Luzerne County

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Talks of a passenger rail service connecting Wilkes-Barre and Pittston have begun to surface, and now, county officials confirm those talks. Before the project can begin, there are some hurdles that both the county and the rail company must overcome first.

Trains have been an integral part of Northeastern Pennsylvania's identity since the railroad's inception in the early 1800s.

While railway travel is nowhere near as popular as it once was, some local officials and railway operators are hoping to see that change.

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Workforce development and immigration were the topics of a round table held in Luzerne County on Wednesday.

The Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee and the state's legislative Latino caucus are working together in Hazleton on Wednesday.

Both groups are participating in a roundtable discussion about immigration and workforce development. The groups are also touring the Hazleton One Community Center.

State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz is chair of the commonwealth's legislative Latino caucus.

Six people were evacuated from the fire that started around 2 p.m. along Brown Street in Wilkes-Barre.

BUCKINGHAM TWP., WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police say a driver was killed during a crash after he was ejected from his vehicle.

PSP reported on September 1 that a crash had happened on State Route 191 (Hancock Highway) in Buckingham Township, Wayne County.

Luzerne County tax collector pled guilty to $400K embezzlement

Police say a vehicle traveling south on SR 191 went into the northbound lane, went off the roadway, and overturned several times.

DURYEA, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police have revealed there was a report of a woman being held against her will and not being allowed to leave a home in Duryea.

According to police, they were dispatched to the 100 block of Foote Avenue in Duryea around 5:30 on Tuesday for a report of a woman being held against her will.

Police say they made contact with a 47-year-old man and a woman in the home, and that the woman was signaling behind the man that she needed help.

Elementary staff hold McDonald’s fundraiser

EDWARDSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Teachers from one local elementary school traded in their lesson plans for fast food orders.

State Street Elementary staff members stepped behind the counter at McDonald's in Edwardsville to help raise money for their students. They worked both the drive-through and front counter.

This fundraiser is for student activities, including the school store, rewards, and events throughout the year.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A new voting system is coming to Luzerne County. Leaders say it will save money, reduce errors, and make things easier for voters and poll workers.

Council has approved a new contract with Hart InterCivic. The system will become operational for the next election cycle when the contract begins in the new year.

After months of testing, county officials say the machines are the best fit.

The new system means less equipment, more in-house operations, and fewer chances for human error.

A road reopened on Tuesday evening after a hazmat incident in Hazle Township on Monday.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's National Child Passenger Safety Week, and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are offering free car seat checks. Parents and caregivers can have car seats installed and learn how to do it themselves, including at Motorworld in Wilkes-Barre.

While there, you can learn how to properly secure a child in a car seat. Plus, you can check for seat recalls and even get a seat at a reduced cost.

Officials warn PA residents of phishing scam

JENKINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Luzerne County sports bar was burglarized over the weekend.

Staff at Brews Brothers Sports Bar and Grill say the suspects broke through a window and stole an unknown amount of money. Staff say the suspects were in and out of the building quickly.

Police responded to threat at school, kids evacuated

Jenkins Township Police said they cannot comment at this time because the burglary is still under investigation.