U.S. Small Business Administration to Hold Roundtable Discussing Consumer Product Safety Regulations On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the Office of Advocacy will hold a Small Business Roundtable seeking feedback on Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations that should be repealed or reformed. The roundtable will take place from 2:00pm to 3:30pm ET via Microsoft Teams. View the roundtable agenda and register here. Summary of the CPSC’s Request for Information The CPSC’s mission is to protect consumers from risks of injury or death associated with consumer products. It does this by developing safety standards, issuing recalls, and enforcing regulations for a vast range of consumer products. Regulations and other practices that do not reasonably advance the CPSC’s mission, but instead create unnecessary burdens and costs, restrict consumer choice, or reduce competition, entrepreneurship, and innovation, should generally be eliminated or modified. On June 12, 2025, the CPSC published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking comments and information on opportunities for the CPSC to reduce burdens and costs of its existing rules, regulations, or practices, without impacting safety. Advocacy is asking members of the public, including consumers, manufacturers, retailers, potential market entrants, and others, to comment on ways the CPSC can reduce burdens and costs of existing rules, regulations, guidance, interpretations, or practices without increasing the risk of death or injury to consumers. Some examples of such burdens include, but are not limited to: Product testing and certification requirements Labeling or tracking label requirements Record keeping mandates Packaging or warning label placement rules Overlapping or duplicative compliance with other federal agencies Delays or lack of clarity in approval, exemption, or waiver processes Establishing new expecations or enforcement actions without going through the appropriate rule making process To help identify burdens, here are some questions to consider: Do you make or sell physical products that people typically use in their everyday life such as things for the home, kids, personal use, or hobbies? Have you had to stop making or selling a product, or changed how you made it, because someone said it may be unsafe? Have you made changes to your prodyct packaging, design, or labeling because of a government requirement? Have you been told you need to add warning labels, hang tags, or special packaging to your products, even if customers were not asking for them? Does meeting safety rules add a lot of costs and/or time to making or selling your products? Do safety requirements make it harder for you to grow or launch new products? Have you ever delayed or canceled a product because of testing requirements or paperwork issues? Have you had to hire someone to handle safety rules or paperwork? Have you ever been confused by a government safety requirement or felt unsure about what is required? Are there safety requirements that feel unnecessary or outdated for the kinds of products you make or sell? Has a product you make or sell been rejected, even though you have not received a complaint about the product? Are there other challenges or barriers affecting your business that aren’t listed above? Advocacy is holding this roundtable to give small entities an opportunity to explain how they are impacted by current CPSC regulations and to recommend solutions. Small business owners who answered “yes” to one or more of the above questions are strongly encouraged to participate in the roundtable and share your experiences. Should you have questions, or if you’re unable to attend but would like to email your feedback, please contact Assistant Chief Counsel Shanerika Flemings at shanerika.flemings@sba.gov.
Circle Drive-In Upcoming Movie Showings This week at Circle Drive-In: Wednesday, July 9th: FREE Community Movie Night – 150 years of Dickson City Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm Screen One: “Smokey and the Bandit” (PG – 1977) at 9:00 pm Friday, July 11th & Saturday, July 12th: Double Features Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm Screen One: “Superman” (PG-13 – 2025) at 9:00 pm “F1: The Movie” (PG-13 – 2025) at 11:40 pm Screen Two: “Jurassic World: Rebirth” (PG-13 – 2025) at 9:15 pm “M3GAN 2.0” (PG-13 – 2025) at 11:50 pm Sunday, July 13th Circle Giant Flea Fair from 6:00 am – 2:00 pm (Vendor Gates at 5:00 am) New vendors are always welcome, no pre-registration required! Come out & sell your crafts, artisan items, homemade products, spring cleaning treasures & more – every Sunday! Learn more at circledrive-in/fleafair24. Sunday Night Movies Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm Screen One: “Superman” (PG-13 – 2025) at 9:00 pm Screen Two: “Jurassic World: Rebirth” (PG-13 – 2025) at 9:15 pm Our Concession Stand is open during every event! Stop in for your favorite cold drinks, candy, popcorn, freshly made pizza, burgers & more! Movie tickets, upcoming events, & additional information at circledrive-in.com. Upcoming July Films: Wednesday, July 23rd: 150 Years of Dickson City – FREE Community Movie Night featuring “American Graffiti” (1973 – PG) at 9:00 pm (Gates – 8:00 pm) Thursday, July 24th: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Presented by the Lackawanna Historical Society (1989 – PG-13) at 9:00 pm (Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm) Friday, July 25th – Sunday, July 27th: (Exclusive Presale) “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (2025 – PG-13) at 9:00 pm (Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm) Thursday, July 31st: “Dirty Dancing” Presented by the Lackawanna Historical Society (1987 – PG-13) at 9:00 pm (Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm) For the latest updates on upcoming events & more, follow Circle Drive-In on Facebook @CircleDriveInTheatre, on Instagram @circledrivein & Circle Flea Fair on Facebook @circlefleafair! Circle Drive-In is located at 1911 Scranton/Carbondale Highway, Dickson City.
