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Stay Up to Date with WVIA NewsWherever you're listening, tune in weekdays for the most interesting and important stories of the day from the WVIA Newsroom, brought to you by Morning Edition host, Sarah Scinto.
Episodes
- Scranton family donates AED machines to youth leagues, will lead heart walk
The Engles family donated Automated External Defibrillator machines to youth sports leagues in Lackawanna County. Three-year-old Tate Engles and his family led this weekend's American Heart Association Heart Walk.
- Misericordia joins schools partnering with Pa. State Police
Misericordia University is now part of a program to help address the Pennsylvania state police trooper shortage. This initiative involves area colleges assisting in filling the need for state troopers.
- How to celebrate Northeast Pa. for 570Day
This episode discusses 570Day, an annual celebration in Northeast Pennsylvania that honors the region's prominent 570 area code.
- NEPA hospital leaders reflect on three months under Tenor ownership
Three months after Tenor Health Foundation purchased three financially struggling hospitals, executives from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Regional Hospital in Scranton, and Moses Taylor Hospital are optimistic about their future under ne…
- Bill named for Scranton detective passes Pa. Senate
Senate Bill 1284, named in honor of Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin who survived being shot, has passed the Pennsylvania Senate. The bill seeks to enhance penalties for the attempted murder of law enforcement officers and now move…
- State senate bill would increase penalties for people who attempt to murder law enforcement officers
State Senator Lisa Baker has introduced a bill to increase penalties for individuals who attempt to murder law enforcement officers. Additionally, a proposed data center campus in Archbald has entered a state permit program.
- NEPA residents, officials experience royal visit
King Charles III and Queen Camilla completed a four-day state visit to the U.S. marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The visit concluded with some Northeast Pennsylvania residents having memorable experiences.
- Union Pacific 'Big Boy' locomotive to make Scranton stop
The Union Pacific 'Big Boy' steam locomotive, the largest operating in the world, is visiting Scranton, a significant site in U.S. railroad history, during its Semiquincentennial tour of Pennsylvania.
- Master Gardeners say plan your vegetable garden now
Penn State Master Gardeners advise planning your vegetable garden now. The weather will be suitable for growing plants such as cucumbers and tomatoes in approximately one month.
- PennDOT: avoid I-81 this week in Lackawanna, Luzerne counties
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials recommend avoiding I-81 in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties this week because of several ongoing construction projects.
- Improvements planned for Little League complex in South Williamsport
The Little League International Complex in South Williamsport is set to receive improvements before the arrival of international baseball fans this summer and next year.
- Scranton Mayor presents positive outlook in 2026 State of the City address
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti shared a positive outlook for the city's future in her State of the City address. The address was given as Scranton celebrated its 160th anniversary.
- 'Pocono Pony' launches multi-million dollar expansion
The MCTA, known as the "Pocono Pony," has begun construction on a new 44,000-square-foot bus depot costing $32 million. This facility, named the Wayne P. Mazur Sr. Bus Depot, represents the largest expansion in the Pocono Pony's 47-year hi…
- Biological aunt charged in death of Wilkes-Barre teen
La'Niyah Clark’s biological aunt has been charged with kidnapping, abusing, and fatally asphyxiating the Wilkes-Barre teen earlier this year.
- Commonwealth Court finds Pa.'s Medicaid abortion ban unconstitutional
A Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court judge has ruled that the state's ban on using Medicaid to fund abortions is unconstitutional, potentially leading to the end of the decades-old restriction.
- Rural Health leaders wary of shortfalls despite Rural Health Transformation funds
Pennsylvania received $193 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program this year. However, rural health leaders in the state are concerned that this amount is not enough to meet their needs.
- Williamsport Catholic school will switch to four-day school week
Starting this fall, a Catholic secondary school in Lycoming County is transitioning to a four-day school week. This schedule, which is becoming more common nationwide, is thought to be the first in Northeast or Northcentral Pennsylvania.
- As autism rates soar, NEPA schools, communities respond with new programs
During Autism Acceptance Month, this episode looks at the responses of NEPA schools and communities to rising autism rates, highlighting new programs and support systems.
- Pa. state House passes two measures on data center regulation
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed two bills aimed at regulating data center development. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has been acquired by a new nonprofit owner and will continue its operations.
- Diocese of Scranton bishop 'saddened' over Trump's comments about pope
The Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton voiced sadness regarding President Trump's critical comments about Pope Leo XIV. He also expressed dismay over an AI-generated image shared by the president.
- After Artemis II, NEPA enthusiasts hope for more interest in astronomy
The Artemis II mission, carrying four astronauts farther into space than ever before, has sparked hope among Earth-based astronomy enthusiasts for greater public interest in exploring the cosmos.
- Lehigh debates joining juvenile detention center that could include Lackawanna, other counties
Lehigh County is considering joining a multi-county agreement for a youth juvenile detention center, which received mixed reactions. Lackawanna County signed onto the agreement in February.
- Hundreds of pigeons rescued from Wilkes-Barre home
Hundreds of pigeons were rescued from a home in Wilkes-Barre. An animal rehabilitation center from Monroe County is now working to find new housing for the birds.
- NEPA's Endless Mountains region one step closer to national recognition
U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation to designate the four-county Endless Mountains region in Pennsylvania as a National Heritage Area. This move brings the area closer to receiving federal recognition.
