Good morning, Scranton.

Yesterday, Scranton’s Healing Through Community event at Nay Aug Park featured yoga, live music, and art to support mental health and to raise funds and awareness for Scranton Counseling Center—while also spotlighting the local film Hold Her Hand, set to premiere next spring.

A festival in Lackawanna County raised funds for Griffin Pond Animal Shelter as 50 percent of ticket sales from a Saturday morning event at the Circle Drive-In in Dickson City supported the shelter—organizer Steven Childers said the event grew from a fundraiser held last year in Scranton.

NEPA’s Mimosa Fest was held at Circle Drive-In in Scranton and featured live music, brunch, and activities (including vendor booths) to support Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.

Fifty percent of ticket sales went to the shelter (the largest shelter in the community) as several hundred locals gathered to help the cause.

Gov. Shapiro’s spokesman said the governor is pushing a bill to add more money for mass transit in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties while keeping taxes the same, which would bring $25.6 million for local transit and bridge repairs.

The bill passed the House and is now in the Senate, and lawmakers hold mixed views on whether the extra funds will fix aging infrastructure — some worry about rising spending.

Governor Shapiro pushed for faster permits to cut red tape and attract private investment such as $20 billion from Amazon.

Lawmaker Greg Vitali warned that fewer DEP inspectors could endanger public health—he said the state may not be keeping up with the rising workload in energy projects.

Wilkes-Barre General Hospital board chairman Justin Matus expressed concern after reviewing a proposed sale that would bundle two Scranton hospitals with Tenor Health Foundation while his hospital was omitted.

He said a letter sent to Commonwealth Health employees (which offered minimal details) and board research raised doubts over Tenor Health’s experience and resources, and he hopes state lawmakers will stop the sale.

On Saturday, kids of all ages played in the 11th Annual Cody Barrasse Memorial Basketball Tournament at Scranton Prep and competed in three-on-three games at the Xavier Center to raise funds for organ donor support in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The tournament honored Cody Barrasse (struck by a car in 2013 and who became an organ donor) and has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for his memorial foundation.

Railfest 2025

All day — Steamtown National Historic Site — Admission details TBA — Celebrate the centennial of a steam locomotive with train rides, displays, and interactive programs for all ages.

Anberlin Live Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Ritz Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energizing performance of Anberlin at the Ritz Theater in Scranton.

Tech Table Assistance

5-7 p.m. — Albright Memorial Library Building Scranton Public Library — Free entry — Get one-on-one help with your tech issues from smartphones to laptops.

Oktoberfest Celebration

12-9 p.m. — Susquehanna Brewing Co. — $10 admission including your first drink — Enjoy craft brews, food, live music, and festive competitions at this lively Oktoberfest.