Coming to some of Pennsylvania’s most picturesque places: data centers; Spotlight PA, August 5, 2026

Emilie Lounsberry, Spotlight PA ; Coming to some of Pennsylvania’s most picturesque places: data centers

"Data centers are being proposed near some of Pennsylvania’s most treasured natural spaces. They are planned on land next to state parks and nature preserves and near lakes, streams and rivers that are considered of “exceptional value”—a gold-star designation given by the state to only the purest waterways and wetlands. About 80 percent of the exceptional value water bodies in the state are in the Poconos.

Some of the proposed data-center sites are also near popular tourist areas: Just outside the historic town of Jim Thorpe, known for weekend getaways, whitewater rafting and a scenic railway tourist train. Behind a big resort and water park. Down the road from a ski resort. Next to a scenic vista that was once a gathering place for Native American tribal leaders.

“They have been targeting some of our most beautiful places,” said Ginny Marcille-Kerslake, an organizer with the Pennsylvania team of Food & Water Watch, an environmental advocacy group.

Developers have been on the hunt for large parcels of land that are near adequate power supplies or in places that would allow them to build their own power source—as well as near water, which is needed to cool the vast computer systems. They are finding all of that in the Poconos.

The data centers will help facilitate the expansion of artificial intelligence. Proponents say the centers will bring construction jobs and increase tax revenue. But there are costs too: the vast quantities of power and water needed and the potential impacts on the environment and nearby residents. That’s especially true in ecologically valuable areas like the Poconos."

'I thought it was a joke': Tarot reader sues borough over Pennsylvania fortune telling law; WJAC, July 31, 2026

Grace Rufalo, WJAC; 'I thought it was a joke': Tarot reader sues borough over Pennsylvania fortune telling law

"A Hanover shop owner who built a business around tarot readings and spiritual guidance is now in a legal fight over an old Pennsylvania law that dates back to the Civil War.

Beck Ravenswood, owner of The Serpent’s Key, said they have been interested in witchcraft since childhood...

“I ended up opening my shop in Hanover in 2023,” Ravenswood added.

That same year, they said, they ran into legal trouble with the Hanover Borough Police Department after an officer came to the shop. 

“He came in to cite me to tell me that tarot reading was illegal,” Ravenswood said...

The issue centers on Pennsylvania’s “fortune telling statute,” first established in 1861. 

The law says, in part, “A person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree if he pretends for gain or lucre, to tell fortunes or predict future events, by cards, tokens,” and so on...

“In 2025, I was given something called a temporary injunction, which allows me to continue reading tarot cards currently,” Ravenswood said. “And because of this, I am the only person in the state that can legally read tarot cards right now.”"

Non-traditional little free libraries popping up across Pittsburgh area; CBS News, July 24, 2026

Ricky Sayer , CBS News; Non-traditional little free libraries popping up across Pittsburgh area

"A woman in Dormont is making it her mission to map all of the little free libraries in her community. 

Little free libraries are often placed by neighbors along sidewalks, allowing people to leave books they no longer need as well as encouraging them to take ones that interest them.

Two years ago, Amy Constantine says she and her husband built a little free library for their ever-growing collection of vinyl records, CDs and cassettes. Constantine says they inherited records or were gifted them, and it was a good way for them to get rid of any duplicates.

"Our music that we originally shared is long gone. This is all community music," says Constantine. "The neighborhood's been really generous about turning it over for us, right? We have new inventory all the time."

Constantine says her little free library inspired her to create a map of as many as she could find in her neighborhood. She says she was stunned to learn there were multiple within blocks of her home."

Librarians are hosting viral ‘Avoiding AI’ workshops for people who are fed up with Big Tech; TechCrunch, July 25, 2026

Amanda Silberling , TechCrunch; Librarians are hosting viral ‘Avoiding AI’ workshops for people who are fed up with Big Tech

"“Everybody’s on their phone at my program!” jokes Charlie Bailey, a librarian in South Philadelphia. He’s just asked his audience to pull out their phones so that he can walk them through the steps of disabling Apple Intelligence and Gemini.

