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Also on today's calendar: The Diamond of Downtown.
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1. 'Corrections officers are trained for security, not hospice care': Pa. jail faces aging inmate crisis (corrections1.com) — Luzerne County's aging inmate population is straining the Wilkes-Barre prison on Water Street, driving up medical costs and overtime while officers juggle security with de facto hospice care. County Manager Romilda Crocamo is pushing for a new, more accessible facility and expanded training, while warning legislators that local taxpayers face mounting costs without state help and coordinated reforms.
2. Luzerne County commission endorses 4 earmarks for $451K in opioid funds (citizensvoice.com) — Luzerne County's opioid commission, meeting in Wilkes-Barre, has recommended $451,112 in settlement funds for several recovery and support programs, including a Wilkes-Barre-based housing provider. County council will make the final allocation decision, part of nearly $11.9 million already approved to combat addiction and support people in recovery across the region.
3. 'There is hope': Many gather for Hope Over Stigma event at Kirby Park (timesleader.com) — Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre hosted the Hope Over Stigma event Sunday, bringing more than 30 organizations together to offer Narcan, treatment referrals, housing help, and recovery resources. Organizers stressed that the same year-round support is still available locally, encouraging residents to reach out, visit the Wilkes-Barre Volunteers of America office, or contact partner agencies when they're ready for help.
4. Luzerne County court notes: Marriages 8/30/26 (citizensvoice.com) — Luzerne County's latest marriage license filings include many couples from Wilkes-Barre, reflecting a busy stretch at the courthouse between August 18 and 24. The list highlights new unions from across the region, but Wilkes-Barre residents appear prominently among those tying the knot and starting new chapters close to home.
5. Months-Long Hunt Ends With 5 Captured In South Hackensack Pistol-Whipping, Robbery: Prosecutor (dailyvoice.com) — Two Wilkes-Barre men were among five people arrested after a months-long investigation into an armed robbery in South Hackensack, New Jersey. Local Wilkes-Barre City police assisted in capturing the suspects in Pennsylvania, who now face armed robbery and related weapons and assault charges while awaiting extradition to Bergen County.
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Ok Wilkes-Barre! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
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