Pennsylvania’s battle with the spotted lanternfly may be getting some new ammunition.

U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick are backing legislation aimed at expanding research into ways to control the invasive insect and protect farms and other agricultural businesses.

And while the latest discussion stretches across Pennsylvania, the story actually started close to home. The spotted lanternfly was first discovered in the United States in Berks County in 2014 — right next door to Montgomery County. Since then, it has spread throughout much of Pennsylvania, including Montgomery County.

The colorful bug may look harmless, but its appetite can mean serious trouble. Spotted lanternflies feed on grapevines, fruit trees, maples and other plants important to Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy. State officials cite research estimating that, if left uncontrolled, the pest could cost Pennsylvania $324 million annually and more than 2,800 jobs. 

The proposed federal effort would put greater emphasis on research to better understand, manage and control spotted lanternfly populations.

For Montgomery County residents, it’s a reminder that one of Pennsylvania’s biggest invasive-pest problems began just one county away — and didn’t stay there.

AI Is Getting a Job

AI is moving beyond answering questions and into AI agents that can actually perform business tasks. Recent small-business training is focusing on agents handling lead follow-up, scheduling, customer questions, invoices, inboxes, and reports. 

The next wave of AI doesn’t just answer questions—it gets things done.

Most of us know AI as something you talk to: ask a question, write an email, create an idea. But the next stage of artificial intelligence is already arriving—AI agents.

Think of an AI agent as a digital employee that can be assigned a job. Instead of simply telling you how to follow up with a customer, it could help organize leads, prepare follow-ups, handle routine customer questions, schedule appointments, sort information or flag an overdue invoice.

For Montgomery County’s small businesses, that could be a big deal.

Imagine a local contractor finishing a job while an AI system handles a new inquiry. Or a one-person business having a digital assistant organize incoming requests while the owner focuses on customers.

The technology isn’t about replacing every employee. For many small businesses, its biggest opportunity may be taking repetitive work off someone’s plate.

We went from websites to smartphones to chatbots. Now we may be entering the age of the digital workforce. And the smallest businesses could suddenly have some surprisingly big-business capabilities.

If you live in Pennsburg, East Greenville, Red Hill, Upper Hanover or the surrounding Upper Montgomery County area, this nearby job opportunity may be worth a look.

Helping Hands, Inc., a nonprofit located just over the Montgomery County line in Bechtelsville, Berks County, is hiring Direct Support Professionals to work with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The organization is seeking compassionate, dependable people for positions within its vocational, residential and social recreation programs.

Current openings include:

Full-time, part-time and seasonal positions
Adult Day Program: $16/hour
Residential Program: $17.50/hour
$250 signing bonus after 90 days
Helping Hands offers an opportunity to earn a paycheck while doing work that directly impacts the lives of people in our greater community.

For residents of Upper Montgomery County, the Bechtelsville location makes this a nearby employment opportunity even though it sits across the county line.

Interested applicants can contact Lisa Brown, Human Resources & Quality Assurance Manager, at 610-754-6491 or apply through Helping Hands.

Sometimes the right opportunity is just across the county line.

Montgomery County’s summer of 2026 brings a packed schedule of family-friendly events and lively entertainment options.

The Valley Beach Summer Entertainment Series returns to Valley Forge Casino Resort, featuring poolside fun with live bands, karaoke, and Latin dance nights from Memorial Day Weekend through August.

Basketball fans can join the Shoot Hoops Summer Runs at Shoot Hoops KOP, a youth league with weekly evening games from June 1 to July 27.

Enjoy live music every Thursday at King of Prussia Town Center during the Live Music on the Green series, showcasing local talent outdoors all summer long.

Green Lane Park’s Summer Concert Series lights up with tribute acts like Real Diamond (July 12), The Mystic Rituals (July 18), and Pure McCartney (August 8).

Upper Merion’s Concerts Under the Stars celebrates its 40th season, running May to October with both tribute performers and touring artists.

Younger residents can dive into STEAM activities at Snapology of King of Prussia or explore ongoing recreational events at the Montgomery Township Community and Recreation Center.

Last week, we talked about getting back into a routine and finding your rhythm again. This week, it’s time to protect that momentum.

Here’s the secret: you don’t have to do everything to make progress.

Sometimes we create a giant to-do list, look at everything waiting for us, and feel behind before we even begin. Instead, choose a few things that matter most—and DIG IN.

Finish one task you’ve been putting off. Make the phone call. Spend 30 focused minutes on that idea. Clean up one small mess. Take one step toward the goal you keep saying you’ll get to “soon.”

Small wins have a way of creating energy. One finished task makes the next one feel easier, and before long, you’re moving instead of thinking about moving.

So this week, don’t measure success by how busy you are.

Measure it by what you move forward.

Pick something. Start small. Finish it.

Then DIG IN again.