Local News

(WBRE/WYOU) — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says a man from Pennsylvania was caught with a turtle hidden in his pants at a New Jersey airport.

The TSA explained in a release on Friday, March 7, the East Stroudsburg man was caught with the turtle in his pants when a TSA body scanner triggered an alarm in the area of the man's groin at the Newark Liberty International Airport.

Courtesy of the Transportation Security Administration

(WBRE/WYOU) — Geisinger nurses continue to show frustration after they took the picket lines in February, threatening a second strike. Nurses have continued to negotiate with Geisinger management about staffing shortages and pay.

The union, SEIU, says after weeks of additional negotiations, management still isn't willing to budge.

Police use Flock Safety system to arrest two suspects

On Monday, nurses voted to authorize a second strike if needed.

The nurses' union continues to fight for better pay, better benefits, and an end to staffing shortages.

FACTORYVILLE, WYOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local borough council president has reached new heights. Soaring through the Pennsylvania skies at 80 years old, faith and community are what keep this woman grounded. Meet this week's Remarkable Woman.

"They always said I was a daredevil anyway," 82-year-old Gerrie Carey said.

82-year-old Gerrie Carey jumped, quite literally, at the opportunity to go skydiving with her granddaughter Lauren Berry.

CARBONDALE TOWNSHIP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Following a fatal crash, ATV experts are reminding people about the risks of riding and sharing tips on how to stay safe.

Experts say it's important to make sure you are operating an age-appropriate ATV and that you are riding on the right terrain.

Lance Mirkin is the owner of Pocono Motorsports in Monroe County and Hamlin Motorsports in Wayne County.

Without commenting on the investigation specifically, he says it's important to follow basic safety protocol like wearing a helmet and checking your brakes.

TAMAQUA, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Parents and students in a local school district had quite the scare on Tuesday. A threatening call was made to the district's high school, leading to a lockdown and a heavy police presence for much of the day.

Police responded to Tamaqua Area High School around 12:30 p.m. after being alerted of a threat, which was made over the phone to the building's main office.

It's still unclear who's responsible for the call or what their message was, but it put a scare into parents and students.

HARRISBURG — The search for resolution to a federal lawsuit ruling that Google maintained an online search engine monopoly has been joined by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.

HARRISBURG — Public housing authorities operating in third-class cities throughout Pennsylvania would be authorized to create their own police departments under a bill proposal offered by a state House Democrat.

Editor's Note: This story has been edited to clarify where the party occurred.

LONG POND, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Three men are facing homicide charges for their alleged involvement in a deadly shooting that occurred at a party in a rental property in the Poconos.

The following three men have been charged with homicide and attempted homicide in the death of 22-year-old Lionardo Hernandez Zarata;

Oscar Quilarque Sosa, 31, of New York

Oswaldo Odin Soloranzo Sosa, 37, of New York

Josthin Noel Landaeta Perez, 24, of New York

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's a one-of-it's-kind security system in northeastern Pennsylvania, and a Luzerne County Police Department says it continues to pay dividends.

Hazleton Police say it helped lead to the arrest of two suspected gunman after shots rang out in a neighborhood in the middle of the afternoon.

It's called the Flock Safety Raven System. It combines hi-tech cameras and listening devices to help track and possibly prevent crime

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RICE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Maple syrup season is in full swing, and local producers have been waiting on Mother Nature to give them the perfect weather.

Tapping for some sap before the sun comes up is a normal early morning task for Bill Urbanski, Co-owner of Urbanski Farms.

“We generally want to find a tree that’s going to be ten to twelve inches in diameter before we begin to tap it.”

Elevated risk for wildfire spread in NEPA

The local sap house in Rice Township is stoked and steaming, producing sweet maple syrup.