- Officials, DA push for bans on kratom sales and possession in Scranton
Scranton City Council is moving to ban kratom sales and possession, citing concerns over addiction and potential fatalities.
- Diocese of Scranton welcomes more than 300 new Catholics over Easter weekend
The Diocese of Scranton saw 312 new Catholics join over Easter weekend. This figure is up from 207 members in 2025, indicating growth in the church community.
- Lackawanna College cadets to get real-world experience with Scranton Police
The Scranton Police Department and Lackawanna College are collaborating to offer cadets practical, real-world experience. This partnership was officially announced by officials on Thursday.
- Lackawanna County Commissioners postpone vote on policy dealing with ICE agents
The Lackawanna County commissioners postponed a vote on a proposed policy concerning how employees should interact with federal immigration agents and other law enforcement.
- Former MLB player waives preliminary hearing in Pike County drug case
Former major league baseball player Lenny Dykstra attended a preliminary hearing in Pike County for drug-related charges. The hearing concluded quickly.
- Penn College cancels remainder of baseball season
The Pennsylvania College of Technology baseball season has been canceled after an investigation.
- As partial shutdown continues, AVP employees try to help TSA agents
During the partial federal shutdown, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport held a food drive to assist TSA agents who were experiencing delayed paychecks.
- Former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey bashes President Trump during Scranton speech
Former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey voiced "grave concerns" about the nation's future during a lecture at the University of Scranton, specifically criticizing President Trump's challenges to the judiciary and press.
- Pennsylvania joins multistate lawsuit over major environmental rollback
Pennsylvania has joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration's environmental rollback, which includes the EPA reversing its finding on regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
- Rate case settlement would protect electricity customers from data center costs
A proposed settlement in a central Pennsylvania utility rate case seeks to shield residential customers from electricity costs associated with new data centers. Consumer advocates hope this approach will become a statewide model for reside…
- During March Madness, public officials and experts seek solutions for online gambling impact
The podcast episode discusses the dual nature of March Madness, highlighting its popularity for sports viewing and betting, while also acknowledging the challenges it presents for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Public offi…
- Neighborhood 'micro' hospital open in Poconos
A new neighborhood hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital- Pocono Creek, has opened in Bartonsville, Monroe County, adding to the Lehigh Valley Health Network.
- Data center concerns prompt regime change in Archbald
Archbald Borough Council has new leadership after the president, vice president, and president pro tem were ousted. This change occurred after they voted in favor of a zoning change to allow data center development.
- University of Scranton women's basketball team compete in Final Four
The University of Scranton's undefeated women's basketball team is heading to the Final Four. They will compete on Thursday night for an opportunity to play in the national championship game.
- Crisis center opens residential program in Wayne County
The Northeast Regional Crisis Stabilization Center has launched a new crisis residential program in Wayne County. The program features eight beds and can house individuals for up to 10 days.
- Greater Scranton Black Diamonds Pipe Band marches on after 2025 accident
The Greater Scranton Black Diamonds pipe band is back performing this year after a bus crash last year forced them to cancel appearances. They are known for their unique bagpipe sounds often heard during St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
- O'Brien sisters share shepherd's pie recipe for St. Patrick's Day
Haley O'Brien shares her family's shepherd's pie recipe as part of the 'Recipes of the Region' feature. This Irish dish is shared in celebration of St. Patrick's Day traditions.
- U.S. small business administrator stops in Dickson City
Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler toured Kriger Pipeline in Dickson City on Thursday. She was accompanied by Congressmen Rob Bresnahan and Dan Meuser.
- Cognetti blasts Bresnahan as congressional campaign heats up
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti criticized Congressman Rob Bresnahan's stock trades as their congressional campaign heats up. Cognetti is the only Democrat on the ballot.
- Following gold medal victory, girls try hockey in Wilkes-Barre
Following the U.S. Women's Hockey Team's gold medal win, over 60 girls aged 4-18 learned hockey basics like passing and shooting in Wilkes-Barre, assisted by local coaches and volunteers.
- Center for Rural Pa. finds state's maternity health desert growing
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania reports that almost half of the state's rural counties lack hospitals offering labor and delivery services. This situation mirrors a broader national trend of declining obstetric services in hospitals.
- New poll shows economy could be weakness for GOP in midterms
A recent poll suggests that the economy, previously seen as a Republican strong suit, could be a vulnerability for the party in the upcoming midterm elections.
- State elected officials support data center legislation
State legislators from Northeast Pennsylvania are supporting or drafting legislation concerning data center developments, as their districts have the most proposed projects in the state.
- Family questions WBPD not seeking Amber Alert for La'Niyah Clark
The episode discusses the Wilkes-Barre police department's decision not to seek an Amber Alert for La'Niyah Clark, a deaf teenager whose body was discovered recently. This situation has raised questions regarding existing advisories and th…
- Carbon County community passes regulations for data centers
Penn Forest Township has implemented new regulations for data centers. The supervisors voted unanimously to amend the zoning ordinance during a recent meeting.
- What to know about measles infections and prevention in Pa.
The U.S. is facing a surge in measles cases, nearing the loss of its eliminated status. Pennsylvania has reported 12 cases amid a national total of over 1,100.