Bailey stands at the front of a library classroom that’s outfitted for children — the focal point is the vibrant rug he’s standing on, which reminds us that M is for “moon” and Z is for “zebra.” But the 20-odd adults in the room aren’t here to learn about the alphabet. They’re at a workshop called Avoiding AI, which, in this context does not stand for “apple” and “igloo.”

“I was inspired by the feeling of people’s frustration with AI tools being kind of forced onto them, and feeling like AI tools we didn’t ask for are suddenly everywhere in our lives,” Bailey told TechCrunch.

Bailey starts the hour-long workshop with an overview of how AI chatbots and other consumer AI tools work, explaining why people might want to use these products, and why they might opt to abstain. Then he walks through all of the most popular tech platforms and devices, showing step-by-step instructions on the projector to guide people through turning off specific features."

Overnight campers run up high electricity bill at York Public Library; WGME, July 29, 2026

Brad Rogers , WGME; Overnight campers run up high electricity bill at York Public Library

"The York Public Library is being used as an overnight campsite, and now, it's costing taxpayers money.

People were caught camping Monday morning in the far end of the parking lot at the York Public Library, after a camping app posted online about what a great place it was to camp...

"It's a great place to come," Sampson said. "We've got AC. We've got heat when it's cold. We've got Wi-Fi and all the good things. Laundromat right across the way, too."

The campers might explain the high electric bill the library just got: $300 to $500 more than last summer.

The library now has locks on its outlets, “No camping” signs on order and the town has told the app to take them off it."

More broadband money poised to flow into Pa. as Trump admin agrees to restore grant program; Spotlight PA, July 28, 2026

Charlotte Keith, Spotlight PA; More broadband money poised to flow into Pa. as Trump admin agrees to restore grant program

"A broadband grant program that the Trump administration abruptly canceled last year can be restored without language that allowed race to be used as a factor in awarding funding, a federal judge has ruled.

In a case challenging the program’s termination, U.S. District Judge John Bates agreed with federal officials that the underlying law is unconstitutional, because it allowed grants to be awarded based on “explicit racial classification.” But he also said the program was “perfectly capable” of functioning without this element.

“Common sense,” Bates wrote, “dictates that Congress would prefer to have a version of the Digital Equity Act without the racial criterion than to have no law at all.”

The decision clears the way for the grant program, which aims to address barriers that keep people from being able to access the internet, to move ahead. Questions remain, however, about how much of the $2.75 billion originally allocated will be restored, and what the latest version of the program will look like.

Pennsylvania was in line to receive more than $35 million before the grants were canceled.

Breaking down barriers

Congress passed the Digital Equity Act in 2021 as part of the sweeping, bipartisan infrastructure package that also included billions of dollars to build out high-speed internet networks.

Even where broadband is available, however, many people cannot afford to pay for it, or they lack the necessary skills or devices to use it, advocates say.

The Digital Equity Act aimed to address these barriers by providing funding for digital skills classes and affordable devices, and helping people access online services. The grants were intended to benefit groups that have historically faced challenges accessing the internet, including racial and ethnic minorities, older adults, low-income households, residents of rural areas, and veterans."

‘You don’t have space for joy:’ How Pennsylvania’s affordability crisis is hurting mental health; The Keystone, July 20, 2026

Ashley Adams, The Keystone; ‘You don’t have space for joy:’ How Pennsylvania’s affordability crisis is hurting mental health

From juggling multiple jobs to worrying about losing health coverage, Pennsylvanians say financial stress is fueling anxiety, burnout, and depression—and mental health professionals are seeing the impact firsthand.

"Across Pennsylvania, rising housing costs, grocery bills, utility prices, and healthcare expenses are creating more than financial stress. Mental health professionals say they’re seeing growing numbers of people whose anxiety and depression stem from the relentless pressure of simply trying to afford everyday life."

Residents pack Monroeville council chambers in response to controversy over Pride Month display at library; Trib Live, July 7, 2026

Patrick Varine, Trib Live; Residents pack Monroeville council chambers in response to controversy over Pride Month display at library

"Members of the Monroeville community spoke at Tuesday night’s council meeting with passion on both sides of a decision to remove a Pride Month book display from the children’s section of the Monroeville Public Library.

“Not every collection will appeal to all people, but we remain committed to providing the public with materials that reflect their experiences,” library board President Kelly Meredith said.

