Local News

Weed companies spent $1.6 million last year pushing Pennsylvania lawmakers to legalize recreational use of the drug.

PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Multiple gunshots can be heard on surveillance video 28/22 News obtained from a viewer. Neighbors say they woke up to the noise and a heavy police presence early Monday morning in Plains Township.

28/22 News is still waiting to hear from police, but neighbors in the area say the police activity on the street is surprising because the area is usually fairly peaceful.

"It was around 4:00 in the morning, a little after 4:00. I heard loud banging: Bang, bang, bang, bang," a neighbor told 28/22 News.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's a tradition that's been going on for three decades in Lackawanna County. More than 100 volunteers with the Shamrock Heart Foundation spend days making thousands of corsages and boutonnieres.

Its a small gesture for Saint Patrick's Day for those in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities.

They are packaged with a card and a simple message to make sure the recipient knows they are being thought of.

7th Annual Electric City Reptile Expo slithers back to NEPA

JERMYN, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Crystal Fire Company in Jermyn is celebrating a major milestone: 140 years of service. The all-volunteer department has evolved over the years, responding to emergencies not just in their hometown, but across Lackawanna, Wayne, and Susquehanna counties.

Crystal Fire Company is one of the oldest volunteer firefighter companies in the state.

Members say the key to their longevity is community support and the dedication of their volunteers.

PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — 12th graders all across northeastern and central Pennsylvania will graduate from high school in just a matter of months.

One of those high school seniors is in rare company. She will graduate with two degrees.

Napoli's Pizza in Pittston is a busy place serving up slices, stromboli, calzone, and other dishes and desserts too.

Perhaps even busier is Maia Costagliola.

The teenager cooks, takes orders, and waits on tables but she has much more than that on her plate.

SELINSGROVE — Chris and Melody Aikey, along with their two teen daughters, enjoyed a round of mini-golf at Rudy Gelnett Memorial Library on Saturday.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Both lanes of Interstate 81 will close Monday night in Lackawanna County for emergency repairs.

According to PennDOT, the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 81 at mile marker 188 (Dunmore/Throop) will be shut down at 6:00 p.m. for emergency utility repairs.

WATCH: Shooting near school caught on camera

There will be multiple detours in place. The estimated time of reopening has not yet been determined.

You can check the latest road conditions by visiting 511pa.com.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Scranton Police say an argument between two men resulted in one being shot outside a bar in Scranton.

Police say on Saturday, March 16, around midnight, one man was shot outside Beaner's Bar on North Main Avenue in Scranton.

WATCH: Shooting near school caught on camera

According to the police, the victim suffered serious, but not life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Police say this was not a random act of violence and the investigation is still active

(WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Lottery is asking players to check their tickets because two winning lottery tickets, worth over $5 million, are close to expiring.

Officials with the Pennsylvania Lottery state two tickets worth a combined total of $5,128,337 will soon expire.

This includes one jackpot-winning Match 6 Lotto prize worth $2.5 million sold in Wayne County, and one jackpot-winning Cash 5 with Quick Cash prize worth $2,628,337 sold in Westmoreland County.

RIVERSIDE, MONTOUR COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — According to PA WARN Notices, the pharmaceutical company Merck & Co., Inc. will close its Montour County location by 2026.

Bus carrying bagpipers crashes into tractor-trailer

The closure will impact 163 jobs at the Riverside location in Montour County. The layoffs will happen in multiple rounds, with the first one starting on May 16 through May 30.

The second round of layoffs will happen between June 23 and July 7, and the final round will happen sometime in 2026.