Good morning, Scranton.

A fire destroyed a home on Scranton's west side at 11 p.m. Thursday along 17th Avenue, injuring one person who was taken to a hospital while flames spread to a neighboring home where everyone escaped — investigators are now seeking the blaze's cause.

Penn State said it will delay its decision to close 12 common campuses including Scranton until mid-May after final exams and graduation ceremonies, and trustees will meet to review options—closures will not happen before the end of the 2026-27 school year—as the school faces fewer students and changing trends.

University President Neeli Bendapudi said the decision on closing one or more of the 12 Penn State branch campuses including Scranton is delayed until mid-May — final exams and commencement events are nearing.

Students will be admitted for fall at all branches and no campus will close before the end of the 2026-27 academic year.

Scranton staff at Moses Taylor and Regional Hospital have welcomed news of a possible buyer that may secure the hospital’s future (after nearly a year of uncertainty).

A group of residents, elected officials, and stakeholders is working with new management to keep patient care and union jobs safe (the hospital averages about 381,000 visits a year).

Kat Bolus interviewed Lydia McFarlane yesterday about the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program that provided free rides to cancer patients.

The program lost 60% of its volunteer drivers during the pandemic — completing about 60% of over 1,000 requested rides in Luzerne County and rural areas like Sullivan, Pike, and Wyoming — and is now urging new volunteers.

RDA Northeast Festival 2025

7 p.m. — Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple — No Refunds — Celebrate the art of dance and enjoy various performances at the 2025 Regional Dance America/Northeast Festival.

Kids Hairstyles Event

5 PM — Hill Neighborhood Association — Discounted braiding services for kids — Bring the little ones for stylish, fun hairdos at a special price.

Shrek the Musical by SCC Youth Theatre

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple — Ticket prices TBA — Enjoy a whimsical musical adventure with Shrek and friends in this delightful youth theater performance.

Whose Live Anyway

7:30-9 p.m. — Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple — Ticket prices vary — Experience the improvisational humor of the cast from 'Whose Line is it Anyway' up close and live.

Mean Girls Musical

7:30-9 p.m. — Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple — Tickets available — Experience the hilarious hit musical straight from Broadway.

Healthy Kids Running Series - Spring 2025

4-8 p.m. — Crowley Park — Registration scholarships available — Encourage kids to embrace an active lifestyle through a fun running program.