Help Geisinger School of Medicine Choose Your Next Doctor Volunteer admissions interviewers needed Geisinger School of Medicine invites the public to participate in student recruitment by becoming an interviewer during the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) process. The MMI consists of a series of short, structured interviews that assess non-cognitive qualities, including cultural sensitivity, maturity, teamwork, empathy, reliability, resiliency and communication skills. All interviews will be held virtually. Learn more at https://go.geisinger.edu/mmi, where you can complete the form https://forms.office.com/r/8xQGRPxtrV. The Admissions Office will contact you.
Johnson College Launches Automotive Collision Repair Program Johnson College is launching an Automotive Collision Repair program this fall through its WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department, formerly known as Continuing Education. Developed in partnership with I-CAR, Toyota of Scranton, and Sherwin-Williams, the new program is designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in the automotive collision repair industry through foundational knowledge and hands-on experience. The program includes 104 lessons and over 500 contact hours, combining flexible online coursework with in-person training at Toyota of Scranton. Students will gain essential skills in structural assessment, bodywork, welding, painting, frame straightening and refinishing. Total course cost is $5,200. “Students won’t just learn in a classroom—they’ll be working directly in a professional collision repair shop,” said Ashley Bechaver, Director of WAVE at Johnson College. “By the end of the program, graduates will be prepared to step into the workforce with industry-recognized training and job-ready skills.” Throughout the program, students will follow actual repair orders from vehicle intake through final delivery, gaining real-world experience alongside expert technicians. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped for entry-level roles in the collision repair industry, supported by strong industry connections. To be considered for admission, applicants must first be approved by Johnson College’s WAVE team. Once approved, applicants are required to submit a job application to Toyota of Scranton to begin the online training in partnership with I-CAR. Admitted students will receive paid, hands-on training in a professional collision repair shop. For more information or to apply, visit johnson.edu/collision or contact our WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.
Geisinger Opens New Kidney Specialty Clinic in Northeast PA With a mission to bring specialty kidney care to northeastern Pennsylvania, Geisinger has opened a brand-new kidney specialty clinic with three new physicians. Located on the second floor of 521 Mount Pleasant Drive, Geisinger Nephrology Scranton offers specialized kidney care to diagnose and treat a variety of kidney conditions. The clinic cares for conditions ranging from kidney stones to more complex kidney issues, including treatment for hypertension, acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Three nephrologists will practice out of the new office. Mohammad Al Khateeb, M.D., and Badar U Din Shah, M.D., have begun seeing patients at the clinic. Mugda Kulkarni, M.D., recently completed her nephrology fellowship at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC) and will join the team in August. Dr. Al Khateeb graduated from Hashemite University School of Medicine in Jordan. He spent the last two years as a nephrology fellow at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where he helped diagnose and treat acute and chronic kidney diseases and oversaw care for renal transplant patients. Dr. Shah is a graduate of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. During his fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center, Dr. Shah conducted comprehensive assessments and helped manage patients with various kidney disorders, including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances and hypertension. Dr. Kulkarni earned her medical degree from Ashwini Rural Medical College in India. She treated patients with a wide spectrum of kidney disorders during her fellowship at UCMC, was involved with numerous research projects and also headed clinical case presentations. The team at Geisinger Nephrology Scranton will provide consultations and comprehensive kidney care. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To request a consultation, call 800- 275-6401.
