Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 13th of November.
Good morning, Scranton.
Fidelity Bank and Pennsylvania funded a $30 million renovation of the historic Scranton Electric Building that was neglected for 10 years—most floors will become the bank's headquarters while the eighth floor will serve as a community space.
The project will finish in early 2026 and is expected to boost downtown economic growth.
Fidelity Bank is renovating the historic Scranton Electric Building into its new headquarters as part of a $26 million project scheduled to complete by April.
The updated building will house 165 employees, offer a town center and a restored ballroom for nonprofits, and maintain its historic electric sign lit permanently — honoring Scranton's legacy.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed an overdue state budget on Wednesday that gave much-needed funding relief to school districts which had been using borrowed money to pay for payroll and other essentials.
The budget also reforms cyber charter school funding by returning about $175 million to public schools — a move intended to stabilize education finances.
William Prescott Elementary School now has a teal Little Free Library built with a Title One grant that brought 200 hardcover books from Penguin Random House Publishing.
Reading specialists say the library lets kids share books and learn that reading brings freedom—helping them build a brighter future.
Lackawanna College opened its holiday pop-up bar, Misfits, at 409 Adams Ave. in Scranton on Wednesday.
It will operate Wednesday through Saturday from 5-11 p.m. until Dec. 20, will be closed on Thanksgiving, and children can attend until 8:30 p.m.—students use the venue to gain hands-on hospitality experience.
The state budget passed earlier created the Working Pennsylvanians tax credit that will give eligible taxpayers 10% of their federal EITC—helping nearly 940,000 people with over $193 million in relief for the 2025 tax year.
A single mother with three kids and a $61,000 income may receive a credit of about $805.
Buona Pizza in Dunmore will host a fundraiser on November 30 that donates 50% of pizza, cannoli pasta, and garlic knot sales to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s PurpleStride Walk—raising funds for pancreatic cancer research.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in November, select preorder sales will also donate 50%—further contributing to the cause.
Lakeland's football team finished the season 11–1 and clinched the District II AA Title after beating Dunmore last Friday—now it will face Lansdale Catholic at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday in the first round of the state playoffs.
Mixed Media Card Making Workshop
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Retro Cafe — Free for OAOA Members, $15 suggested donation — Discover the art of mixed media as you create your own unique cards in a cozy café setting.
Women Are Power Friendsgiving
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM — ANZ Hotel Scranton — $30 — Celebrate friendship and empowerment while supporting local children in need.
SIX Musical Performance
1-2:30 p.m. — Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple — Ticket prices vary — Experience a high-energy celebration of girl power with the hit musical SIX.
Tower Lighting Event
2-6:30 p.m. — Times Tower — Free entry — Kick off the holiday season with live music, food vendors, and the magical lighting of the Scranton tower followed by fireworks.
Yellow Brick Joel: Billy Joel and Elton John Tribute Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Theater at North — Ticket prices not provided — Celebrate the music of two iconic piano legends with riveting performances.
Whiskey Myers Concert
6:00-8:30 p.m. — Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple — Tickets start at $41 — Experience an electrifying night with Whiskey Myers at a stunning local venue.
The Nutcracker Performance
2-4 p.m. — The Theater at North — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting story of Clara and her magical journey in this beloved holiday ballet.
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