Lackawanna County residents lined up to plead with commissioners to fund a study that would analyze the air-quality and health impacts of the data center industry. The commissioners are on board to do a study, but squabbled over the cost of it, who would do it and what it would accomplish.

A fire in Shavertown Wednesday morning left one man dead, marking Luzerne County’s third fatal house fire in four days.

People of all different faiths and backgrounds recently explored the idea of America from sea to shining sea. In the social hall of Temple Hesed in Scranton, a large group read the poem “America the Beautiful” – then discussed what it means to them.

Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan received a $165,000 proposal for an independent, scientific study of the health impacts of proposed data centers and power plants. He wants his fellow commissioners to vote on funding the study.

Luzerne County’s new sheriff began her duties last week. She’s already made history as the first woman in the county to hold the position and the first hispanic woman to become sheriff statewide.

Hazleton’s past is now in the city’s future. The Hazleton Coal Mine tour project was announced during a special screening of WVIA’s upcoming documentary “The Secrets Beneath Hazleton.” An original VIA Short Take by Tim Novotney was the impetus for the project.

Scranton officials want Pennsylvania American Water to prioritize fixing a water main that broke twice in 10 days. Downtown businesses and government buildings had to close and residents were without water. In the meantime, the city will look for some sort of funding to help cover costs.

A century ago, the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company of Allentown – now PPL – dammed the Wallenpaupack River to provide hydroelectric power for the region. The project created Lake Wallenpaupack and generated not only electricity but also a $72 billion per year outdoor economy for the Poconos.

A second downtown Scranton water main break in less than two weeks again closed businesses and government buildings and forced residents to boil their water or find clean water elsewhere.

It's Monday, July 27. Today on Up to Date: state grants for farmers, summer program for students, Lackawanna County crime and Community Connections.