Luzerne County

HANOVER TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Two family members are facing charges after police say an 8-year-old died from a gunshot wound to the stomach.

The Hanover Township Police Department stated they arrested 38-year-old Phillicia S. Brantley for endangering the welfare of children after her 8-year-old daughter died from a gunshot wound. 

Investigators say on December 9, 2024, Brantley left her home and her children unsupervised. Her 12-year-old son then began playing with her Sig Sauer P365 .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun, police said.

LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — PennDOT has announced lane restrictions on Interstate 81 to allow crews to perform electrical work.

According to PennDOT, these restrictions will take place in the northbound and southbound lanes between Exit 155 (Dorrance) and Exit 159 (Nuangola).

The work is expected to be performed Tuesday April 29, and Wednesday April 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This project is in addition to work on I-81 south from Pittston to Nanticoke from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Drivers should expect delays.

BUTLER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Butler Township Police are investigating a crash that left a man seriously injured after a motorcycle slammed into a school bus Monday afternoon.

Police say the crash happened at about 2:20 p.m. Monday at the intersection of North Hunter Highway, State Route 309, and Corporate Drive.

As the investigation into the burning body found on Sunday in Hazleton continues, more information about the victim has been released.

OLYPHANT, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A young boy who was shot in the streets of Lackawanna County is expected to survive. The shooting happened Sunday night in Olyphant, where the alleged teenage shooter shot a 12-year-old in the chest.

Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher tells 28/22 News this act of youth violence comes down to a parenting crisis.

He says the young boy who was shot last night is in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive.

Those in the neighborhood still can't believe what happened.

LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Roadwork on Interstate 81 this week could tie up your commute in Luzerne County.

I-81 South is down to one lane from Pittston to Nanticoke from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Drivers should expect delays.

Chance of severe weather coming Tuesday night

PennDOT urges drivers to travel the posted speed limit, pay close attention to signs and flaggers, turn on their headlights, and avoid all distractions.

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local teenager is drawing on his experience from his days in an after-school program to help other students.

His volunteer work encourages other children to expand their minds and put them on a path for career success.

Meet Angel Sandoval, a junior at Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences, but that's not where he is on a late afternoon.

He is navigating a second-floor classroom at Maple Manor Middle School in Hazleton. It serves as home to the after-school program called SHINE, which stands for Schools and Homes in Education.

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Luzerne County District Attorney states the body found burning in Hazleton over the weekend was a woman from Schuylkill County.

District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce says they are investigating the death of a Schuylkill County woman whose body was found burning around 7:00 a.m. on Club 40 Road in Hazleton.

Firefighters responded to a report of a mannequin on fire; however, after extinguishing they found the reported mannequin was a body.

A motorcyclist was seriously injured after crashing into a school bus at the intersection of Route 309 and Corporate Drive in Butler Township Monday afternoon.

Police say a 13-year-old girl was pistol-whipped in Kirby Park Saturday night.