in Lancaster County, two private school students used AI to create sexually explicit deepfake images of 48 schoolmates and 12 other students. In 2025 in Bucks County, two public middle school students created sexually explicit deepfake images depicting 12 fellow female students, which were then shared among other students in the district. In both cases, the dissemination of the pornographic AI deepfake images went unreported to law enforcement, resulting in more child sexual abuse material being shared and more victims being targeted. “This bill would eliminate delays in Read more

LANCASTER, May 6 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El will host a free community shred/e-cycle event/child car seat safety event from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, May 9 at Lancaster Township Fire Department, 275 Millersville Pike, Lancaster. “This Saturday’s community event is a great one-stop shop where you can ensure your private documents are shredded in an environmentally safe way that also protects you from identity theft and gives you peace of mind knowing your child’s car seat is correctly installed,” Smith-Wade-El said. “And it’s a great place to get rid of unwanted household items that are no longer of use to you, but could greatly benefit someone else, like new and gently used stuffed animals which will be shared with hospitalized kids in need of comfort. District residents are invited to bring up to three bankers boxes of papers for free shredding. Staples and paperclips do not need to be removed. Electronics, small appliances, and gently used clothing, housewares, and stuffed animals can also be dropped off with event partners. The organizers cannot accept large appliances, hazardous household waste, or devices containing mercury or freon. “As nearly half of child car seats are incorrectly installed, I am excited to offer free, expert-led safety reviews to ensure residents’ child car seats are correctly positioned and secured to protect their children in case of an accident,” Smith-Wade-El Read more