Local News

NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry held a roundtable discussion on Wednesday on legislative priorities and economic development needs in NEPA.

Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) hosted the event.

A number of initiatives that the college is involved in were highlighted.

Business leaders discuss manufacturing, rural growth in Pa

The discussion also focused on worker shortage and infrastructure investments.

A number of local state lawmakers also took part in the round table discussion.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — On Wednesday, Luzerne County is giving us a look at a pilot program that is set to soon bring Artificial Intelligence (AI) into government operations.

County leaders hosted a public presentation at the operations building to show people how generative AI will be used in day-to-day work.

The program to use AI was announced back in April.

The county says they wanted to be transparent and make sure people understand what the technology is, and what it can and cannot do.

LEHIGHTON, CARBON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A large homeless encampment has been raising health and safety concerns in one local community. That camp has since been cleaned up, but local officials say the problem has been going on for years with no end in sight.

The encampment is located just off the Lehigh River in Lehighton. While the camp was cleaned up, the area still shows signs of homeless activity.

This is all that's left of what Lehighton locals have coined "tent city."

SOUTH ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Two were displaced after a house fire in South Abington Township Wednesday night.

A supervisor with the Lackawanna County Communications Center told 28/22 News crews were called at about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday to the 700 block of Layton Road for a reported working structure fire.

South Abington Fire Department led the response to the house fire with help from the Scott Township and Clarks Summit Fire Departments, officials told 28/22 News.

There are no reported injuries at this time, according to authorities.

SELINSGROVE — Demonstrators poured grains of red sand into sidewalk cracks at three Valley libraries Wednesday as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about human trafficking and exploitation.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Big improvements to a Lackawanna County park are being celebrated Wednesday. A ribbon-cutting was held at Weston Park in Scranton this afternoon to mark the completion of the upgrades.

The park received a total of $396,000 thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' community conservation partnerships program, and matching community development block grant funds.

Red Sand Project raising awareness on trafficking

DICKSON CITY, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — New Electric Vehicle charging stations are now fully operational at a gas station in Dickson City. The "Re-chargery" stations at Sheetz are the first of its kind in our area.

They have faster-than-average charging times and a retro look.

They are part of the company IONNA's efforts to build a network of chargers coast to coast.

Owners of the gas station chain claim the look and location of these chargers help customers feel safer.

Red Sand Project raising awareness on trafficking

WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Four of Pennsylvania's congressmen gathered at a roundtable with area business leaders earlier Wednesday. It centered around opportunities in northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

At the Pennsylvania College of Technology, a roundtable focusing on energy, manufacturing, and growth in rural communities.

A dozen local business leaders came together to address opportunities and concerns to Republican Congressmen Dan Meuser, Rob Bresnahan, Glen Thompson, and Ryan Mackenzie. Among the topics discussed, the benefits of data centers.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A local grocery store forced to close after a fire is now celebrating their re-opening.

Schiff's in Scranton welcomed back customers after an electrical fire closed the store for ten days.

Wednesday's festivities drew many people to the business, which was a welcome sight for regular customers.

Honoring fallen co-worker with memorial garden

Shoppers could also take a chance at winning fun prizes, like raffle baskets.

DANVILLE — Geisinger is using an artificial intelligence-enabled breast cancer screening program to identify high-risk patients and manage their care.