Kolmar Invests $60M in Lackawanna County The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its business development division and business development marketing program, the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), and The Scranton Plan announce the expansion of Kolmar within the Scott Technology Park, Scott Township. Kolmar, a leading contract manufacturer of innovative beauty, skincare, and personal care products, is proud to announce a $60M expansion of its campus in Scott Township, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. “I am incredibly excited and proud to expand our footprint in Scott Township and take this next big step in growing our business in the United States, said Yong Chul (“Ben”) Hur, chief executive officer, Kolmar. This new facility isn’t just about growing our production capabilities—it’s about creating new opportunities, strengthening our community, and building the future of beauty manufacturing right here in northeast Pennsylvania.” President of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Bob Durkin, added, “The continued investment by Kolmar in Scott Township and Lackawanna County represents a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to long-term growth and innovation. As the developer of Scott Technology Park, The Chamber, through its business development division SLIBCO, is pleased to provide a setting that enables companies like Kolmar to expand, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to our regional economy.” This expansion includes 36 acres on which it has just completed the construction of a 200k sq ft building that will house its administrative offices, warehousing and state-of-the art production capabilities. This new construction lays the foundation for the Company’s ultimate goal of building a cosmetic industrial complex that will include introducing supply chain partners to northeast Pennsylvania. “Kolmar’s expansion perfectly illustrates Lackawanna County’s suitability for a wide range of industrial development,” shared Commissioner Bill Gaughan. “The county is an ideal location not just for manufacturing or logistics, but for corporate management and the entire spectrum of business operations. We thank Kolmar for its major expansion and investment, and especially for demonstrating that Lackawanna County works.” Through SLIBCO and The Scranton Plan, The Chamber is committed to attracting, sustaining, and growing businesses and the workforce in targeted industries. These industries include advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, technology, energy, and life sciences. Kolmar has been a dedicated member of its local community since 1993. This new facility will be the second Kolmar facility within the park, creating 280 additional jobs within the Scott Technology Park. The company is planning to celebrate the expansion publicly in the middle of July with a grand opening. Scott Township Administrator Carl Ferraro shares, “Scott Township would like to congratulate Kolmar on completion of the first phase of their expansion. As one of the Township’s largest employers, their continued success is a benefit to all of Scott Township and its residents.”
Scranton Fringe Festival, Celebrate the Arts This Fall The Scranton Fringe Festival is a multi-day celebration of culture, creativity, and community held annually throughout venues in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2015 and inspired by the original Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, Scranton Fringe champions bold and innovative work across genres, platforms, and perspectives. Now entering its 11th year, the Festival has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape, welcoming artists and audiences from near and far to experience original theatre, live music, film screenings, comedy, storytelling, and more in both traditional and unconventional spaces. Venues include The Ritz Theater, the Lackawanna County Children’s Library, Marywood University, AFA Gallery, and more! The 2025 Scranton Fringe Festival will take place from September 25th through October 5th, featuring over 50 productions and events throughout downtown and beyond. This year’s Festival kicks off with a free public launch party at Marywood University, highlighted by a large-scale 3D projection mapping installation on the exterior of the Rotunda. Among the many exciting works is Ulysses of Scranton, a bold new play inspired by James Joyce’s Ulysses, slated to tour to Scranton’s sister city of Ballina, Ireland, in late October. From large-scale spectacles to intimate, site-specific performances, the 2025 Festival offers something for everyone while continuing to spotlight the power of the arts to unite and inspire. For tickets and more information visit scrantonfringe.org
Penn State Scranton to Host Upcoming ‘Spend A Summer Day’ Open House Spend A Summer Day Prospective students are invited to learn about the numerous educational opportunities at Penn State Scranton during its upcoming “Spend A Summer Day” open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, August 8.During their visit, guests will learn about the campus’ degree programs; its unique 2+2 Plan, which allows students to start their degree at Scranton and complete it at University Park or another PSU campus; and Penn State’s 275+ degrees. They will also meet current students, staff and faculty, and tour the campus, including its cutting-edge labs and new Library and Nursing Building.Register at https://scranton.psu.edu/summer-event
PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Nearly $256 Million in Rebate Payments Pennsylvanians can apply for rebates through December 31, 2025 Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments have been sent to eligible Pennsylvanians. Payments totaled $255.8 million. “The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is a tremendous program that gives hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians the help they need to make ends meet,” Treasurer Garrity said. “At Treasury we make sure these payments are ready to go on July 1, and we process any future approved payments in a couple of days once they’re received from the Department of Revenue. I encourage everyone to check to see if they’re eligible to apply if they haven’t already.” Rebate payments were issued on July 1, with 245,312 electronic payments totaling $148.7 million and 177,780 checks totaling $107.1 million. This is the first year Treasury has processed more rebates electronically than by paper check. Both homeowners and renters below this year’s income limit of $46,520 may be eligible. The maximum standard rebate is $1,000. Applicants can exclude half of their Social Security income. Income limits for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are adjusted annually. Pennsylvanians 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older within the income limitation are eligible to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The application deadline for this year’s rebate has been extended to December 31, 2025. Treasury will pay future rebates as approved payments are received from the Department of Revenue. Last year, Treasury paid more than $315 million to about 517,500 Pennsylvanians. For more information visit pa.gov or visit 888-222-9190 or contact your local legislative office.
WVIA Launches Crowdfunding Campaign to Uncover Hazleton’s Underground Secrets New Documentary – The Secrets Beneath Hazleton: Digging Deeper – aims to reveal hidden tunnels, a Prohibition-era speakeasy, and a forgotten chapter of American history— all hiding beneath the streets of Hazleton, PA. WVIA’s Emmy Award-winning production team is proud to present its latest original documentary film, The Secrets Beneath Hazleton: Digging Deeper. To bring this expanded story to life, WVIA has launched a Kickstarter campaign inviting public support. Building on the viral success of the original VIA Short Take, The Secret Beneath Hazleton—which garnered over 2 million views and ignited widespread engagement across social media—this 30-minute documentary will unearth the astonishing, long-buried stories of Hazleton’s mysterious underground world. Beneath the quiet streets of Hazleton lies a hidden network of tunnels, sealed mine shafts, and secret passageways— remnants of a city shaped by coal, immigration, and industrial might. WVIA’s new documentary will venture into previously unexplored territory, including private home tunnels, underground banking corridors, and a mysterious speakeasy said to have been sealed for over 75 years. “This is more than just a story about Hazleton,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “It’s a story about the history Hazleton has buried— literally. It’s about the people of Hazleton that worked underground, and the people that have been living above this underground city, some unknowingly, for decades. This film will bring history to light before it’s lost forever.” A Deeper Dive into Hidden History The Kickstarter campaign seeks to fund the next phase of this groundbreaking project, allowing filmmakers, historians, and urban explorers to: Document the secret tunnels built from private residences that lead into Hazleton’s vast mine network. Investigate a rumored speakeasy believed to be accessible only through underground bank vaults. Interview local experts and dig into newly uncovered mine maps and archives. Preserve these locations with high-definition film and photography before they succumb to development or decay. This is not just a documentary—it’s a rescue mission for Hazleton’s hidden past. Why Now? Many of the underground structures identified in the first film are already at risk of permanent collapse or demolition. As interest grows and new leads surface, the WVIA team believes this is a critical window of opportunity to preserve these stories for future generations through a new full-length documentary. “There are places under Hazleton no one has entered in decades,” said the film’s producer, Tim Novotney. “And once they’re gone, they’re gone. This film is our chance to capture that lost world so the masses can see it.” WVIA invites the public to become part of this journey by contributing to the Kickstarter campaign, which will fund equipment, research, expert interviews, and post-production for the full-length documentary. Back the Project, Preserve History Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform for creative projects. Everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of ambitious, innovative, and imaginative ideas that are brought to life through the direct support of others. To learn more and support The Secrets Beneath Hazleton: Digging Deeper, visit the Kickstarter page here.
