Local News

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Crews were called back Friday morning to North 17th Avenue after the attic was smoldering.

According to Lackawanna County Communications Center, first responders were called to the 300 block of North 17th Street in Scranton after a reported structure fire that spread to another house was called in just after 11:00 p.m.

Three people were able to get out safely from the one home when flames first broke out around 11:30 p.m., according to a Scranton fire official.

PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Spring is here and that means the return of little league baseball.

In Plains Township, the start of the season isn't just about playing ball, it's a cherished community tradition.

Families, friends, and neighbors lined the streets for a parade to celebrate Opening Day.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— It's getting near the end of an era in the Electric City. The final Holy Week observation for a church that's been an inspiration to the faithful for so many decades.

Scranton's Nativity of Our Lord Church saw its pews full of people for Holy Thursday mass.

They were there to celebrate the last super and the final Holy Week celebration at the parish before it closes its doors in a few months.

Roundtable brings attention to teacher shortage

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Three people are displaced after a Thursday night kitchen fire in Scranton.

According to Scranton Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Jeff White, crews responded to the 600 block of Cedar Avenue just before 7:30 p.m. for a reported structure fire

When crews arrived on-scene, they called UGI Gas and PPL Electrics to shut off their respective utilities, according to White.

Two arrested in Luzerne County drug bust

White states that the fire started in the second floor kitchen of the apartment building.

PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Two men have been taken into custody on multiple drug charges after a search warrant was executed on Tuesday, according to Pittston City Police Department.

Following the execution of the warrant 44-year-old Mark Braithwaite of Pittston and 21-year-old Damari Peterson of Philadelphia were arrested.

The Pittston City Special Investigation Unit started a narcotics investigation into Braithwaite.

Officials say that they were looking into whether Braithwaite was distributing cocaine throughout the city.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Ballot drop boxes are coming back to Luzerne County including a new high-security model making its election debut.

The county election board approved their use last night for the May 20 primary, including one at Penn Place in Wilkes-Barre with several security features.

‘Rockin’ the River’ debuts summer concert lineup

The new box snaps a photo of each voter and ballot envelope as it's dropped.

Election officials say the internal cameras help track and verify envelopes, adding a new layer of transparency.

EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— In the past decade, the number of certified teachers produced by Pennsylvania's education programs has fallen by 75%, and teacher turnover is at an all-time high.

Pennsylvania is facing a statewide teacher shortage with turnover rates at an all time high.

With the crisis continuing to grow, local leaders in education are pushing for change.

School district addresses sensory room closure rumors

MILTON — The Milton School District is establishing a three-year pathway for students interested in pursuing a health care, medical-related career.

Firearm suicides affect 1 in 4 rural Pennsylvanians, but far fewer broach the subject in public, according to a violence prevention advocacy group pushing to address the “why” and end the silence.

WILLIAMSPORT – A Danville man will spend 30 years in prison after being sentenced in federal court on April 15.