American Scene: Unexpected shutdown reported at nuclear plant

BERWICK — An energy company says it’s trying to figure out why a central Pennsylvania nuclear power plant reactor shut down unexpectedly.

PPL Corp. says Unit 2 at the Susquehanna nuclear facility near Berwick shut down early Sunday morning. The company says the reactor is safe and stable.

In a statement, Allentown-based PPL says the shutdown occurred during routine testing of a valve on the unit’s main turbine system.

The company says the plant’s other reactor is operating normally.

The Susquehanna plant is owned jointly by PPL and Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc.

PENNSYLVANIA

Police: Man charged attack on Mennonites

LANCASTER — Police in central Pennsylvania have charged a 22-year-old man with attacking three elderly Mennonite women because of their faith.

Northern Lancaster County Regional Police said Sunday that Dereck Taylor Holt faces counts including aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation and burglary.

Authorities say Mr. Holt posed as an insurance salesman to gain entrance to the victims’ home in Clay Township on Friday.

Police say he tied up the women, who are sisters, and assaulted them with a stun gun while raging against their religion. The victims are between 84 and 90 years old.

Police Chief David Steffen says he’s pursuing the attack as a hate crime. He plans to hold a news conference Monday.

Mr. Holt has no fixed address and is being held on $1 million bail. It was not immediately clear if he has an attorney.

NEW YORK

Comptroller: New taxis should be accessible

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