K9 Protection Dogs in Scranton, PA

MEDFORD, MA (May 2, 2025) -- The No. 1 ranked Tufts University women's lacrosse team begins its quest for the Division III Women's Lacrosse Championship this weekend, on the road in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The Jumbos kick off the tournament on Sunday at 1 pm. They will face the winner of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Scranton, who play at 1 pm on Saturday. This weekend's action will take place at Weiss Field, on the campus of the University of Scranton. The Jumbos are looking to keep it rolling after their 13-7 victory over Wesleyan University in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) championship last weekend.

Game Details Tournament Website Tournament Bracket Opponent: Winner of MIT/University of Scranton Date: Sunday, May 11, 2025 Time: 1 p.m. Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania - Weiss Field Live Coverage: Live Stats - Live Video

Tufts vs. MIT and Scranton All-Time The Jumbos have matched up with the neighboring MIT Engineers nine times between 2016 and 2025, and the Jumbos have taken all nine of those meetings. In those nine games, they have outscored MIT 161-63. Earlier this year, Tufts defeated MIT 19-3 on Bello Field. Allie Zorn led the Jumbos with 3 goals on the day, while 13 different Tufts players found the back of the net. The Jumbos have yet to face Scranton in their program history, and will do so for the first time if Scranton wins on Saturday.

A Look At The No. 1 Jumbos (17-1, 9-1 NESCAC) As the nation's top seed, the Jumbos head into Sunday with lots of excitement. They make their tenth NCAA tournament appearance and are in search of their first national championship. Tufts goes on the road for the second consecutive weekend as they head to Pennsylvania. In NESCAC tournament action, they outscored opponents 63-19, highlighted by their 23-3 quarterfinal win over Bates. 23 goals is their highest single-game total from this season, while their 20-goal margin of victory is also a season-best. The Jumbos won their semifinal and final matchups in Middlebury, Vermont, taking down Colby in the semifinals and Wesleyan in the championship.

Six of the Jumbos' leaders were honored with All-NESCAC recognition earlier this week. Genna Gibbons, Margie Carden, Allie Zorn, and Madeline Delaney earned All-NESCAC First Team honors, while Emma Joyce and Ella Lesperance were named to the All-NESCAC Second Team. Additionally, Margie Carden was named the NESCAC Player of the Week and IWLCA National Offensive Player of the Week, after scoring 10 goals in two games last weekend.

While Carden has certainly been a force on offense this season, it's been a combined attack. Carden leads with 55 goals, followed by 53 from Allie Zorn, who also has a team-leading 73 points. Zorn's 4.06 points per game is good for second in the NESCAC, with Carden following at third. Ella Lesperance has contributed 63 points to the Jumbos' attack as well, with 30 goals and a team-leading 33 assists. The Jumbos have 11 players with double-digit goals on the year.

As a team, Tufts has been an offensive force, scoring 17.56 goals per game. That is good for first in the NESCAC and sixth in the country. Tufts has shown poise in maintaining possession this year, as their 217 turnovers are the fewest in the NESCAC. Meanwhile, they have caused 174 turnovers, good for third in the conference. Tufts has also been dominant on draws, controlling 62%, top-20 in the nation. Their 6.89 goals per game allowed on defense also ranks highly, at 14 across the country. The defensive effort has been led by Pascale de Buren, who has started all 18 games between the posts, saving 52% of shots faced.

For Tufts, this weekend marks the start of their quest for the National Crown. They lost in double overtime in the quarterfinals last year to Franklin and Marshall College. In 2021 and 2022, they were the national runner-up, falling to Salisbury in 2021 and Middlebury in the championship in 2022. In her 12th season as head Coach, Courtney Shute looks to take this team one step further.

The Rest of the Field University of Scranton (14-5, 9-0 Landmark Conference) The hosts this weekend, the Royals of the University of Scranton, are having an impressive season. After a 0-4 start to the year, they've won 14 of their last 15, including 12 straight. They went undefeated in conference play, winning every game by at least 10 goals. They then defeated Susquehanna University and Catholic University, both by the score of 16-6, to take home their third consecutive Landmark Conference Championship. Scanton's offense has been led by a core group of players. Grace Lane leads the way with 47 goals, followed by Jillian Lopez with 46. Erin Reich and Hewitt Eileen are tied for team lead with 65 points, and both have over 30 goals and assists. As a team, they are averaging 14.8 goals per game while conceding 7.8. Their defense has been grounded by Eva Guerino, who has started 13 games in goal, allowing 6.5 goals per game while saving 55% of shots faced. Scranton is aiming to make a tournament run after a second-round exit last season.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (13-7, 9-1 New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC)) The Engineers of MIT enter today on a seven-game win streak that includes their run in the NEWMAC tournament. After finishing the regular a 14-13 overtime loss to Babson College on April 9th, they won their final four regular-season games, beat Salve Regina University and Springfield College in the first two rounds of their conference tournament, and earned a championship rematch with Babson. They got their revenge, winning 16-6 to capture their first conference victory since 2023. Offensively, they are led by Annica Lam, with 66 goals, and Ashley Thomas, with 113 points. Thomas's 5.65 goals per game were good for first in the NEWMAC, while Lam's 3.39 goals per game placed second in the conference. As a team, they've been impressive on draws, winning 59%, led by Gwen Flusche, who has 94 draw controls. They've gotten to this point with a stellar offense that has scored 311 goals, the most in the NEWMAC. Pauline Vien has started all 20 games in net for the engineers, allowing 9.17 goals per game while stopping 52% of shots. If MIT advances to Sunday, they will be looking to avenge their 19-3 loss to Tufts this past March.

