Local News

EPSY, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A garbage truck was damaged after a fire in Columbia County.

Fire officials say crews were called to the scene in Espy around 1:00 p.m. after a garbage truck caught fire inside a repair bay at Foughts Waste Disposal Service.

Reflecting on devastating Scranton flooding one year later

Officials say the truck was being serviced when it's believed that sparks from a grinder caused waste in the back of the truck on fire.

Officials say no one was injured and there was no structural to the building.

KLINE TOWNSHIP, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The trial of a former Hazleton police officer accused of detonating an explosive in Schuylkill County began Monday.

Investigators say Lalell Hannon set off an explosive device outside a building on Center Street in Kline Township in December 2021.

Police investigating recent thefts from cars in Union County

Officers say he was trying to kill Harrison Jordan who was in a relationship with Hannon's estranged wife.

Hannon faces more than 40 years in prison if convicted.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Monday marks one year since the devastating flooding last September in NEPA.

Mayor Paige Cognetti and other representatives of the city of Scranton took a moment to reflect and acknowledge the historic events on September 9, 2023.

Flash flooding damaged neighborhoods in Scranton and other parts of the area costing some $10,000,000 in damages within city limits.

Mayor Cognetti spoke about the continuous efforts the city is making to prepare for the next event.

Teen organizes fundraiser to help children with dystonia

DUPONT, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A 13-year-old Triboro Christian Academy student is giving back to his community and others in a special way, by hosting a car show.

The money raised will help, two other children who both have the same medical condition that Owen Moraski lives with.

Moraski was diagnosed with dystonia when he was 9 years old, that's what encouraged him to start a fundraiser for two local siblings living with the same condition.

He learned about the two youngsters through his doctor.

MIFFLINBURG, UNION COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Mifflinburg Police Department is investigating several incidents of thefts from cars.

According to the Mifflinburg Police Department, a person was entering unlocked cars and stealing loose cash and coins.

Police say home surveillance captured the possible offender getting into a car on September 8 at 3:33 a.m.

Man pleads guilty in deadly Hazle Twp. shooting

Areas impacted include Old Orchard Lane, North Second Street, and East Green Street, according to authorities.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Scranton Fire Department is rallying behind one of its own. Lieutenant Kelly Hopkins is battling stage four esophageal cancer.

He talked with 28/22 News about how humble he is with the amount of support he has from his second family.

"When a brother in the fire department needs help, it's almost automatic that we band together," said Scranton Fire Department Lieutenant Tim O'Connor.

Scranton Firefighter Lieutenant Kelly Hopkins is fighting his biggest fire yet.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — PennDOT announces temporary traffic pattern change on Interstate 80 in Carbon and Luzerne counties starting September 10.

Overnight lane restrictions will start on September 10 from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. happening nightly until the anticipated finish on Friday, September 13, according to PennDOT.

This will include setting a temporary concrete barrier and painting temporary lines on I-80 Eastbound.

PennDOT releases South Street Bridge repair plans

This temporary traffic shift is expected to be in place through most of 2025.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police were on the scene of an active investigation for a reported shooting near Movies 14 in Wilkes-Barre.

Multiple police cruisers and emergency vehicles could be seen in the area of Movies 14 Monday around 3:40 p.m. Police have shut down East Northampton Street.

Emergency crews were seen giving CPR to a possible shooting victim near the theater's entrance.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — We are less than two months away from the November 5 General Election and many political analysts say this could be the largest voter turnout in American history.

Local political experts say Luzerne County is once again a focal point of the national races, which is why Former President Donald Trump held a rally in Wilkes-Barre Township last month and Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

Your Local Election Headquarters

HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A man who was a suspect in a Hazle Township shooting that left an 18-year-old dead has pleaded guilty to his involvement.

Court officials report Ismael Alejandro Valdez-Batista of Mahanoy City has pleaded guilty to attempted homicide after he allegedly drove two suspects to an area where they shot and killed 18-year-old Rolando Cepeda.

In April 2023 state police responded to the area of West 23rd Street in Hazle Township for a report of a shooting.