logo
Amazon announces $20 billion AI investment that will bring at least 1,250 jobs to Pa.

Amazon announces $20 billion AI investment that will bring at least 1,250 jobs to Pa.

Yahooa day ago

Governor Josh Shapiro today announced that Amazon is planning to invest at least $20 billion to establish multiple high-tech cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (Commonwealth Media Services)
Elected leaders on both sides of the aisle gathered in northeast Pennsylvania on Monday to mark what they describe as a historic investment into the Keystone State.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that Amazon Web Services is investing at least $20 billion to build two artificial intelligence (AI) innovation campuses, creating at least 1,250 jobs in the state. The governor called it the largest private sector investment in the history of Pennsylvania.
One campus will be located in northeast Pennsylvania's Salem Township, Luzerne County, alongside the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. Amazon announced in March that it had purchased a 1,200 acre site adjacent to the nuclear power plant from Houston-based Talen Energy. The company expects to build out the site with data centers that would consume as much energy as 900,000 homes and require millions of gallons of cooling water each day.
The other campus will be in the suburbs north of Philadelphia at the Keystone Trade Center, a site in Falls Township, Bucks County. It used to be home to a U.S. steel mill and is still partly used by USX. Several other communities across the commonwealth are under consideration for future campuses, as well, officials said on Monday.
'We stand to gain so much here in Pennsylvania with this historic investment from Amazon,' Shapiro said. 'And our country stands to gain much as well, because America's national security will once again be strengthened by the hands of Pennsylvania workers.'
Shapiro said the initial $20 billion investment is 'already three times larger than the largest state supported project' in the history of Pennsylvania.
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Berwick, a former coal mining community in Columbia County where the press conference was held, is close to the northeast Pennsylvania data center site. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said it reminded him of the area where he grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania that was impacted by the collapse of the steel industry. Davis said similar investments can help areas across the commonwealth adapt to the future.
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), lives in western Pennsylvania, but is originally from nearby Bloomsburg. He was also on hand to tout Amazon's investment.
'When I graduated from Bloomsburg High School in 1983, 42 years ago, I would have never imagined standing here in Berwick as part of a program that announces $20 billion of investment in Salem Township (and) Bucks County,' McCormick said.
Kevin Miller, Amazon Web Services vice president of global data centers, said these facilities are 'going to serve as the backbone' for America's AI infrastructure.
'Our choice of Pennsylvania for this investment is not accidental. It's a combination of the skilled workforce, the strong infrastructure, as well as the commitment to clean energy and energy from multiple sources that really align well with Amazon's needs, building the future of AI and cloud computing,' Miller said. 'We see in Pennsylvania a partner that shares our vision for sustainable, community centered growth.'
This will be a multi-year process for these projects, Miller said, and described the partnership as 'creating a blueprint for how government and industry can partner to drive innovation while creating opportunity for many, many families.'
Shapiro highlighted Pennsylvania's energy resources, noting the state is the second largest energy producer in the country. He also said the commonwealth has a track record on innovation.
'We can produce enough power to support the energy intensive supercomputers and server farms at Amazon's data centers, affordable energy to this (Jackson mansion where the press conference was held), while still delivering reliable affordable energy to our small businesses that line our main streets, to our families and right into their living rooms,' Shapiro said.
He went on to describe himself as an 'all of the above energy' governor. He also said state government is 'already all in on AI.'
In September 2023, Shapiro signed an executive order to create an AI governing board for Pennsylvania with the intention of guiding the commonwealth's use of generative artificial intelligence, including developing training programs for state employees. In March, Shapiro provided an update on that program and said 85% of the 175 commonwealth employees from 14 different agencies who used AI for their jobs reported that they had a positive experience.
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
McCormick and other lawmakers described it as a joint effort between multiple levels of government and parties to bring the investment to the state.
'We have all the ingredients for Pennsylvania's rebirth, all the ingredients to put Pennsylvania at the very top,' McCormick said.
Labor leaders in attendance celebrated the 'thousands' of jobs this project will create for the construction industry.
Although Pennsylvania's workforce was at the forefront of the discussion on Monday, Shapiro also said these jobs also show that the state can lead on national security issues.
'Right now, there is a battle for supremacy when it comes to AI, a battle that will be won by either the United States or China,' Shapiro said. 'I'm comforted by the fact that, thanks to Amazon, the future of AI is going to run right here through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, because I think those technologies should be developed by the hands of a Pennsylvania worker…not in communist China.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Whole Foods' working to restock shelves as distributor faces cyberattack: Reports
Whole Foods' working to restock shelves as distributor faces cyberattack: Reports

