Luzerne County

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A search warrant was served, and an investigation is underway by Hazleton City Police after a burning body was found along Club 40 Road on Sunday.

According to Hazleton City Police, units were called to the intersection of Club 40 Road and East Broad Street just after 7:00 a.m. for a report of a mannequin on fire.

After investigation, firefighters noticed that this was not a mannequin, but a burning body, and Hazleton City Police were called.

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's the end of an era for a beloved local restaurant that's been around for decades. The business closed on Saturday after 50 years of serving its community.

Vesuvio's Pizza in Hazleton said its goodbyes: A bittersweet night for owners, staff, and customers alike.

There have been roughly 2,600 Saturdays that Vesuvio's Pizza has served customers in Hazleton. But this one is different. It is the last Saturday for the business that opened in 1975, the product of Italian immigrants, fresh off the boat.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Hollywood glitz is on display Saturday for an annual fundraiser to help children of abuse. The Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre was the setting for Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center's Ninth Annual Gala called "Cinema through the Century."

28/22 PA live! Co-hosts Rachel Malak and Chris Bohinski served as emcees and dressed to the nines for the event.

Wilkes-Barre Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off

The Children's Advocacy Center helps counsel kids who are victims of physical or sexual abuse.

The Cherry Blossom Festival at Kirby Park opened with a 5K run featuring area athletes from the Special Olympics on Saturday. The festival will also run on Sunday.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The weather to start the weekend may not be what organizers of a popular festival have in mind. It rained intermittently on Saturday for the official start of the Wilkes-Barre Cherry Blossom Festival.

The event at Kirby Park includes more than 40 food and craft vendors, as well as rides, and live entertainment.

This marks the 48th year for the celebration in the Diamond City.

Getting rid of drugs the right way in Wyoming County

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— An immersive light display, and live art demonstrations lit up South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre.

'Soma Night Lights' featured video mapped projections transforming buildings downtown.

It was original work by internationally renowned artist Jeff Dobrow and about 30 other local artists.

Mom-inspired art wins local art competition

One of the organizers says putting on an event like this has always been a dream of hers.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— High school students from across NEPA participated in a visual art competition.

Congressional Institute sponsors the competition where students submit their art work to a state representative's office, and panels of district artists select the winners.

The students showed off their art work at the Everhart Museum in Scranton where Pennsylvania's winner was announced.

Cherry Blossom season begins in Luzerne County

Rhianna Kupetc made that winning peace of art and says it is for her mother.

WHITE HAVEN, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A local water treatment plant will soon be getting some much needed upgrades to remove potentially harmful chemicals from their community's drinking water.

And it's all thanks to some recent state funding.

These chemicals, known as PFAS or 'forever chemicals' are extremely difficult to remove from water.

Thanks to the recent funding, Aqua Pennsylvania's plant in White Haven will have an easier time keeping their community safe.

Car seat recall issued by NHTSA

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— It's cherry blossom season!

And just a short time ago, a preview night for the 48th cherry blossom festival opened at Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre.

The Cherry Blossom Festival begins officially Saturday and runs through Sunday, Rain or shine, with activities each day from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The event will feature more than 50 food and retail vendors, as well as rides, and live entertainment and plenty of family fun.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Several boxes were filled with books in Wilkes-Barre to help students improve their reading skills over the summer.

United Way of Wyoming Valley hosted its 10th annual Children`s Book Drive.

They expected to collect 10,000 gently used books from local businesses, organizations, and individuals.

The books collected will be distributed to early learning centers, schools, and other children service providers across the Wyoming Valley.

The book drive helps students practice grade level reading during the summertime.