Luzerne County

LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Local businesses in Luzerne County are busy serving Easter dinner staples.

From kielbasa to pierogis there's plenty of popular spots in NEPA.

While they're closed now, Leonard's owners say it's been a busy week for the small business.

This is just one of the places across NEPA that's been preparing for months for Easter.

It's a popular Easter dinner meal on the menu for many:

"This kielbasa. The good old smoked stuff," said Vermont resident Phillip Marks

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Almost 200 people came together dressed in period dress this afternoon in Hazleton for Good Friday.

Members of the Hispanic and Catholic community recreated the Stations of the Cross.

Retracing the steps of Christ and performing stations of the cross.

A testament of faith taking place on Good Friday

They walked down Wyoming street in Hazleton to Holy Annunciation Church, formerly Saint Gabriel's Parish

(WBRE/WYOU) — Questions remain regarding how 38-year-old Cody Balmer was allegedly able to break into the Governor's Mansion, set a fire, and get away without being detected or picked up by security.

Governor Shapiro and his family were asleep inside the mansion at the time the fire was started.

The State Police say a third-party expert will conduct an independent security review of the Governor's Mansion and property.

Many questions about the break-in and arson attack at the Governor's Mansion last weekend.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A man was arrested after a fight broke out in Wilkes-Barre, leading to a shooting that injured another man.

According to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, on April 17, around 7:30 p.m., officers were called to the 100 block of Old River Road for a fight.

Officers said they learned two men, one identified as 42-year-old Ezekiel Canty of Wilkes-Barre, were arguing, which then turned into a physical assault between the two.

DUI checkpoints set in Pennsylvania

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say they arrested a man after stealing lottery tickets from a store in Hazleton.

On April 17, around 8:00 a.m., officers were called to the Panty Quick on East Diamond Avenue for a robbery report. 

Officers said they learned the suspect entered the store, walked to the container, and began taking lottery tickets. The employee saw what appeared to be a gun in his hand, and the suspect fled on foot from the scene, according to the Hazleton City Police.

Woman arrested after deadly wrong-way crash

PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Spring is here and that means the return of little league baseball.

In Plains Township, the start of the season isn't just about playing ball, it's a cherished community tradition.

Families, friends, and neighbors lined the streets for a parade to celebrate Opening Day.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Three people are displaced after a Thursday night kitchen fire in Scranton.

According to Scranton Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Jeff White, crews responded to the 600 block of Cedar Avenue just before 7:30 p.m. for a reported structure fire

When crews arrived on-scene, they called UGI Gas and PPL Electrics to shut off their respective utilities, according to White.

Two arrested in Luzerne County drug bust

White states that the fire started in the second floor kitchen of the apartment building.

PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Two men have been taken into custody on multiple drug charges after a search warrant was executed on Tuesday, according to Pittston City Police Department.

Following the execution of the warrant 44-year-old Mark Braithwaite of Pittston and 21-year-old Damari Peterson of Philadelphia were arrested.

The Pittston City Special Investigation Unit started a narcotics investigation into Braithwaite.

Officials say that they were looking into whether Braithwaite was distributing cocaine throughout the city.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Ballot drop boxes are coming back to Luzerne County including a new high-security model making its election debut.

The county election board approved their use last night for the May 20 primary, including one at Penn Place in Wilkes-Barre with several security features.

‘Rockin’ the River’ debuts summer concert lineup

The new box snaps a photo of each voter and ballot envelope as it's dropped.

Election officials say the internal cameras help track and verify envelopes, adding a new layer of transparency.

The collapsed bridge at Fern Knoll Cemetery restricts car access, deeply impacting families wanting to visit loved ones' graves on Easter weekend.