Weekend Schedule Saturday, May 10 - First Round 1 PM - MIT vs. Scranton Sunday, May 11 - Second Round 1 PM - Tufts vs Saturday Winner

--JUMBOS--

Find the Best Places to Swim in NEPA This Summer

When the temperatures rise, there’s no better way to cool off than by exploring the many great places to swim in NEPA. From serene lakes and sandy beaches to lively pools and kid-friendly splash pads, Northeastern PA offers a refreshing escape for the whole family. Whether you’re planning a laid-back day by the water or an afternoon packed with family fun, you’ll find plenty of swimming spots across the region.

Take a relaxing swim in the calm waters of NEPA’s beautiful lakes, enjoy a sun-soaked afternoon on a public beach, or dive into the action at one of the area’s community pools. Many feature water slides, diving boards, and interactive splash zones to keep kids entertained all day long. If you’re traveling with little ones, splash pads are a safe and exciting option for younger swimmers to play and stay cool. From Scranton to Wilkes-Barre, the Pocono Mountains, and beyond, these places to swim in NEPA offer something for every summer adventurer.

Looking for scenic and relaxing places to swim in NEPA? Spend a sunny day lakeside at one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s many freshwater swimming spots. The region is filled with beautiful lakes and public beaches where visitors can cool off, catch some rays, and enjoy the natural surroundings. From wide-open waterfronts to peaceful, hidden coves, these lakes offer some of the most refreshing places to swim in NEPA.

Many state and local parks across the area feature designated swimming areas with soft sandy beaches, shallow entry points, and clear waters perfect for a summer dip. Pack a cooler, roll out a towel, and make a day of it—most locations also offer picnic tables, boat rentals, hiking trails, and scenic views. Whether you’re floating lazily under the sun in the Poconos or jumping off a dock in a quiet valley town, lakes are a top choice for outdoor swimming in NEPA.

Pro Tip: Always check the DCNR or official park website before visiting. Swimming hours, water conditions, and weather-related closures may vary day to day.

When it comes to classic summer fun, few places to swim in NEPA rival the excitement of a public pool. Whether you’re diving off the high board, gliding down a twisting waterslide, or just soaking up the sun in a lounge chair, community pools across Northeastern Pennsylvania offer refreshing ways to enjoy a hot day. With lifeguard-supervised swim zones, family splash areas, and water play features for all ages, public pools are some of the most accessible and family-friendly places to swim in NEPA.

You’ll find pools of all sizes in towns and cities throughout the region, each offering unique amenities like shaded picnic areas, snack stands, and special splash pads designed for younger swimmers. Whether you’re there to practice your strokes, cool off after work, or spend a carefree afternoon with the kids, these pools provide a perfect mix of fun, fitness, and relaxation.

Pro Tip: Always check the pool’s official website or social media page for updated hours, admission prices, and season opening details before you go.

Perfect for toddlers and younger kids who may not be ready for full-size pools, splash pads are typically located near playgrounds, community centers, or pools in local parks throughout Northeastern PA. Many feature flat, non-slip surfaces and water features that accommodate all ages and abilities, making them inclusive and fun for the whole family. They’re easy to access, often free to use, and offer a cool, convenient option among the many places to swim in NEPA.

Pro Tip: Splash pads may have seasonal hours or maintenance schedules—check the official park or municipality website before you go to make sure everything is up and running.

The splash pad at Lackawanna State Park’s pool complex features a variety of playful spray elements perfect for kids of all ages, with different zones tailored to various age groups. It offers a zero‑entry, ADA‑accessible design, making it a fun and inclusive water play area during the pool’s seasonal hours. Admission fee required to use the pool and splash pad.