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Whole Foods' working to restock shelves as distributor faces cyberattack: Reports

The Brief Whole Foods supplier UNFI has paused deliveries nationwide due to a cyberattack. The company said it discovered "unauthorized activity" and took systems offline last week. Grocery stores and bakeries are reporting missed deliveries and product shortages. LOS ANGELES - A major supplier to Whole Foods has paused deliveries across the country following a cyberattack that disabled its ordering systems, raising concerns about potential product shortages and empty shelves. United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), a $31 billion distributor of organic and natural goods, said in a regulatory filing Monday that it "identified unauthorized activity in our systems" and is now working with law enforcement and third-party cybersecurity experts to investigate. The company, which is based in Rhode Island, told retail partners over the weekend that there would be no deliveries Monday and that it did not know when regular operations would resume, according to reporting by the New York Post. The backstory The impact is already being felt by grocers nationwide. "It's bringing the company to a standstill with no orders generated and no orders coming in," Steve Schwartz, director of sales at the New York-based Morton Williams grocery chain, told the New York Post. UNFI supplies a wide range of products — including frozen foods, dairy, and beverages — to Whole Foods and other retail chains. Morton Williams stores reported shortages in products like Stonyfield yogurt and La Croix sparkling water, prompting them to contact alternative suppliers in case the disruption continues. Bakeries and smaller retailers voiced more immediate concerns online. "We're out of components to make the cakes and tarts so we'll have an empty case," one bakery posted, noting they'd already sold out of most items the night before. Another person identifying as a scratch bakery employee said they didn't receive even the basics — flour or cake blanks — during one of the busiest weeks of the year. What they're saying Employees within UNFI have posted anonymously about the outage on Reddit, reporting that internal systems went down nationwide last Friday around 3:30 p.m. "They've been calling us in every day since to come pick y'all's groceries in hopes that our systems come back on," one user wrote. "So far that has not been the case. That's all we know, corporate isn't telling us s—." Another employee said they were told by a branch VP that even once systems return, recovery would happen in phases and would take time to stabilize. "It's a mystery as of yet what is going to happen and how long it's going to be until things are back to normal," they wrote. Why you should care UNFI is a core part of the supply chain for Whole Foods and other grocery stores across the U.S. A prolonged disruption could mean not only empty shelves but further strain on an already fragile food distribution network still recovering from pandemic-era supply shocks. Cybersecurity experts say this is part of a growing pattern. "What we are seeing with UNFI and, just last week, with Victoria's Secret, reflects a growing trend: threat actors are targeting critical infrastructure and high-traffic consumer platforms for maximum disruption and financial leverage," said Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN, in a statement to the New York Post. What's next UNFI is continuing to investigate the attack and has not provided a timeline for when deliveries will resume. Whole Foods has not yet commented publicly. UNFI is scheduled to report third-quarter results on June 10. Its shares fell more than 8% on Monday. The Source This article is based on original reporting by the New York Post, including statements from affected retailers and employee posts verified by the outlet. Additional context was drawn from UNFI's regulatory filing and comments provided to the Post by cybersecurity expert Adrianus Warmenhoven.

Austin-based business says it will offer Tesla robotaxi rentals in 2026
Austin-based business says it will offer Tesla robotaxi rentals in 2026

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Austin-based business says it will offer Tesla robotaxi rentals in 2026