Meredith was referring to a special section of LGBTQ-themed books put up during Pride Month in June. Meredith said several members of Monroeville council who objected to the display directed Monroeville Municipal Manager Alex Graziani to have the display removed a few days before the end of the month. Councilmen Bill Krut and Bob Williams also spoke out against the display at the library’s June 22 board meeting."

Monroeville library removes Pride Month display after officials’ request; WTAE, June 29, 2026

Kalea Gunderson, WTAE; Monroeville library removes Pride Month display after officials’ request

"The Monroeville Public Library removed its Pride Month children’s book display following a directive from local officials.

Kelly Meredith, president of the Monroeville Public Library Board of Directors, said a decision was made to remove the library's Pride Month display after the municipal manager directed library staff to take it down...

Meredith explained that the decision to remove the display was made to protect library staff from potential negative impacts. 

“There was a lot of pressure, and it was a very difficult decision because we don't want to set a precedent that says that the council can come in and dictate what displays are appropriate for the library. But we had to do what the library staff felt would keep them safest in this situation,” Meredith said. 

She added that the municipal manager and a council member visited the library to ensure the display had been removed. 

Monroeville Municipal Manager Alex Graziani said the request was related to holiday timing. 

“I advised that the June Pride Month display in the children’s section of the Monroeville Public Library could be removed and replaced with a patriotic America 250 display in advance of the Independence Day holiday and our community celebration,” Graziani said. 

Meredith responded, stating that library staff, not public officials, are responsible for determining displays. 

Monroeville Mayor Dennis Biondo Jr. said he is investigating the situation and emphasized that libraries should be welcoming spaces free from intimidation and censorship. 

"I affirm our community's values of safety, dignity, and respect for all residents, including the LGBTQIA+ community... Libraries must remain safe, welcoming spaces free from intimidation or censorship, so that all patrons have access to the books and resources they need or wants," they mayor said in a statement posted online."

Brookville council approves 180-day moratorium on data centers, water use; WJAC, June 23, 2026

 WJAC; Brookville council approves 180-day moratorium on data centers, water use

"As data centers become a growing point of controversy across the state, officials in Jefferson County are moving to limit potential impacts on local water resources.

Brookville Borough Council approved a 180-day moratorium that pauses potential data center development and blocks the use of borough water resources for those facilities. 

Officials said the decision came after they learned about two possible data center projects in Pine Creek and Rose townships.

Council members said each facility could require more than 1.2 million gallons of water per day."

ICE detainee punished for speaking to press about poor conditions at Moshannon, lawyer says; Spotlight PA, June 24, 2026

 Melissa Pérez-Carrillo, Spotlight PA; ICE detainee punished for speaking to press about poor conditions at Moshannon, lawyer says

"An ICE detainee who was blamed by officials for encouraging others to refuse meals to protest poor conditions at Moshannon Valley Processing Center has been returned to the facility and placed under a higher level of surveillance, his lawyer says.

In addition, Edin Daniel Chinchilla-Roque has been punished for talking to the press, according to Harrisburg-based immigration lawyer Craig Shagin. Chinchilla-Roque is unable to call certain people, including his girlfriend, because the numbers have been blocked, Shagin said.

Chinchilla-Roque spent seven days in solitary confinement following the protest. He was then transported to Port Isabel Service Processing Center in south Texas and later Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana, before eventually being transferred back to Moshannon on June 6."

Skill games are unlawful, Pennsylvania Supreme Court finds; Pennsylvania Capital-Star, June 15, 2026

 PETER HALL, Pennsylvania Capital-Star; Skill games are unlawful, Pennsylvania Supreme Court finds

"State Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a statement calling the decision a “significant victory for consumers, taxpayers and the rule of law in Pennsylvania.”

“The Supreme Court recognized what our office has argued from the beginning – these machines operate as gambling devices and cannot legally exist without the same oversight, regulation and accountability as other forms of legalized gaming in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvanians deserve protections that ensure games are fair, transparent and operated within the bounds of the law,” Sunday said."

How this Pa. grandfather made it out of ICE detention and back to his family; SpotlightPA, June 10, 2026

Gabriela Martínez, SpotlightPA; How this Pa. grandfather made it out of ICE detention and back to his family

"The first days at Moshannon were the most difficult, Zavala said.

