Local News

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A court hearing was held at the Lackawanna County Courthouse to hear arguments from both sides regarding the empty commissioner's seat.

28/22's Connor Coar has new updates on this litigation.

A three-judge panel listened to arguments from the Lackawanna County Democratic Committee and the Board of Elections.

The Democratic Committee is looking to appoint Brenda Sacco to fill out the remainder of the term.

This comes after former Commissioner Matt McGloin officially resigned back in March.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — September is Suicide Prevention Month, and on Wednesday, the world honors Suicide Prevention Day.

College campuses are emphasizing the resources they have for students who are struggling. Many counselors at local universities are reminding students that they are not alone and, should they need, help is always available.

"We're here for our future, but our future is not a future without our mental health," said Yamilé Nader, a student at Marywood University.

Lackawanna College announces programs expansion

(WBRE/WYOU) — You can now watch all 28/22 News newscasts for free on your smart TV with our new app.

If you have an Apple TV, an Amazon Fire TV, or a Roku device, you can stream all newscasts and other brand new, engaging local and national content for free with the 28/22 Now app.

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If you are upset about price hikes, subscriptions, and fees, the 28/22 Now app is right for you. Downloading and accessing the 24/7 content is absolutely free.

(WBRE/WYOU) — A cafeteria worker accused of taping students' mouths shut has filed a defamation lawsuit against her former employers.

Dorothy Lanza was accused of placing painters' tape over students' mouths earlier this year.

Lanza is now suing administrators from the school, asserting that the accusations are false and claiming spread of the story has caused irreparable damage to her reputation.

Woman sentenced up to 15 years in prison for sexual assault

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The campaign for Mayor of Scranton is ramping up. The Republican candidate for mayor, Trish Beynon, is challenging Mayor Paige Cognetti's decision to run dual campaigns: One for re-election and a run for the Eighth Congressional District Seat.

Beynon insists that the taxpayers of Scranton will be, in her words, shortchanged by Mayor Congetti as she runs a dual campaign.

Mayor Cognetti says that is simply not the case and will continue to work for the residents of Scranton.

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) - Sheetz customers can expect to pay more for Hershey candy soon.

Social media lit up with an announcement posted at a Sheetz store, stating that there would be a 26% increase on certain king-size and regular-sized Hershey candy bars due to the Hershey company instituting a price increase.

Nick Ruffner, the Public Affairs Manager for Sheetz, confirmed with Nexstar's WTAJ that the price increase will be in effect at all stores starting Sept. 17.

The increase will hit not only Hershey bars, but also Reese's, Kit-Kat, and PayDay candy bars.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — According to Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo, a lockdown has been lifted after a shooting threat prompted a police response at the Children and Youth building Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement to 28/22 News, Romilda Crocamo stated that there was a "third-party shooting threat" for the Children and Youth Building in Wilkes-Barre.

Send Your Pictures and Video to Report It

(WBRE/WYOU) — Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) released its map to help visitors find out when they can see the best fall leaves this season.

PMVB predicts peak color in each color region as follows:

Northern region (northern Wayne and Pike counties): October 7

Central region (southern Wayne and Pike counties, northern Monroe County): Between October 17 and 21

Southern region (southern Monroe and Carbon counties): Week of October 22

Decorating early for Christmas in Peckville

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — An investigation is underway into a huge fire that destroyed two homes and damaged a third in Luzerne County.

28/22 News spoke to a man who says he’s lucky to be alive after jumping out of a window, escaping the blaze.

What was left of an apartment building on South Wyoming and East Walnut Street in Hazleton came toppling down early Wednesday after flames ripped through it, leaving destruction overnight.

Emergency crews battled the fire and hotspots for more than ten hours, and the blaze spread to two nearby homes.

WASHINGTONVILLE -- The mayor, two county commissioners and an Anthony Township supervisor came to a fire house here...