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Just days from now, Tesla reportedly plans to deploy its first commercial robotaxi service on Austin's public streets. Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled plans to launch them in June as part of its new autonomous vehicle ride hailing service. On Tuesday, social media posts circulated online of one of those vehicles driving on South Congress Avenue. Tesla robotaxi service reportedly launching next week in Austin Austin-based RV rental agency, The Outdoorsy Group, said it plans to incorporate this new technology in the future. 'We see outdoorsy as a platform for all forms of mobility,' said Co-Founder and CEO Jeff Cavins. 'Motorcycles, trucks, cars, camper vans, airstreams. Of course, the autonomous vehicle is important to us because it enables a whole level of autonomy.' Cavins said he jumped at the idea when it was first announced. 'We called the fleet team, whom we knew really well at Tesla, and we placed an order for 100 Teslas.' Jeff Cavins, Outdoorsy Group Co-Founder & CEO Cavins said along with Outdoorsy, they built their own insurance company called Roamly Insurance Group. 'I think the insurance component is very important,' Cavins said. 'You want to make sure, if you're a city or a municipality or city council or a mayor's office, that the insurance company that's backing these fleets of robotaxis is an insurance company you can rely on.' Still, some questions remain unanswered. In a letter sent to Tesla in May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asked the company to explain how it plans to operate safely. Questions focused on things like: Crash reporting Complying with traffic safey laws Automated responses to emergencies NHTSA asked how the robotaxis will safely operate in low-visibility, like sun glare, fog, rain or snow. Those conditions are tied to previous accidents involving the company's driver-assistance software. KXAN reached out to see if NHTSA heard back. The agency told us on Friday that its investigation remains open and that Tesla's response must be submitted by June 19. NHTSA said any updates will be posted in the investigation file online. Attorney Donald Slavik represents people across the country who were injured or killed by Tesla autopilot and full self-driving. He shared multiple stories with KXAN about some of the cases he's taken. 'A family in Texas where a gentleman, father and husband was putting trash cans out on the street in the neighborhood,' Slavik said. 'Vehicle coming by with the driver using autopilot so that he could talk on his phone or work on his phone. Hit the man and very, very seriously injured [him]. He survived for a year and a half and died.' Slavik said unlike states with established autonomous vehicle oversight, cities in Texas cannot regulate AV's. The Texas Legislature passed a bill back in 2017 that prohibited that. 'There's nothing that prevents someone from putting these vehicles out in Texas. There's no regulation that says you have to have a human person behind the wheel with responsibility for operating the vehicle.' Attorney Donald Slavik, Slavik Law Firm Slavik worries about how a robotaxi would respond in severe weather conditions as well. 'Is it going to pull over safely and stop, or is it going to try to drive through it?' Slavik wondered. KXAN has repeatedly reached out to Tesla about its robotaxi plans. We'll update this story if we get a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Gun violence victims live on through art, exhibit comes to the Midstate
Gun violence victims live on through art, exhibit comes to the Midstate

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Gun violence victims live on through art, exhibit comes to the Midstate

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — While it is on the decrease since the pandemic, gun violence continues to be an ongoing issue across the Commonwealth. An issue — the Shapiro-Davis administration has worked to decrease since being elected to office by providing additional resources to law enforcement, investing in community programs and through art. 'I'm excited to view the artwork that's on display here,' said Lt. Governor Austin Davis at the State library in Harrisburg Tuesday for the opening of the Souls Shot Portrait Project. This project was started in 2016 and raises awareness for victims of gun violence through art. 'Art provides a platform for survivors and advocates to share their truths in deeply personal and impactful ways,' said Ashley Walkowiak, the Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women. The project pairs fine artists with families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. 'The artist meets and talks to the families. They look at pictures. They share stories,' explained Aubrey Fink, the projects Associate Director. 'Then the artist creates a portrait in their memory, honoring their life, focusing on what brought them joy, their connections, their aspirations.' Harrisburg restaurants react to Food Allergy Safety Legislation One of the people highlighted through this project — Destiny Sistrunk's older brother, Justin who was shot and killed in Philadelphia in 2009. 'He was only 20 years old unfortunately when he passed away,' Sistrunk said. 'He was an amazing guy; he was funny, happy, jolly, a real like a 'guys guy'.' Sistrunk told abc27 News, it means a lot to have her brother's portrait on display in Pennsylvania's Capital city. 'We have to end gun violence and all violence,' she added. 'No one is as bad or as good as their worst moment. So, I think that people need to realize, you know, whatever you're arguing about, whatever issue you may have with somebody, it's never deep enough to end the life and we're going to continue to prevent gun violence until it's no longer here.' That's the goal of the Shapiro Davis administration. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'I got my start in public service because of the issue of gun violence,' Lt. Governor Davis shared. 'I ran for office because I wanted to make Pennsylvania's communities safer. It often gets framed as a Philadelphia problem or a Pittsburgh problem, but I want to be clear, gun violence is not the Pittsburgh problem. It's not a Philadelphia problem. It's a Pennsylvania problem. And it's uniquely an American problem that we can, and we must do something about.' The public is invited to view the Souls Shot Portrait Project at the State library. It will be on display until the end of the month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store