He had to get used to the frigid temperatures inside his block, the bland rice and beans served at mealtime every day, his narrow bed, and feeling like he had no control over his daily routine. Zavala estimates there were about 80 people in his open block.

He coped by building community. He and other detainees created an informal support network, sharing food, trading supplies, and spending time together during recreational periods. Using a water bottle, Zavala and others created refried beans using butter and seasonings purchased at the commissary. They used the ingredients to make sandwiches and other snacks, which they shared and ate together as a group.

Zavala said he made a point of welcoming newly arrived blockmates and offering food because of how difficult his first days in detention had been.

“I believe that the very experiences we go through make us react in a way that helps us become better people and to get along with everyone in a better way," Zavala said.

Many of the men housed alongside Zavala at Moshannon had been there for months while fighting deportation or seeking immigration relief, he said. Nationwide data show that very few people detained by ICE have criminal records. That includes Zavala."

As Pennsylvania cracks down on AI, multiple chatbots continue to pose as doctors; Spotlight PA, June 8, 2026

 

Jaxon White , Spotlight PA; As Pennsylvania cracks down on AI, multiple chatbots continue to pose as doctors

"Chatbots on five different websites claimed to be licensed to practice medicine in the commonwealth when prompted by Spotlight PA — the same kind of output that led the Shapiro administration to file a lawsuit last month.

A task force under Pennsylvania’s Department of State has been working since February to identify AI chatbots posing as licensed professionals and misleading users. Based on that work, the administration filed suit against the role-playing site Character.AI.

Mirroring the investigation detailed in the Department of State’s lawsuit, Spotlight PA had conversations with AI characters on websites Talkie, Janitor, Kindroid, Replika, and Nomi.AI. All provided a false Pennsylvania medical license number when prompted, a key part of the state’s argument in its lawsuit against Character.AI."

PHILLY COPS ADMIT THAT THEY’RE TRACKING “FIRST AMENDMENT ACTIVITY” CRITICAL OF AI; The Intercept, June 1, 2026

Matt Sledge,  Sam Biddle , The Intercept; PHILLY COPS ADMIT THAT THEY’RE TRACKING “FIRST AMENDMENT ACTIVITY” CRITICAL OF AI

"AMERICANS SPEAKING OUT against artificial intelligence data centers on social media are falling under police surveillance, a confidential law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Intercept reveals.

A fusion center in Philadelphia combed through spicy internet comments from AI critics and concluded there is a growing risk of physical violence against data centers from “domestic violent extremists,” ranging from white supremacists to anarchists.

“Domestic violent extremists (DVEs) are likely interested in targeting artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, posing a physical and cyber threat to infrastructure in the Philadelphia regional area,” the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center wrote in a December alert.

The fusion center distributed its warning, marked “for official use only,” through the national fusion center network of state, local, and federal police agencies.

Like many of the reports produced by fusion centers, the bulletin points to news reports and social media posts, but cites little in the way of tangible threats. It acknowledges “a lack of specific information on plans to target AI data centers in the Philadelphia area,” but warns law enforcement that three planned data center facilities in the region could become targets of future protests."

Pa. can move ahead with broadband expansion after feds back down on wage dispute; Spotlight PA, May 21, 2026

Charlotte Keith, Spotlight PA; Pa. can move ahead with broadband expansion after feds back down on wage dispute

"Pennsylvania can move ahead with spending more than $700 million on expanding high-speed internet in rural areas, after federal officials backed down from a threat to withhold the money because of a dispute over state labor law.

The reversal removes what could have been a major roadblock to connecting roughly 130,000 Pennsylvania homes and businesses that still can’t get broadband.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Community and Economic Development said the delay was “unfortunate” but added that the Shapiro administration insisted on “standing up for workers.”

Pennsylvania now has six months to sign contracts with the companies that will receive funding, who then must provide internet service within four years.

Most locations will be connected via fiber-optic cables, which are widely considered the fastest and most reliable internet technology.

As a result of changes made by the Trump administration, however, almost one-quarter of eligible locations will receive satellite internet, which is cheaper to install but often more expensive to subscribe to. In addition, satellite internet may not be able to keep up with future demands for faster speeds as technology evolves."

