News

JESSUP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Many Pennsylvania families have seen lower health care and prescription drug costs, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden signed into law in 2022.

US Senator Bob Casey was in Lackawanna County Wednesday morning highlighting many benefits Pennsylvanians are already seeing from that bill. But still, some residents say more needs to be done, to make life-saving medications affordable.

KELLY TWP., UNION COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police are reporting a woman allegedly stole Valentine's Day items from Walmart.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on Febaury13 around 5:30 p.m., troopers were called to Walmart in Union County for a reported retail theft.

PA man scammed out of $8,000 on TikTok

Police say a 22-year-old woman from Milton took $59.59 worth of miscounsel Valentine's Day merchandise and left the self-checkout without scanning the items.

PSP noted a citation against the woman was filed through the district court.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Two Wayne County men have been charged with allegedly committing COVID-19 pandemic fraud.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Wednesday, that Robert M. Reynolds, 69, of Newfoundland, Wayne County was charged with pandemic fraud.

COAL TWP., NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Authorities report an inmate at SCI Coal Township was found dead inside a cell last week.

According to the Department of Corrections, 24-year-old Andrew Shawgo, was found unresponsive in his cell on February 9.

Prison staff responded, provided life-saving measures and Shawgo was transported to Geisinger Medical Center. Shawgo was later pronounced deceased at 9:50 p.m. on February 12.

PSP: Several dogs attacked two, woman’s arm amputated

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — A Harrisburg drug dealer affiliated with an area rap group was sentenced to over 10 years in prison for drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Wednesday that Anderson Oritz, 24, of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, was sentenced to over 10 years in prison on drug trafficking and gun charges.

MONROE TWP., BRADFORD COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police are investigating a scam that occurred on TikiTok causing a man to lose $8,000.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on February 12 troopers were told of a scam that occurred in Bradford County.

Two teens reported missing in Luzerne County

Police say a 59-year-old man from Towanda was scammed out of $8,000 from TikTok.

PSP noted if you are contacted by an account on social media requesting money, do not give any money to them and contact state police.

WEST SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Attorneys for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the West Scranton School District will be giving a gang presentation to students in the Scranton School District on Thursday.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the presentation will be given in person at the West Scranton High School, beginning at 9:00 a.m., located at 1201 Luzerne Street, in Scranton, Lackawanna County.

W-B Twp. wanted man arrested on drug charges

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A wanted Wilkes-Barre Township man was arrested on Monday, on drug charges.

According to the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department, Alexander McKeon, 38, was arrested by officers after a 9-1-1 call reported McKeon was attempting to hold a sign while falling over in the roadway in a "zombie-like" state.

Upon arrival, police say McKeon (pictured below) fled from law enforcement but was apprehended and taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

Courtesy: Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — F.M. Kirby Center announced Symphony of Dance is coming to Wilkes-Barre.

According to the release, Derek Hough is bringing the Symphony of Dance tour to the F.M. Kirby Center on April 23.

Derek Hough is Emmy Award-winning and known for dancing and judging on Dancing with the Stars.

Can Catholics eat meat on Valentine’s Day this year?

Ticket prices can range from $49.50, $69.50, $79.50, $99.50, and $119.50 plus fees. Those tickets can be purchased online at the Kirby Center website or Ticketmaster.com.

LEHIGH TWP., WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police are investigating an incident where several dogs attacked two people, resulting in a woman having to have part of her arm amputated.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on February 12, troopers responded to Iroquois Path in Lehigh Township, Wayne County for a dog attack report.

Police say multiple dogs were found in the roadway and a woman was severely injured.

Both victims sustained injuries, with one being treated and discharged, while the woman required a partial arm amputation.