You’ve probably noticed we’ve been focusing on the AI data center boom in Pennsylvania recently. The reason is simple: It’s an issue that impacts all Pennsylvanians—no matter your tax bracket, where you fall on the political spectrum, or whether you live in a major metropolitan area or a more rural part of the state.

Opposition has sprouted across Pennsylvania against dozens of the behemoth AI data centers tech firms are building amid fears of rising electricity costs and irreparable damage to communities from air and noise pollution, traffic, and other disruptions to residents’ daily lives.

According to the Data Center Proposal Tracker, Pennsylvania has nearly 60 data centers that have been officially proposed, are in early planning stages, have received approval to build, or are under construction.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, a supporter of bringing AI data centers to Pennsylvania, delivered the broad strokes of a plan to manage data center growth during his February budget address. He’s now sharing details of his Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Standards that data center developers would be required to satisfy to claim tax benefits from the commonwealth.

Acknowledging Pennsylvanians’ concerns about energy affordability, air and water pollution, noise, and the overall impact on the quality of life near data centers, Shapiro said the state needs to be selective about the projects built here.

You can learn more about Gov. Shapiro’s GRID plan in this story.

And we’ve got more data center coverage below.

Patrick Berkery

Senior Newsletter Editor, The Keystone

With rising costs for things like gas (which is currently $4.53 a gallon in Pa.—almost 50 cents higher than this time last month), airfare, hotels, and food, summer vacations have become a luxury some families simply can’t afford in this economy, prompting them to “downsize” to a staycation, or scrap summer travel plans altogether.

For our QOTW, we’d like to know: Has the current economy changed your summer vacation plans this year—from downsizing the trip to canceling it altogether?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“The current economy has not changed my vacation plans for this summer. We have one trip to the beach planned.”

— Melissa Myers, suburban Pittsburgh

“Absolutely changed our plans. Mostly stay at home or head to the Pocono family cabin for a few days. We are retired and these inflated prices really hurt.”

— Ben and Cindy Meck, Alburtis

“Yes, it has. Significantly. Both my wife and I are retired. Both children live in NYC. Trips are likely going to be limited to and from NYC with perhaps stops along the route at national park and state park sites.”

— Trey Jackson, Lebanon County

“It has, and it’s not like we were jetting off to The Hamptons all summer previously. For most of the last 22 summers, my two sisters and I, and our families, would get a few cabins in upstate New York at Lake George for a week where we mostly would cook all our own meals. Not this year. One of my brothers-in-law lost his job, and my husband and I have both had significant medical bills this year. Factor in all that with the higher cost of everything (like cabin rentals around Lake George) and we’re scaling things back this year to a long July 4th weekend for our families in the Poconos. In the grand scheme of things, I really can’t complain. I know others have it much worse.”

— Cindy F., Delaware County

Let us know if inflation has impacted your summer vacation plans and please let us know where you live!

TELL US: Has the current economy changed your summer vacation plans this year?

Rock on

Discover the best places to rock climb in Pennsylvania, from crags to gyms. (Yns Plt/Unsplash)

Rugged and mountainous Pennsylvania is home to a wide range of rock climbing opportunities, from sport climbing on sandstone cliffs in Western Pennsylvania to top-tier bouldering on the eastern side.

And in recent years, rock climbing has exploded largely thanks to the growth of climbing gyms across the state, which have increased access to what was once a niche sport.

Whether you’re already a member of the climbing community or are looking to break into it, you’ll want to check out this story from our Kalena Thomhave, highlighting the best places in the state to rock climb, indoors, outdoors—or both!

Join COURIER and 3.14 Action on June 11 for Facts vs. Fiction: The Fight for Science in American Democracy.

Misinformation isn’t just noise. It’s shaping policy decisions that determine who can afford care, which communities are protected, and how our government responds to real-world risks.

This live conversation will examine what’s at stake when facts are ignored and how science-informed leadership has shaped policy on healthcare, climate, agriculture, and public health. At a moment when institutions and public trust are under attack, we’ll explore what happens when decision-making is driven by evidence, what it takes to rebuild trust, and why scientific integrity is essential to democracy.

Stay tuned for more speaker announcements, and don’t miss this conversation.

RSVP today!

• A group of Republican lawmakers in Harrisburg are gaining support for a proposed bill that would prohibit building data centers on farmland. Learn more about it here.

• Western Pa. US Reps. Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio made an unannounced visit to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County, an ICE detention center where three detainees have died since 2022, and reports of medical neglect persist. Our Sean Kitchen has the story.

• A national Emerson College Polling survey asked likely Democratic voters to choose from six politicians who they would prefer as the party’s 2026 presidential nominee and 10% chose Gov. Shapiro. Get the details here.

• Pennsylvania’s senior advocates are urging state lawmakers to pass a tax on skill games, warning that programs from meal delivery to caregiver support are at risk because of underfunding. Get the story here.

Finally…

K9 Resorts in Bethlehem and Chalfont will be hosting a summer camp for dogs from June 16 to Aug. 9 with themed activities like agility courses, arts and crafts and a relaxing spa day for pups. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)

Dogs in Bucks County and the Lehigh Valley will have a new way to enjoy the warm weather at a summer camp designed just for our four-legged friends.

K9 Resorts is opening two summer camps to give dogs their own classic summer camp experience at their locations in Bethlehem and Chalfont.

The eight-week camp runs from June 16 to Aug. 9 with activities every Tuesday and Thursday with themed weeks like agility courses, nosework games, arts and crafts where pups can create their own paintings, a canine spa experience and a camp photo day.

Learn more about it in this story.