PennsNet

Good morning, NEPA! It's a weekend full of community spirit — chalk art on the riverbank, hockey for heroes, and plenty of folks rallying around neighbors in need. Grab your coffee and settle in.

ChalkFest 2026 colors the River Common in Wilkes-Barre (WNEP-TV 16)
The beloved sidewalk-art tradition returned to the banks of the Susquehanna for its 16th year, drawing young artists downtown to turn the River Common into a canvas.

Luzerne County begins testing voting system ahead of Nov. 3 election (Fox56 WOLF-TV)
The county has started required testing of its election equipment, becoming the first in Pennsylvania to do so as the general election approaches.

Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame inducts Class of 2026 (Times Leader)
The 4th annual induction ceremony filled the Kirby Center at Wyoming Seminary, celebrating local talent and creative achievement.

Rally in the Valley raises cancer awareness at Mid Valley (WBRE/WYOU 28/22)
What looked like an ordinary fall soccer Saturday in Throop became something bigger, as the community came together off the field for cancer awareness.

Patriots Cove benefits from Luzerne County charity hockey game (WNEP-TV 16)
Proceeds from a hockey event went to Patriots Cove, a nonprofit aiding injured veterans and first responders, part of a weekend honoring local heroes.

Quick Hits
· The Arc of NEPA hosts its Buddy Walk in Scranton, with Newswatch16's Jon Meyer emceeing.
· The Halloween House of Peckville returns for a spooky fifth season with expanded displays.
· Fall color is beginning to spread across Northeast and Northcentral PA, per the season's first foliage report.
· Heads up, commuters: a lane closure is planned on I-81 north in Lackawanna County this week for brush and tree removal.
· New Pennsylvania rules tightening vape and e-cigarette sales take effect this October.
· Mail-in ballots are going out as the Oct. 17 ballot deadline and Oct. 19 voter registration deadline approach.
· WBS Penguins drop their 2026-27 season opener 3-2 in OT to Springfield at Mohegan Arena despite Calvert's two goals.
· A rescued hen from a Columbia County egg farm undergoes emergency surgery at a Dalton animal sanctuary.


Thanks for reading, neighbors — go enjoy those first splashes of fall color while they last.