Hello Wilkes-Barre! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Data center zoning debate, cirque de Paris, and sensory-friendly morning + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Zoning debate continues: Jenkins Township tabled a vote Tuesday on data center zoning after residents raised concerns. With no active project, debate continues over limits on location, noise, size, and distance -- see the zoning debate.
Community events on tap: Marking 135 years, Luzerne Borough Fire Department highlights happenings, with a July 11 Friedman JCC 5K coming to Kingston, a militia encampment at Nesbit Park, and craft market seeking vendors -- see what’s coming up.
A dazzling traveling spectacle: Cirque de Paris will bring an immersive spectacular to Wyoming Valley Mall July 9 to 19, featuring new acts and French traditions, with weekday shows at 7 p.m., no Tuesdays -- catch the Cirque schedule.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Neighborhood reset button: Coal Street Park hits that sweet spot for low-effort, high-fun days... hoops and tennis courts, an ADA playground, and fields for pickup or league play. Bonus, the Toyota SportsPlex rink sits right there if you’re itching to skate and pretend it’s midwinter.
Neighborhood chill spot: Jim Mc Carthy Tavern On Hill keeps it simple in the best way, a laid-back neighborhood spot with friendly regulars, easy conversation, and cold drinks that don’t overcomplicate your night. When you want no-frills comfort close to home, this is where to park it for a bit.
Mini golf, big smiles: When the midweek blahs hit, Yum Yum Fun has glow-in-the-dark mini golf and a prize-happy arcade a quick hop from Wilkes-Barre. Reward victories with premium ice cream, liege waffles, or even ice cream pizza, and call it a win for family night, date-night silliness, or easy team bonding.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🚗 Cruzin’ the Square @ Public Square Park | Friday (6/26) at 6:00 PM – On the last Friday of each month, April through October, downtown’s Public Square turns into a rolling nostalgia reel, all chrome and conversation. Expect shiny classics, local pride, lawn chairs, and plenty of “I had one of these in ’82” stories, no burnout necessary.
🎉 RiverFest 2026 @ Nesbitt Park (Kingston) | Saturday (6/27) at 11:00 AM – Skip the gym and take a guided Susquehanna paddle with Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals, equal parts exercise and exhale. Then park it at Nesbitt Park for our community bash, with hands-on nature, family games, live music, and paddlers cruising in like local celebrities.
🏺 Open Glaze @ Peaceful Potter | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – Whether your last art class was homeroom or last week, Peaceful Potter lets you pick a ready-made piece, glaze with friendly help and no surprise fees, then scoop up your kiln-finished treasure in two weeks. Walk in, bring snacks, leave feeling smugly productive.
👨 A Little Lady & Her Gentleman – A Father Daughter Experience @ The Mary Stegmaier Mansion | Saturday (6/27) at 4:00 PM – Got a little lady who thinks you have two left feet? Sweep her into the Mary Stegmaier Mansion for a father-daughter ball with floral crowns, buffet comfort, DJ Lisa, and balloon-arch photos, all wrapped in Victorian charm, no awkward gym lighting, and maximum brag-worthy memories.
🧩 Free Sensory Friendly Morning | June 28, 2026 @ Chuck E. Cheese | Sunday (6/28) at 10:00 AM – Take your VIP to a free sensory-friendly morning at Chuck E. Cheese in Wilkes-Barre, yes, really, with lower lights, gentler noise, and trained staff. Only 20 VIPs get two hours of unlimited games, pizza, drinks, dessert, and a Chuck E. cameo.
🏺 Open Glaze @ Peaceful Potter | Sunday (6/28) at 12:00 PM – Swap the errands loop for a low-stakes artsy hour at Peaceful Potter, where you pick a ready-made piece, glaze it, and they fire it for pickup in two weeks. Walk in or reserve, no surprise fees, friendly help, plus spooky and Christmas options year-round.
🔄 Swap Market @ Abide Coffeehouse | Sunday (6/28) at 5:00 PM – If your hall closet is auditioning for a hoarder show, bring those books, games, clothes, and decor to the Swap Market at Abide Coffeehouse. Trade for new-to-you finds over coffee, meet neighbors, and enjoy retail therapy without the receipt, rules, or buyer’s remorse.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Wilkes-Barre report Weather forecastToday — High: 81°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 0 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. North wind 0 to 3 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 83°F — Low: 62°F — Precip: 25%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 0 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 80%. This house is wildThis fully renovated 4-bedroom home feels brand new, with a new roof, new siding, updated electrical, and sleek modern finishes throughout. A bright enclosed front porch opens to an airy layout anchored by a white-and-black granite kitchen, while mini-splits keep things comfy. Upstairs, the balcony bedroom adds extra charm, and the huge backyard steals the show.
Take a peek inside → |
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