PennsNet

Good morning, NEPA! It's a busy news day full of local goings-on — from data centers to Dolly Parton — so grab your coffee and let's dig in.

Luzerne County Election Board punts referendum fight to the courts, rules out new drop boxes (Times Leader)
The board declined to review the anti-discrimination ordinance repeal referendum petition, meaning any effort to stop the referendum will have to be settled in court. No new drop boxes will be added before November.

Lackawanna County moves ahead with $165K data center health study (Fox56 WOLF-TV)
The county is funding a countywide assessment of the potential air-quality and public-health impacts of the region's growing data center footprint.

Bank+Vine in Wilkes-Barre closes after six years (WBRE/WYOU)
The beloved Wilkes-Barre spot announced on Facebook that it has officially shut its doors after years serving families across Luzerne County.

$250K grant funds decontamination room for Avoca firefighters (Fox56 WOLF-TV)
The Avoca Fire Department is adding a decontamination room to protect its firefighters from harmful carcinogens and toxins, thanks to a quarter-million-dollar grant.

Lackawanna County declares Sept. 25 'Dolly Parton Appreciation Day' (WNEP-TV 16)
County officials gathered to honor Parton's work with a proclamation, giving NEPA a reason to blast '9 to 5' later this month.

Quick Hits
· A crash near Sugarloaf closed the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 in Luzerne and Columbia counties.
· Utility work may snarl traffic on Route 315 in Pittston on Thursday and Monday.
· A former Tunkhannock youth wrestling treasurer is charged with taking over $10,000 from the club.
· The Bloomsburg Fair unveiled its 2026 music lineup with more than 60 artists ahead of the 171st fair.
· King's College hit the road with a new Monarchs-branded Martz charter bus.
· Saint Joseph's Center's 3rd annual 'Fill the Van' drive collects diapers for families in need through Sept. 20.
· Pennsylvania's skill games face possible seizure unless the legislature acts before an October deadline.
· Muncy's Hank the donkey earns a World Record for the longest ears.


Take care of each other out there, NEPA — we'll see you back here tomorrow morning.