Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania researchers call on people to scoop up spotted lanternflies for science
LATROBE, Pa. (KDKA) — When you see a spotted lanternfly, you probably step on it or ignore it.
But there’s something else you can do to help Pennsylvania scientists learn everything about these strange insects that aren’t supposed to be here.
All you have to do is catch the lanternfly and give it to researchers at Saint Vincent College. They’ve been collecting them for a few years as they grow their historical record collection and try to figure out how these bugs adapt to new environments.
Dr. Michelle Duennes, an assistant professor of biology at Saint Vincent College, sees spotted lanternflies overstaying their welcome as a unique chance to study and record the spread of an invasive species.
“To learn about how spotted lanternflies are dealing with this new environment and how they’re changing in response to it,” Duennes said.
She co-founded the Spotted Lanternfly Invasion Archive with biochemist Dr. Al McDonnell at Chatham University. They’re building a sample collection of these bugs. The research project is fueled by help from students and people in the community.
“Because a lot of people really want to help us figure out how to stop spotted lanternflies and also stop potentially other invasive species,” Duennes said.
There’s so much we don’t know about these strange plant hoppers. Duennes said the main data researchers want to collect from the pests is their DNA.
“It can tell us potentially where they came from. It can potentially tell us how far they’re traveling to mate with each other. It can tell us how genetically diverse they are. Now, that’s an important thing to measure because the more genetically diverse they are, the more adaptable they are to changes, and the more likely they are to stay,” Duennes said.
They’ll also look at what plants are tastiest to these insects, what kills them and what they kill.
Duennes said Chatham University’s Dr. McDonnell is studying the lanternfly’s proteins and lipid contents.
They want people in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties to become citizen scientists and start catching adult lanternflies instead of squashing them. They prefer them to be in good condition.
“So, you would take it alive?” KDKA-TV’s Jessica Guay asked.
“Yes, if people are brave enough now,” Duennes said.
You can sign up to participate. They’ll send you a kit and two collection tubes. But you can also get started right now.
“While they’re waiting for the kit, they can just have an airtight container. Put the bugs into it, put it in the freezer, or put it in alcohol, and then when you get the kit, you can transfer them,” she said.
Duennes knows a trick, so they won’t jump on your face. She said you just need an airtight plastic bottle.
“You put it over them, they’ll jump up into the bottle. And then you can just take that bottle full of them, put it in the freezer and then once they’re dead you can deal with them. But it’s surprising how well it works,” she said.
You’ll need to freeze or preserve the lanternflies in high-proof alcohol. You can then transfer them into the tube that will come with your kit.
Duennes said they ask participants to catch them every year. They’ve had over 100 people participate and collect samples for them.
They hope other researchers will use their data to develop things that stop their movement. So remember, spot ’em and scoop ’em.
“Because they have not been here very long. There’s still probably a lot of consequences to be seen of them being here that just have needed more time to develop. And so, there’s still a lot to be learned and see what happens with them over time,” said Duennes.
Research so far shows they’re not killing a bunch of plant species besides tree of heaven, which is also invasive.
Duennes shared other interesting things she’s noticed since they started their project. They’re getting more reports of people seeing birds eating lanternflies and lanternfly numbers going down dramatically in some neighborhoods.
If you want to help by catching them, you can sign up by filling out an application online. Researchers plan to set up multiple drop-off locations throughout the city, and they’ll be doing pick-ups.
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The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 results for each game:
Winning Pick 2 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
Day: 4-0, Wild: 1
Evening: 3-2, Wild: 3
Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
Day: 5-0-2, Wild: 1
Evening: 4-2-2, Wild: 3
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
Day: 3-7-8-3, Wild: 1
Evening: 4-9-2-2, Wild: 3
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
Day: 8-3-3-5-3, Wild: 1
Evening: 5-7-4-1-7, Wild: 3
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
09-15-24-34-53, Cash Ball: 04
Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
04-06-18-20-31
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
04-05-10-26-28
Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
07-08-16-18-27-37
Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
- Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
- Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
- Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
- Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.
When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
- Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
- Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
- Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
- Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
- Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Pennsylvania
Winter weather advisory for part of Pennsylvania for Monday and Tuesday – possibly 4 inches of snow
A winter weather advisory was released by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 1:32 p.m. valid from Monday 1 p.m. until Tuesday 1 p.m. for Elk, Clearfield, Cambria and Somerset counties.
The weather service says, “Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches with locally higher amounts possible on the tallest ridges. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph in the Laurel Highlands.”
“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage,” explains the weather service. “Slow down and use caution while traveling.”
Mastering winter roads: Guidance from the weather service for safe winter travel
Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter weather driving tips:
Share your travel plans:
When venturing out of town in hazardous winter weather, be sure to inform family or friends of your destination, your intended route, and your estimated arrival time.
Prepare your vehicle:
Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies, including a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
Stay calm when stranded:
If you become stranded, stay composed. Notify someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal that you require assistance. Make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers.
Be aware of snow plows:
Keep an eye out for snow plows and allow them ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.
Check road conditions:
Before embarking on your journey, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.
Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the weather service, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.
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