From sun-soaked lakes and sandy beaches to energetic public pools and playful splash pads, there’s no shortage of incredible places to swim in NEPA. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a solo swim, or just looking for a quick way to cool off on a hot day, Northeastern PA offers a wide range of swimming options to suit every age and interest. With natural beauty, affordable access, and plenty of fun-filled amenities, these destinations make it easy to enjoy summer in NEPA to the fullest.

Be sure to check each location’s website or park page for hours, rules, and weather updates before you head out. And if you’re looking for even more summer fun, browse our NEPA events calendar and guides for outdoor adventures, family fun, and things to do all season long.

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As efforts to find a buyer of Commonwealth Health’s Regional Hospital of Scranton and its Moses Taylor Hospital campus continue, a state lawmaker at the forefront of the fight to save the city health care facilities said several entities are currently exploring a potential purchase.

They include the California-based nonprofit Tenor Health Foundation; Geisinger; and the Wright Center in collaboration with Allied Services, respectively, Democratic state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski said last week. Conversations between those entities, elected and other state officials, the governor’s office and for-profit Community Health Systems Inc., Commonwealth’s Tennessee-based parent company, are ongoing, she said.

Kosierowski’s update came about two months after she and colleagues said in mid-April that Regional and Moses Taylor — separate facilities that operate under one license following a 2022 merger — would remain open amid negotiations with potential buyers. It came more than six months after the planned sale of the Scranton facilities and Commonwealth’s Wilkes-Barre General Hospital to the nonprofit WoodBridge Healthcare collapsed when the would-be buyer was unable to secure bond financing for the acquisition.

The November collapse of the WoodBridge transaction many saw as a lifeline for the financially struggling hospitals also renewed fears that Regional and Moses could close absent acquisition by a new buyer. Officials working to find such a buyer have stressed for months the “catastrophic” impact closures would have on the local health care landscape.

In identifying the potential buyers currently engaged in discussions, Kosierowski also said a collection of local foundations and nonprofits have provided invaluable financial support in recent months to help assure operations continue at Regional and Moses, and that staff there continue to be paid, as work to find a new buyer continues. They include the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the AllOne Foundation, the Moses Taylor Foundation, the Luzerne Foundation, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the Wright Center and Allied, she said.

“The real heroes right now are those foundations (and nonprofits),” Kosierowski said. “They are the heroes. They truly are the reason that our system is open.”

Commonwealth Health provided a statement last week when asked for an update on the current situation.

“Our provider team remains fully committed to delivering safe, high-quality care to every patient as we continue to work closely with elected officials and other stakeholders to support the transition to a new hospital operator,” the statement provided by spokeswoman Annmarie Poslock reads. “We are hopeful that an offer to acquire the hospitals will be received soon. We appreciate the dedication of our employees and providers, whose unwavering efforts ensure our patients continue to receive the care they need.”

Tenor, one of the potential buyers Kosierwoski identified as participating in negotiations, was formed to “identify, own, manage and turn around financially challenged hospitals,” according to its website. In that respect it’s similar to WoodBridge, which planned to make considerable capital improvements to the Commonwealth hospitals had it completed the acquisition.

Radha A. Savitala, Tenor Health Foundation’s chief executive, said in an email that the nonprofit is “always looking for opportunities for acquisitions that make sense for us and our growth strategies,” but noted it “cannot comment specifically on any particular acquisition at this time.”

Tenor recently took over as operator of the Sharon Regional Medical Center in Mercer County, which closed in early January after its previous for-profit owner, Steward Health Systems, filed for bankruptcy last year. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration announced in mid-March that the state Department of Health approved the Mercer County hospital’s reopening, with Tenor Health Foundation Sharon LLC operating the facility under Steward Health’s license while “pursuing a change in ownership to transfer licensure at a later date.”

In a news release announcing the DOH approval, state Sen. Michele Brooks, R-50, Mercer County, described Sharon Regional’s reopening as a “critical victory for the health and safety of our community.”

“Adequate access to emergency care and services saves lives, and this will ensure that residents will have a hospital to turn to in times of crisis,” said Brooks, whose Western Pennsylvania district includes Mercer and Crawford counties and part of Lawrence County.

It’s the same case local patients, health care workers, elected officials and other stakeholders have made here about Regional and Moses Taylor.

Asked about its potential interest in acquiring the Commonwealth hospitals, Geisinger said in a statement that it’s “working with the state and community leaders to explore all options to preserve access to high-quality health care services for the people of Scranton and Lackawanna County.”

It also noted its prior efforts to expand by “strategically relocating” certain services to outpatient practice sites and standalone facilities amid high demand for both inpatient and outpatient services. The system has been grappling with capacity constraints at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, particularly in the hospital’s near-chronically crowded emergency room, for years.

