News

DORRANCE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Luzerne County mother is turning her pain of loss from a drug overdose into an effort to save lives and she's taking that effort to the streets of northeastern Pennsylvania.

Pamela Keefe lost her daughter to a drug overdose and said the pain of that loss is devastating.

She wants to try to spare other families from feeling that pain of loss by helping those who are caught up in drug and substance abuse addiction.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Two brothers from Luzerne County are being charged with drug trafficking across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between August and September 2024, Akilees Kadeem Hobson, 26, of Edwardsville, and Armand Kierran Hobson, 27 of Plymouth, distributed various drugs across Luzerne County.

Investigators reported that Akilees distributed cocaine and fentanyl over a dozen times in Luzerne County.

Officials confirm man dead in Pittston Township fire

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Three people are facing charges after police say they were part of a drug and gun trafficking scheme.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the following three people were indicted on Tuesday by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges;

Naquann Simmons, 30, of New York, New York

Eva Kelly Smith, 31, of Scranton

Eugene David Deininger, 50, of Hanover Township

TIOGA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Officials have announced the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is now located at the Valley Chrisitan Church in Westfield.

As stated by officials, those living in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, or Union Counties that were affected by the August 9-10 Tropical Storm Debby can go to FEMA to see if they are eligible for assistance.

If eligible FEMA can help you pay for temporary housing, home repairs, rental assistance, and other needs caused by the disaster.

Abide’s 2nd annual ‘back to the grind’ fall festival

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY — A fall festival is making its return this weekend in Luzerne County bringing dozens of local businesses and live music to Public Square in Wilkes-Barre.

Grinding coffee beans is part of the morning routine at Abide Coffeehouse in Wilkes-Barre.

The local shop is a pitstop for those looking for a pick-me-up, but this week they’re also preparing for its 2nd annual Back to the Grind Fall Festival.

SUNBURY — A work crew from PennDOT will perform maintenance and clean the Veteran's Bridge on Route 61 in Sunbury on Thursday.

SELINSGROVE — Selinsgrove Police Chief Shanee Mitchell has been offered a position to serve as chief of police in Collingdale, a borough near Philadelphia.

CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Pennsylvania State Police say a large rock broke through a driver's windshield, injuring them.

Police say that on September 16, a vehicle was traveling west on Wilburton Road near Legion Street in Conyngham Township when a large rock traveled through the front windshield, struck the driver, and then exited via the back window.

Pumpkin Sale Fundraiser held in Clarks Summit for a good cause

HAZLE TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police report that five people were arrested after being accused of retail thefts at a Walmart in Luzerne County.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, troopers responded to Walmart in Hazle Township for separate retail theft incidents throughout August and September.

On August 10 around 7:45 p.m., troopers responded to a theft where a 41-year-old woman from Berwick under-scanned various food and household items for a lower price than the price tag placed.

Boulders placed around Luzerne County Election Bureau

LEWISBURG — The October League of Women Voters of Lewisburg Area Forum series will feature a talk by Claire Campbell, “Think globally, act locally: Learning from environmental history and taking action,” at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Public Library for Union County.