News

TUNKHANNOCK, WYOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery and people from The Victims Resource Center in Wyoming County are raising awareness about the issue in a very colorful way.

"It is prevalent in this area, just because it may be a small town is, still is, it's everywhere, not like how Hollywood portrays it," said Alysha Ennis from the Victims Resource Center.

Red sand was poured into the cracks on the sidewalk in downtown Tunkhannock Monday to remind us of victims of human trafficking.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The possibility of paying more for water is causing a big uproar in Lackawanna County.

Residents will get the opportunity to comment on Pennsylvania American Water's request for increases in water and sewer rates on Tuesday.

Pennsylvania American Water filed a rate adjustment request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) in November.

TEXAS TOWNSHIP, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Wayne County Coroner's Office says they identified the body of a man that was pulled from Lackawaxen River Monday.

On Sunday, January 28 at around 10:00 p.m., Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Honesdale said they were called to the 900 block of Maple Avenue for a domestic violence incident between a man and woman.

A neighbor reported to PSP they witnessed the altercation and reported Brandon Lee Duclos was physically assaulting the pregnant woman.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The heroin and opioid epidemic is the number one public health and safety challenge facing Pennsylvania, according to the attorney general.

An average of 14 Pennsylvanians die every day from overdose, and it's a reality that hits home for many people in our area. Overdose deaths in Luzerne County have slightly decreased since 2022, but the epidemic continues to impact countless lives.

(WHTM) - Less than two years after John Fetterman defeated Mehmet Oz in the 2022 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race, Pennsylvania voters will once again decide who will represent them in the 2024 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race.

The 2024 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race will also coincide with the 2024 Presidential Election, which means a large turnout that could decide the balance of power in the Senate.

Here are the candidates who have declared their intentions to run for U.S. Senate in 2024.

Democrats

Bob Casey

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Gang violence and the influence of gangs are on the rise in northeastern Pennsylvania, according to local law enforcement officials.

The spotlight was put on gangs in recent weeks in the aftermath of gang-related shootings in Scranton, including the shooting of a Scranton detective.

The law enforcement officials 28/22 News spoke with Monday say combating gang-related crimes and gang influences is a top priority and they say the public can help deter gangs by providing critical information to police.

WYSOX TWP., BRADFORD COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police say four teens have been charged with stealing $100 worth of Twisted Tea from Sheetz.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on January 27 around 10:00 p.m., troopers were called for a reported retail theft at Sheetz in Towanda.

Arrest made, man allegedly strangled woman while driving

Police say it was discovered that four teens, ages 16-17, attempted to steal $100 worth of Twisted Tea Light.

The four were charged through the district court for the crime.

MOUNT POCONO, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police arrested a man after he allegedly strangled a woman while he was driving her car without consent.

According to the Pocono Township Police Department, on January 8 around 7:00 p.m., officers were called for a report of a domestic argument.

Officers said once they arrived on scene the victim stated she got into an argument with Isaac Oropeza, 23, of Tobyhanna and it escalated when Oropeza got into the driver's seat of the victim's car.

$600 worth of counterfeit cash used at CVS

KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police have a man in custody who they say sold fentanyl in Kingston last week.

According to Kingston Borough Police, 45-year-old Robert Hickey, from Kingston, sold fentanyl twice in the course of two days.

Coroner called to scene of truck rollover in Schuylkill County

Investigators said Hickey sold fentanyl both times.

Once officers tested the fentanyl and confirmed it returned positive results, Hickey was taken into custody.

CHESTNUTHILL TWP., MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police are investigating an incident where $600 worth of counterfeit cash was used at a CVS in Monroe County.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on January 27 an incident was reported where counterfeit cash was used at a CVS Pharmacy in Brodheadsville.

Police say the suspects used fake cash to purchase five $100 Visa gift cards and other various items from CVS, equalling a total loss of $600.

Man pleads guilty to using counterfeit money in Monroe County