Good morning, Scranton.

Rock 107 partnered with Gerrity's and the Rotary Club of the Abingtons to launch Mom’s Holiday Helpers this season, delivering Christmas packages filled with nonperishable foods and gift cards to about 42 local families.

Volunteers personally delivered the packages to make sure each family received the holiday support they needed.

The Food Basket Giveaway provided Christmas dinner baskets with ham, potatoes, carrots and more for up to 4,000 families at the Scranton Cultural Center Monday morning.

Friends of the Poor + the Catherine McAuley Center organized the drive-through event that began at 7:45 a.m. due to high demand.

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter warns that gifting live pets for Christmas can worsen shelter overcrowding, and development director Sherry Crolly advises buyers to research pet ownership and plan carefully before surprising someone with an animal.

This reminder comes just days before the holiday.

Scranton kindergarten teacher McKenzie Stafursky went viral on social media with her engaging classroom videos and earned an invite to Governor Shapiro’s holiday party for creators.

Her creative lessons at John G. Whittier Elementary are drawing praise from students and colleagues — highlighting a new wave of inspirational teaching.

NEPA officials from the Greater Scranton Chamber visited Loudoun County to view Data Center Alley (a cluster of data centers) as proposals are in the works; meanwhile, PennDOT reopened the I-84 bridges in Roaring Brook and the Green Ridge Street Bridge in Scranton, though work will continue into next year.

PennDOT and state police warned drivers ahead of the busy holiday weekend, urging everyone to slow down, buckle up, and follow traffic rules.

Extra patrols will run through the new year as officials advise travelers to plan ahead for busy roads.

PennDOT crews are treating roads today as wintry conditions are expected to slow holiday travel.

Drivers are advised to drive slowly and pack emergency items such as blankets + batteries.

PennDOT announced winners of the Paint the Plow contest as students from local schools painted a snow plow used to safely clear roads.

Dunmore High was awarded Judges' Pick while North Pocono earned Fan Favorite, and PennDOT will open registrations for next year's contest in the spring.

Police officers and firefighters lined the streets near headquarters Monday to honor K-9 Scout, who died Dec.

3 after an unexpected medical emergency. He had just finished academy training and was ready to serve with his handler, Officer Matthew Grippo.

Flu cases are rising earlier than usual as holiday travel increases and Pennsylvania sees a steady uptick in cases.

Doctors urge residents to get a flu shot and practice good hygiene (masking and thorough handwashing) to protect high-risk groups.

Shiver by the River #1

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Scranton Running Company — Cost varies — Participate in a fun run with options for a 5k, 10k, or a leisurely 2mi walk along the scenic river.