Local News

(WBRE/WYOU) — From consistently frigid last week to consistently above average this week. But, how long will the warming trend last?

As temperatures struggled to climb above the freezing mark last week, they will have no problem reaching the 40s this week.

7 Day Forecast

For the month of February (so far), many high temperatures have been either at or below average. We've had only three days when the temperatures were above average for AVP.

LARKSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Crews responded to a fire that broke out at a home in Larksville Monday morning.

Firefighters were called to the rear of a home in the 200 block of Howard Street for reports of smoke and fire just after 11:30 a.m.

Firefighters from Larksville and Courtdale who first arrived at the scene reported heavy smoke and entered the home to search for any potential victims.

Man accused of shooting woman in face during TV dispute

LEHIGHTON, CARBON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say they investigated multiple cooking oil thefts that occurred within the same area.

On February 20 around 2:10 a.m., officers found a van near a closed business on State Route 443. After further investigation, officers said they arrested a man actively stealing used cooking oil from an outside container.

The man was arrested on multiple misdemeanor charges and his bail was set at $75,000.

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Hazleton City officials are issuing an alert today regarding a letter that has been sent to city residents regarding concerns that the city may become a sanctuary city.

Mayor Jeff Cusat (R) says the letter instructs the recipients to donate money to fund efforts to supposedly prevent Hazleton and Pennsylvania from becoming a Sanctuary City for undocumented immigrants.

Spectators banned from West Hazleton youth basketball games

(WBRE/WYOU) — UGI Utilities, Inc. announced its purchased gas cost rates will increase by an average of 7.1% on March 1.

UGI says the colder temperatures have led to an increased demand for natural gas and increased supply costs.

UGI files request to raise gas prices nearly 11%

UGI states in a release they are required by law to pass the cost of natural gas they purchase directly through to customers without any markup.

This will result in an average of a 7.1% increase in monthly billing from $104.37 to $111.73 per month.

SPRING BROOK TWP., LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police say they arrested a man who allegedly shot a woman in the face when she changed the TV to "Scooby Doo."

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on February 23 around 10:00 p.m., troopers were called for a woman accusing a man, later identified as James Walsh, 62, of Spring Brook Township, of shooting her in the face.

PSP desk personnel stated they could hear Walsh in the background of the victim's 911 call saying "You're gonna die, you're gonna die."

LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A legislative shake up is happening in Lackawanna County.

Effective Monday, Matt McGloin has resigned from his position as Lackawanna County commissioner.

Now, majority commissioner Bill Gaughan is announcing his pick for the nomination.

What new DA Brian Gallagher plans to do

Commissioner Gaughan says he would like Dunmore Mayor Max Conway (D) to take the seat of former Democratic Commissioner Matt McGloin.

FOREST LAKE TWP., SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police are investigating an online dating scam that caused a woman to lose over $32,000.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, the scam occurred between August 2024 and January 2025.

A-Rod sinks half-court shot to win student 10K

Police stated an 80-year-old woman from Montrose was scammed out of $32,290 by the suspect using an online dating site.

The incident is under further investigation.

LEWISBURG, UNION COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — One lucky Bucknell student is $10,000 richer thanks to some Big League help on the hard court.

Sunday morning, former Major League Baseball player Alex Rodriguez was on campus at Bucknell University. He teamed with Bucknell alumni business partners to speak with students about entrepreneurship.

Maternity home opens in Scranton for moms in need

Afterward, the former New York Yankee and Shark Tank reality show host had a chance to win a Bucknell student $10,000.

Feb. 23—UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon broke another fundraising record this year, raising $17,737,040.93 toward the fight against pediatric cancer.