Local News

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's hard to imagine having to deal with arthritic pain at two years old, but a girl named Sophia knows what it's like, and has now found a treatment that seems to be working for her.

Two-year-old Sophia Dykins loves to play and run around like any toddler would, but her mother, Heidi, says that was not the case just last March.

"The flare-up, really kind of happened overnight," said Heidi Dykins, Sophia's mother.

Sophia's ankles were swollen, prompting a visit to the orthopedic urgent care.

28/22 NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — 28/22 News sat down with Governor Josh Shapiro to talk about key issues facing Pennsylvania, including raising the minimum wage and the ongoing debate over legalizing recreational marijuana.

Governor Shapiro is entering the second half of his term in office and says his main focus continues to be improving the lives of residents of the Commonwealth.

Governor Shapiro told 28/22 News he is working on his budget plan, which he will present to state lawmakers and the public on February 4.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Most of us stay inside during the painfully cold temperatures we're experiencing this week, but emergency responders have no choice but to head out in the harsh conditions.

Firefighters have to learn to adapt to the freezing weather to ensure they're ready to protect the community.

28/22 News Reporter Kathryn Oleary explains how they prepare to fight fires when the temperature drops.

When temperatures plummet, fighting fires become an even bigger challenge.

HARRISBURG — Republican lawmakers in the Pennsylvania General Assembly announced forthcoming bills seeking to require that prosecutors immediately notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement if there’s evidence that a criminal defendant is in the country illegally.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Some Facebook and Instagram users were surprised to find themselves automatically following the accounts of President Donald Trump or Vice President JD Vance this week after the president was inaugurated — but that's likely because they had previously followed official U.S. government accounts.

Meta spokesman Andy Stone said in a Threads post that the official POTUS and White House accounts are managed by the White House and “change when the occupant of the White House changes.”

The same goes for accounts for the U.S. vice president and first lady.

Update: On January 23, Pennsylvania State Police said contact was made with Wicks and she is reported to be safe.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police are searching for a woman reported missing in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State Police in Schuylkill Haven stated they are searching for 48-year-old Jamillah Wicks who was last seen on January 17 in Richland Borough, Lebanon County.

Missing man found injured near senior living facility

Police describe Wicks as 5'5”, 160 lbs and she was traveling in a sliver, 2006 Subaru Outback.

LOPEZ, SULLIVAN COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — With temperatures dropping across the region, one town known as "The Icebox of Pennsylvania" saw brutally cold temperatures this week.

The coldest air of the season so far, is here.

It was quite the cold start Tuesday morning where temperatures were near or below zero. Selinsgrove's low-temperature Tuesday morning -14° degrees.

A local weather station registered in Lopez, Sullivan County, also known as "The Icebox of Pennsylvania", recorded a low of -20 degrees.

Winter Outlook: Welcome to Lopez

MORELAND TWP, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say a woman has lost $16,000 after she was part of a gift card scam.

According to state police, a 71-year-old woman was contacted via email saying her bank account had been falsely charged by PayPal.

Pa. man arrested, gun found in carry-on at NJ airport

The victim was told she would have to pay a certain amount in gift cards to resolve the issue.

The victim eventually paid the $16,000 in gift cards and lost access to the money.

(WBRE/WYOU) — Four NFL teams are fighting to win this Sunday in the AFC and NFC championship games. Each team has at least one native from northeastern or central Pennsylvania representing their organization and trying to reach that championship win.

Brett Veach - Kanas City Chiefs

EDWARDSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — While many are cranking up the heat in their homes with these frigid temps one business in Luzerne County always has the thermostat at a tropical 95°.

The lights are always on at Melt Hot Yoga in Edwardsville before the sun comes up.

But this time of year people like Amber Tosh and Scarlett Evans are bundled up for Tuesday’s chilling temps - before breaking a sweat.

“I do not like the cold, not a fan of the cold,” says Tosh.