PennsNet

Good morning, NEPA! It's a busy local news day — housing, airports, and county council decisions are all in the mix, plus a little Dolly Parton to brighten things up. Grab your coffee and let's dig in.

Lackawanna County Rolls Out Strategy to Tackle Housing Costs (WNEP-TV 16)
A new county housing study finds limited supply is squeezing residents, and officials are laying out a path toward more affordable and attainable options, zoning reform, and better coordination.

AVP Airport Still Searching for a Director After Frontrunner Withdraws (WBRE/WYOU)
The chosen candidate for executive director of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport has bowed out after contract negotiations fell through, leaving the nationwide search back at square one.

Luzerne County Council Votes Against Selling County Rail Line (WNEP-TV 16)
Council declined to sell the county's rail line to R.J. Corman, with a deadline looming in early October when the county could be forced to take ownership of the rails.

Where Bresnahan and Cognetti Stand Ahead of the November Election (Spotlight PA)
With the economy topping voters' concerns, Spotlight PA breaks down where the two candidates land on tax policy, affordability, and jobs before the Nov. 3 vote.

Wilkes-Barre Celebrates Dolly Parton Day (Times Leader)
Mayor George Brown proclaimed Sept. 25 'Dolly Parton Day,' joining the United Way of Wyoming Valley to honor the impact of her Imagination Library on local kids.

Quick Hits
· Wilkes-Barre Council approves more than $2.2M in LSA grant applications for city projects.
· Luzerne County non-primary-residence property buyers now face a $500 fine for skipping a new state reporting mandate.
· Rising fuel and operating costs are squeezing Pennsylvania farmers as farm counts dip.
· Dallas American Legion rallies to save skill-game slot machines ahead of an Oct. 13 court deadline.
· Former Honesdale Walmart manager charged with stealing over $56K from the store's deposits.
· Split Rock Resort temporarily closes its Lake Harmony hotel for what it calls 'an exciting new chapter.'
· NEPA native pro golfer Brandon Matthews hosts a free junior clinic at the Country Club of Scranton.
· The Curse of Camelback returns to spook the Poconos through Nov. 8.


That's your morning rundown — stay warm, watch for that Market Street paving, and we'll see you tomorrow.