Good morning, Scranton.

Gene Passarella, a WWII veteran who led the Gene Dempsey Orchestra for nearly 70 years entertaining locals, died Saturday days short of his 101st birthday at Gino J.

Merli Veterans Center. Funeral services are set for Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church (Scranton).

Valley View graduate Reilly Sprague won a $2,500 NEPA Builders scholarship and will attend West Chester University this fall to become an educator for underserved communities.

The award helps her focus on academics with less financial stress — a boost for her future plans.

Residents, elected officials and advocates met at the Green Ridge Club on Monday, Aug.

10 to discuss rising expenses (health care, housing and food struggles) following the One Big Beautiful Bill, while the town hall linked federal policy changes to local challenges and urged community engagement.

Conservation Voters Pennsylvania and ActionTogether NEPA held a press conference in Stroudsburg today + they urged lawmakers to review House and Senate bills aimed at reducing rising energy and gas costs while protecting natural resources and easing financial burdens on families.

New Pennsylvania health data shows that 44% of 173 kindergarten programs in 18 counties (including Lackawanna and Luzerne) report MMR rates below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks, with some schools reporting rates as low as 43%.

A partial solar eclipse occurs today in northeastern Pennsylvania, and viewers are advised to inspect eclipse glasses from 2024 for any damage and verify they meet ISO 12312-2 standards (ensuring proper eye protection before use).

A 101-acre property near the former Marjol Battery site in Throop sold for $505K on June 29 to Pine Tree Properties 1 LLC; the buyer will build a residential community with new homes and green space.

The AAA RailRiders, a Yankees affiliate, will adopt a new identity for the 2027 season with a full unveiling planned for November; team President Shawn Reilly said the rebrand celebrates local heritage + maintains the established Yankees affiliation.

Children will improve their basketball skills and learn life skills at the For the Love of the Game clinic today in Scranton.

Local youth groups organize the event to provide a fun team-building experience for kids.

Today, the Coaches vs Cancer NEPA golf tournament returned to Valley Country Club in Sugarloaf with 160 golfers raising over $100K for the American Cancer Society and local Hope Lodge lodging, and local sports figures including former Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Madden took part.