Those challenges were at the heart of a concerted push in 2022 and 2023 by Geisinger for zoning that would accommodate a massive GCMC expansion in the city’s Hill Section. But the zoning issue was contentious, and a passionate group of Hill Section neighbors wary of the expansion project’s potential impact on their neighborhood and quality of life ultimately prevailed in a zoning battle played out before Scranton City Council.

Council voted in April 2023 to amend Scranton’s then-proposed new zoning ordinance and map to change the odd side of Colfax Avenue’s 200 block from a civic zone with a 100-foot building height limit to a town-city institutional zone with a maximum permitted height of 45 feet. The change effectively restricted the height of a new parking garage Geisinger had planned for the odd side of the 200 block, with Geisinger officials describing the garage as an enabling project that would have allowed for the creation of more clinical space.

The zoning amendment was a blow for Geisinger, and the broader GCMC expansion never materialized.

But Geisinger’s recent statement notes a number of other efforts to bolster inpatient capacity at GCMC, including the opening of a 22-bed inpatient medical-surgical unit there in early February and the relocation of various outpatient specialty services from the Hill Section hospital to the former Ice Box complex on West Olive Street in Scranton. The system also opened the Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast in Moosic in 2023, purchased in January the property housing its Geisinger Viewmont operations off Business Route 6 and Ravine Street in Dickson City and cut the ribbon Thursday on the state-of-the-art Geisinger Cancer Center Dickson City that will begin serving patients Monday.

“As we work to provide short-term solutions for any capacity challenges we might face, we continue to explore viable long-term solutions to provide the care Scranton and the region need,” Geisinger said.

Whether those long-term solutions ultimately involve Regional or Moses Taylor hospitals remains to be seen.

The Wright Center and Allied responded to Times-Tribune inquiries in separate statements, neither of which explicitly addressed a potential acquisition of Commonwealth’s Scranton hospitals.

“The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education remain committed to the delivery of health care services in Northeast Pennsylvania,” Brian Ebersole, the organization’s vice president of academic affairs, said in his statement. “We continue to be involved in conversations with community partners on ways to work together to expand access to critically important health care services while training the next generation of health care professionals, ensuring that care remains right here in our community.”

Allied Vice President of Strategic Partnership Development Jim Brogna furnished the statement on behalf of his organization.

“Allied Services Integrated Health System has been a vital part of the community health needs in Northeast Pennsylvania for more than 65 years,” it reads. “While Allied Services remains an independent, nonprofit post-acute rehabilitation and human services organization, we remain deeply committed to working with partners like The Wright Center for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education to develop a comprehensive healthcare workforce, as well as ensuring access to care for many critical services that would no longer exist in Scranton should these hospitals close.”

As negotiations continue, union health care workers, legislators and other stakeholders remain adamant that losing the Commonwealth hospitals would have a devastating effect on lives, livelihoods and local health care access.

The SEIU Healthcare workers’ union and other advocates held in March their second town hall aimed at preserving critical services at Regional and Moses Taylor and the union jobs necessary for the delivery of care there. It complemented a similar event in December held in the wake of the WoodBridge sale’s collapse.

“These doors will remain open, because the service lines that are provided and the staff that provides those service lines — specifically OBGYN, cardiac and emergency room — are vital to this community and it would be catastrophic if they were to be taken away,” Kosierowski told the town hall crowd in March.

Since Moses Taylor is technically a campus of Regional, advocates pushing to “save Regional” are generally referring to jobs and services at Moses as well.

In a hospital data sheet hosted on its protectregionalcareandjobs.org website, SEIU Healthcare contends there would be insufficient beds between GCMC and Lehigh Valley Hospital – Dickson City to absorb the necessary patient care across Lackawanna County if Regional closes. Closing Regional would also create a significant void in birth and delivery services, as Regional accounts for about 70% of births in Lackawanna County, according to an SEIU press release.

Melissa Sonday, a registered nurse who works in Moses Taylor’s neonatal intensive care unit, referenced that birth figure in an opinion column published in The Times-Tribune and its sister papers early last month. Her column coincided with National Nurses Week and described in clear terms what’s at stake should the hospitals close.

“Moses is home to the only NICU in Lackawanna County,” she wrote. “The next closest NICU is 45 minutes away in the Poconos. Regional Hospital is also an important source of good union jobs that people like me and my husband rely on to support our family.”

Sonday’s early May column noted that she and her colleagues were encouraged by the prospect of a potential new buyer.

“When we talk about the future of our hospital, not only do we aspire to find a buyer that will keep Regional open, but we also hold on to a vision for something better – expanded services, more access to specialists, and shorter wait times for people seeking care, while also preserving the good union jobs that have made Regional an anchor institution for decades,” she wrote. “My coworkers and I do this work not because it is easy, but because we believe in it, and we believe in what is best for our community.”