News
A Pa. lawmaker is trying to curb political violence by making terroristic acts punishable by life in prison
Citing “an alarming increase in political violence,” one Lehigh Valley lawmaker is aiming to increase the penalty for acts of political terrorism.
Pa. has a new license plate. When do drivers need to replace their old ones?
Residents should replace their license plates when it becomes illegible or if starts with a letter PennDOT has determined.
Four receive Sursum Corda awards at Scranton
The University of Scranton presented Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Awards to four staff members at a convocation held on campus. From left: Tracy Stewart, Ph.D., interim senior provost and vice president for academic affairs; the Rev. Joseph… more
Lakeland mentor program rewards
Lakeland School District student mentors and mentees who met their goals enjoyed the reward of a trip to Valley Lanes and Red Robin in March. Back row, from left: Jackson Pochas, Cole Loomis, Anneliese Pepson, Gianna Bullick, Dylan Kopa, Bria Hill… more
North Pocono Planning Association seeks public input through survey
Officials ask North Pocono residents to complete a survey that will help develop regional land use and zoning regulations. The North Pocono Planning Association released an online survey last week. It asks residents in the eight North Pocono… more
LHVA wrapping up $500,000-plus trail addition in Mayfield
A $500,000-plus project to expand the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Mayfield is mostly complete. The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority will hold a walk-through Monday with its contractor, M.R. Dirt, to review work that began in the fall to… more
A forever friend: Scranton Holiday House owner Tom Culkin lit up lives for decades
Throughout his life, Tom Culkin made a habit of giving back, from serving in the Navy to his decorated 32-year career with Scranton police to putting smiles on people’s faces who visited the extravagant holiday displays at his South Side home.… more
Beyond the Byline: Talkin’ Fantasy Football with AI
WILKES-BARRE — Since Fantasy Football is just that — a vehicle for millions of people to fantasize what it would be like to own and manage and coach a National Football League team — what better way to take a “deep dive” into this multi-billion… more
Police: Impaired Jefferson Twp. woman nearly caused crash on Casey Highway
A 45-year-old Jefferson Twp. woman faces charges after troopers said she almost crashed into about a dozen people on the Casey Highway on Friday night while she was intoxicated. Troopers responded to the Robert P. Casey Highway around 11:12 p.m. for… more
Chris Kelly Opinion: ‘Good trouble’ vs. Epstein’s ghost
Globally loathed pedophile and accused child sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein has been dead almost six years, but his abominable ghost haunted West Pittston on Wednesday. “Absolutely,” Lesli VanZandbergen said when I asked if her message to JD Vance… more
Births, July 20, 2025
MOSES TAYLOR BLACHE: A son, July 3, to Decklon Blache and Jamie Stine, Scranton. BOYLE: A daughter, July 3, to James Boyle Jr. and Stephanie Griffin, Old Forge. CASTRO ESCOBAR: A son, July 4, to Gustavo Castro and Maria L. Escobar, Scranton.… more
At 20 years, the Scranton Jazz Festival has more than 20 venues
The 20th annual Scranton Jazz Festival will feature more than 20 venues and 80 musicians the weekend of Aug. 1, a long way from its roots as a one-day event in Nay Aug Park. “Did I think it would turn into the whole downtown? No,” said Artistic… more
Veterans, July 20, 2025
Shopa-Davey pig-in-the-blanket dinner Shopa-Davey VFW Post 6082 pig-in-the-blanket dinner, Sunday, post home, 123 Electric St., Peckville. Serving from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out. Tickets $14 from a member or at the door. Eat in or take out… more
Hook O’Malley Race Against Cancer
The 33rd annual Hook O’Malley 1 Mile Firecracker Run/Walk Race Against Cancer, in memory of Paul “Hook” O’Malley, will be Aug. 17 at 707 N. South Road, Scranton. Registration will be from 8:15-9:45 a.m. The race will start promptly at 10. Pre-… more
New Abingtons child care facility to combine imagination with play
Children can use their imaginations to shop at a grocery store, eat at a restaurant, care for animals at a veterinary clinic or become firefighters in a city built for them at a new facility and play center in Glenburn Twp. Abington Kids Creative… more
What to know as Lackawanna County reassessment appeals deadline looms
Property owners challenging new assessed values calculated during Lackawanna County’s first reassessment in nearly six decades will have a chance to make their cases at formal appeal hearings starting next month. The pending appeals process that… more
People on the Move, July 20, 2025
DePietro’s Pharmacy The independent pharmacy, which has served the community of Northeast Pennsylvania since 2012, welcomed Al Riggleman, PharmD., as a retail/clinical pharmacist on June 2. With 16 years of experience in the field, she brings a… more
Society of Irish Women makes donation
The Society of Irish Women recently donated $1,000 to the Shamrock Heart Foundation. From left, Tiffany Hebert, Karen Savage, Cathy Wechsler, Liz Connery, Patty O’Malley, Dan Cadden, Susan Connors, Barbara Partyka, Barbara Kearney, Kate Schneider,… more
CAPITOL ROUNDUP: Reps. Pugh, Walsh vote ‘no’ on state budget, but it passes in House
WILKES-BARRE — State Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, and Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, each voted “no” on House Bill 1330 — the House Democrat proposed budget for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year.
County to hold disposal event for household chemicals, hazardous materials
SCRANTON — Lackawanna County and its environmental sustainability office will again hold a free disposal event later this year where county residents who pre-register can safely dispose of automotive fluids, aerosols, pest poisons, chemicals and… more
Fifth annual golf tournament to benefit North Pocono Public Library
The North Pocono Public Library announced Paul Kelly and Mike Ognosky as the guests of honor for its fifth annual golf tournament on Monday, Aug. 11, at noon at Elmhurst Country Club in Moscow. Tournament co-chairs Jim Coles, left, and Ed Steinmetz… more
Commonwealth Court upholds county panel’s ruling in vacancy case
State Commonwealth Court judges upheld a Lackawanna County judicial panel’s ruling that the county’s Home Rule Charter controls the process of replacing former Democratic Commissioner Matt McGloin — a ruling Democratic Commissioner Bill Gaughan and… more
Former Blakely cop facing animal cruelty counts now charged with stalking, firearm possession
A former Blakely police officer who resigned in May amid animal abuse charges faces new counts after authorities said he stalked his ex-girlfriend while illegally possessing multiple firearms with an active protective order against him.
Wyoming Area Regional Police offers blueprint for consolidated departments
As municipal officials from the Back Mountain to Mountain Top get set to implement or explore the possibility of regionalized police forces, they can follow the roadmap of the Wyoming Area Regional Police, the first consolidated department in… more