Stop! Before reading any further, please go read my colleague Margaret Roarty’s “In Frame” column from August entitled ‘The Wizard of Oz’ turns 86. Like Margaret, I’m an Oz-head for life. She got to this topic a few months before me, but if any film deserves to be featured twice, it’s “The Wizard of Oz.”

“In this business, turnover is a way of life. There are a lot of radio nomads, but that kind of life isn’t for me” — George Graham, in 2022 article marking his 50th anniversary as a WVIA-FM employee.

This true story follows everyday man Jeffrey Manchester, played by the delightful Channing Tatum (“White House Down”), who also just happens to be a part-time criminal. Eh, who’s to judge? So, what if he robs banks and breaks into fast food restaurants across nine states by drilling holes through the walls and roofs? Jeffrey Manchester, who was also a former U.S. Army paratrooper means well, isn’t that all that counts?

It’s about time we talk about Norman Reilly Raine, the quiet member of the Luzerne County Oscar winners’ club. Unlike Jack Palance and the Mankiewicz brothers, you don’t hear much conversation about Mr. Raine, who won his Oscar for best adapted screenplay for 1937’s “The Life of Emile Zola” — which also won best picture.

Let me preface this week’s review by stating just how much I dislike the title of this movie. Like, who on earth could not come up with a better title than “The Smashing Machine?” Like seriously, with a corny title such as this, it’s no wonder it bombed opening weekend with only $6 million worldwide! And it should be noted that it had a $40 million budget — yikes! Of course it did open up next to Taylor Swift’s new album preview film, not that the target audiences cross paths at all.

WASHINGTON — The consequences of a government shutdown setting in, senators labored Thursday to find a way forward but found themselves struggling to overcome a fundamental lack of trust between the two parties.

WASHINGTON — The United States is sending about 200 troops to Israel to help support and monitor the ceasefire deal in Gaza as part of a team that includes partner nations, nongovernmental organizations and private sector players, U.S. officials said Thursday.

OLD FORGE — With a King Tut coffin and hieroglyphic mural designs, Black Earth Magical Cafe is like being inside a pharaoh’s home — or final resting place. Paintings on the wall depict dogs as pharaohs, just some of the Egyptian-themed restaurant and sanctuary’s decorations.

OLD FORGE — With a King Tut coffin and hieroglyphic mural designs, Black Earth Magical Cafe is like being inside a pharaoh’s home — or final resting place. Paintings on the wall depict dogs as pharaohs, just some of the Egyptian-themed restaurant and sanctuary’s decorations.

HONESDALE — The Wayne County Farmers Market kicks off its 50th anniversary season on Saturday, May 24, marking half a century of connecting local growers, bakers, and artisans with the community.

DICKSON CITY — For spice lovers and chicken lovers alike, there’s a new HOT spot opening in Dickson City. The vibrant air of the casual dining restaurant smelled like pickles and good times — or good brine I should say!

CLARKS SUMMIT — Rose Brutico Fazio has owned Abbiocco for almost nine years and now ownership is shifting to Andrea Araujo, but don’t worry — the food, values and atmosphere of the restaurant will continue on.

SCRANTON — Hardcore for Husvar is a benefit concert taking place at St. Mary’s Center over Memorial Day Weekend to honor the life of NEPA-native Neil Husvar as well as raise funds for Suicide Prevention.

STROUDSBURG — The Sherman Theater announced that Wheatus, the band behind the iconic global hit “Teenage Dirtbag,” will take the stage on Friday, May 23, with special guest MC Lars and Good Stuff.

STROUDSBURG - Emo and pop-punk icons Mayday Parade hit the road in 2025 to celebrate their incredible two-decade career with the “Three Cheers for 20 Years” Tour, stopping at the Sherman Theater on Friday, May 24.

STROUDSBURG — Rochester-based indie trio, Joywave brings their “Here To Perform… Spring 2025 Tour” to the Sherman Theater on May 22, 2025.

WILKES-BARRE – The Vindys are set open for Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo at their F.M. Kirby Center show on Tuesday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m.