News

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A local fire department unveiled three new chief fire vehicles.

They were showcased at the southside fire station on Broad Street in Hazleton.

The vehicles are 2024 F-250 pickup trucks, replacing their 2017 models.

The trucks are equipped with all emergency lighting plus roll out trays, SCBA holders, and extinguisher holders.

The vehicles will be used by the department chiefs on duty for all responses, emergency responses, and for everyday fire department business.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— It's no secret Lackawanna County is struggling financially after implementing a 33% tax increase, freezing hiring, and limiting wage increases to balance the 2025 budget.

Officials are now focusing on a long-term plan to prevent future financial trouble.

At the start of 2024, Lackawanna County had just $6.1 million in its general fund, not even half of what was needed to keep things running for a month to stay afloat, officials borrowed $11 million, but now they're working to fix the root of the problem.

In response to the incident, the zoo confirmed that “short-term modifications” were already underway.

At least one Canadian province is raising prices for electricity to the U.S. in response to the trade hostilities, sparking fears of escalating costs.

Recommendations to trim the cost include a change in staffing and potentially closing a wing of the prison. The juvenile detention crisis also aids in the problem.

As daylight saving time approaches, Trump has rolled back his comments on making the time shift permanent.

Newswatch 16's Mackenzie Aucker stopped by the first-ever Central Pennsylvania Anatomy Tournament.

A confirmed case in Pennsylvania now has medical professionals in our region putting out a call to action for families about the importance of the measles vaccine.

POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— It's a historic event for the city of Pottsville.

Its two oldest fire departments will soon be under the same roof.

The Humane and Phoenix Fire Companies will soon merge to be known as the Pottsville Fire Company Number One.

Both departments were founded in 1829, and they are both almost entirely volunteer.

Firefighters we spoke with say the merger will help speed up response times, and make the city safer.

The Humane and Phoenix Fire Companies in Pottsville are just minutes apart from one another.

It's an egg-citing time at one school in Hunlock Creek, where students are hatching a new project.