Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of July.
Good morning, Scranton.
Clyde Smith Insurance Agency, known for offering diverse policies to meet customer needs, will join clients at the annual Harford Fair (Aug.
17-22) at the Harford Fairgrounds in New Milford, where the firm upholds its legacy of honest service and care for local farm owners.
Benny’s Downtown owners Brandon O’Malley and Corey Bayo celebrated their official opening last March amid strong community support in Scranton.
They enhanced the local dining scene by introducing upscale features (including award-winning pizza and live entertainment) to cater to diverse tastes.
Local travel agency Travel World arranges sold-out group trips to destinations like Italy and the White Mountains; its guides ensure smooth itineraries and help first-time international travelers experience authentic culture & cuisine.
The agency recently won the Best of Lackawanna award for travel services.
Ficco’s Coffee opened last October at 405 S.
Main St in Old Forge and quickly earned the Best Coffee award in the 2026 Best of Lackawanna County. Owner Andrew Ficco said the shop is a welcoming third place for locals to enjoy quality coffee — honoring his Italian traditions.
Actors Circle will present Shorts for the Summer!
IV at Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton from Aug. 6 to Aug. 9. The show will feature eight shorts by four directors, with performances on Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Global Stage Entertainment’s Swan Lake returns to the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on Feb.
23 at 7 p.m.—the production features international ballet stars, handcrafted costumes and detailed sets in a family-friendly performance.
Downtown business owners recently joined Scranton Tomorrow’s fourth annual Business Class Floral Competition—celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic twist.
Local votes at the Flower Power Happy Hour at the Everhart Museum awarded The 16th Ward first place, Pizza by Pappas second, and Northern Light Espresso Bar third.
Wyoming Valley West School District announced that Third Avenue Elementary in Kingston will be unoccupied for the 2026-27 school year as kindergarten classes move to Dana Street Elementary in Forty Fort; the building will reopen in 2027 as a special education center (district officials said).
Johnson College hosted Last Minute College Planning Day at its Scranton and Hazle Township campuses ahead of the fall semester.
Prospective students received one-on-one enrollment help, explored academic programs, and learned about new course offerings and financial aid opportunities.
The boil water advisory from a downtown water main break was lifted after tests confirmed safe drinking water, and city officials now ask residents and businesses to report financial losses online to help plan relief efforts.
The Flow Space opened its original Clarks Summit location in the basement of Everything Natural on Aug.
9, 2025, and added a Dunmore spot at 629 East Drinker St. The wellness collective offers daily Pilates, yoga, barre and dance classes (and was voted best Fitness Facility by Times Leader readers).
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis warned during a Pennsylvania Health Access Network webinar that federal funding cuts will force Medicaid eligibility and provider reimbursement changes effective January 1.
The proposed adjustments risk reducing coverage for thousands of Pennsylvanians.
A’tera 519 in downtown Scranton is drawing long lines on busy weekends for its updated summer menu and elevated New American fare; general manager Gabe Wilkins said the restaurant offers a trendy yet welcoming vibe that leaves guests with good memories.
Rocking For The Youth 2026
9 AM – 11 PM — ANZ Hotel Scranton — Proceeds benefit NEPA Youth Shelter — A vibrant all-day celebration featuring live music, a car show, and a reunion show for Philifonian.
Billy Idol Concert
7-9 p.m. — The Pavilion at Montage Mountain — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary sounds of punk pioneer Billy Idol live in concert.
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