Local News for State College and Central Pennsylvania

In this file photo, a Realbotix humanoid robot, center, speaks with attendees at a Realbotix booth during the CES tech show Jan. 8, 2025, in Las Vegas.

New York school pauses plan to deploy humanlike AI robot teacher after backlash

A school district in a rural corner of upstate New York just north of Pennsylvania is hitting pause on plans to deploy an AI-powered, humanoid robot in the classroom.

Much of the Logan Valley Mall has been without power since late June. Several stores are still open in the sections that do have power, and natural lighting through ceiling windows illuminate much of the building.

Much of Altoona mall is without power, leaving many stores in the dark

Sydney Roach

About a third of the stores in the Logan Valley Mall in Altoona have been without power since late June, forcing store owners to keep their doors closed and leaving employees wondering when the lights will come back on.

People wait for President Donald Trump to arrive at an event at the General Motors Proving Ground Monday, July 27, 2026, in Milford, Mich.

Democrat's TV ad targets data centers in drive to oust Republican from swing Pennsylvania House seat

Marc Levy | Associated Press

Democrat Paige Cognetti, the mayor of Scranton, is taking a shot at data centers in her challenge to freshman Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan, saying "we're not for sale" in a new TV ad in a swing Pennsylvania congressional district.

Dozens of hospital workers and community members lined both sides of the road leading to the Mount Nittany Medical Center Monday in State College. Unionized workers are looking for higher wage increases across the board.

Five-day strike begins at Mount Nittany Medical Center as workers seek bigger pay raises

Sydney Roach

More than 950 unionized workers at the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College went on strike Monday, after the two sides failed to agree on a new contract, including pay increases.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, left, Democratic congressional candidate Bob Brooks, center, and U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries raise their hands during a campaign event for Brooks ahead of the midterm elections at a Steelworkers Union Hall in Bethlehem, Pa., Sunday, July 26, 2026.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries kicks off 100 days till midterms with affordability agenda in PA

Mike Catalini | Associated Press

In Pennsylvania Sunday political rallies marked the 100 days left until the midterm elections. In Pennsylvania’s 7th District, U.S. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro rallied for Bob Brooks. Down the road, Brooks’ rival, freshman GOP Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, held his own 100-day out event. It's the symbolic start of the campaigns that will determine control of Congress in November.

Arts and Entertainment

WPSU Blues Archive - July 25, 2026

Max Spiegel

An archived recording of the WPSU Blues Show as broadcast on July 25, 2026, hosted by Max Spiegel.

The Local Groove - July 25, 2026

archive The Local Groove - July 25, 2026

Bandleader Benny Goodman performs with his orchestra while playing the clarinet at Roseland Ballroom in New York City in 1938. (AP Photo)

Arts and Entertainment

WPSU Jazz Archive - July 24, 2026

Greg Petersen

An archive recording of the WPSU Jazz show as broadcast on Friday, July 24, 2026, hosted by Greg Petersen.

Old Main sits at the heart of Penn State's campus on Friday, Oct. 25, 2025 in University Park, Pa.

Penn State head of research alerts faculty to increased federal scrutiny of international research

Anne Danahy

Penn State’s head of research addressed federal oversight of research during a town hall, saying increased scrutiny of international research and the “fast moving regulatory environment” under the Trump administration mean faculty need to take extra caution when it comes to following federal rules even as they continue to pursue international work.

A Taco Bell fast food restaurant is shown Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Taylor, Mich.

Outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite linked to 4 more states, including PA

Matthew Perrone | AP Health Writer

Federal health officials have linked four more states to an outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite: Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Previously the agency’s investigation included five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The update announced Friday expands the scope of the largest U.S. outbreak of cyclospora on record.