A town of 7,000 planned so many data centers, it’s like adding 51 Walmarts; The Washington Post, April 26, 2026

Tim Craig, The Washington Post ; A town of 7,000 planned so many data centers, it’s like adding 51 Walmarts

"Throughout Archbald, a northeastern Pennsylvania town of 7,000 people tucked in a valley near the Pocono Mountains, residents are asking similar questions as the community emerges as one of the latest frontiers in the nation’s increasingly chaotic battles over data centers.

Developers plan to build six of the sprawling campuses in Archbald to power the demand for artificial intelligence, eventually covering about 14 percent of the town’s land. Those campuses would include 51 data warehouses — each about the size of a Walmart Supercenter — including seven buildings encompassing more than a million square feet near Bachak’s home...

Three of the four council members who resigned have now been replaced by data center opponents, with one seat still vacant.

It could be months or years before any data centers are built in Archbald. Once plans are approved by the local planning board, state and local permits are needed before construction can start...

Larry West, a local activist and new borough council member, said the tree cutting revived the “wounds” and “hidden scars” in a community where it took decades for the coal dust to be cleared. The town’s trees, West noted, cover abandoned mines.

“Now, it’s happening again but this time it’s data centers,” he added.

Bachak also believes his property will never be the same, even if the Project Gravity site is never completed. He recently installed blinds on his enclosed patio in an attempt to dull the pain he felt whenever he looked out at what used to be the forest lining his backyard.

“No one wants this,” Bachak said, “except the people making money off it.”"

[Video] Library's teen advisory board creates "Community Closet" to help those in need; CBS News, April 10, 2026

[Video] CBS News; Library's teen advisory board creates "Community Closet" to help those in need

"The South Park Township Library has a new program that helps provide necessary items for the community at large to use free of charge. But it's the group behind it that makes it such a special project. Josh Taylor reports on this week's On A Positive Note."

Pittsburgh-area library's teen advisory board creates "Community Closet" to help those in need; CBS News, April 10, 2026

Josh Taylor , CBS News; Pittsburgh-area library's teen advisory board creates "Community Closet" to help those in need

"The South Park Township Library has a new program that helps provide necessary items for the community to use free of charge. But it's the group behind it that makes it such a special project.

The library's Teen Advisory Board created the "Community Closet," a cabinet within the library that provides hygiene items, feminine products and even toilet paper or lens cleaners for anyone in need. 

"The teens saw a need in the community and wanted to support people in a way that felt meaningful," said Madeline Canales, a teen librarian. "It's been incredible to watch them take ownership and lead with compassion."...

The project caught the attention of the Allegheny County Library Association, which then led to an 80-second video that was posted on social media.

"It makes me feel like I'm making a difference and doing something helpful, which is very reaffirming that I'm actually doing something that's good for my community," said Owen Stockey, an eighth grader who is also a member of the board. 

"They really drive this project," said Canales. "They're the ones identifying the needs, helping to make sure that it stays stocked, and they wanted the cabinet to be welcoming and stigma-free.""

At one Pittsburgh-area high school, students learn how to debate the ethics of AI; WESA 90.5, February 23, 2026

Jillian Forstadt, WESA 90.5; At one Pittsburgh-area high school, students learn how to debate the ethics of AI

"For their final presentations in the Artificial Intelligence and Ethics course at Avonworth High School last month, students each picked a topic to examine through the lens of AI.

Senior Theo Rose chose to look at AI’s role in the art world. On a slide, she showed several images of AI-generated art...

During the past school year, English teacher Scott Tuffiash launched Avonworth’s AI and Ethics class to get students at his suburban public school talking to one another and thinking critically about the technology around them.

“And that way, it's really like, is this what we want? Is this what we need?” he said.

While Tuffiash said he takes a neutral stance on AI, what students in the class think of this now-ubiquitous technology falls along a spectrum...

Tuffiash also worked with John Slattery, executive director of Duquesne University’s Center for Ethics and Science, Technology and Law, to create an AI-centric essay contest for the region’s high-schoolers.

This school year, students from across Western Pennsylvania were tasked with answering the question: “How do we stay human in the age of Al?”"