News

CHESTNUTHILL TWP., MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police say a 10-year-old was shot while a man was arguing with the boy's father nearby, with a gun involved. Police say on September 18, around 8:00 p.m., troopers were called to Orchard View Drive in Chestnuthill Township for an assault involving a gun. 28 bundles of heroin found during traffic stop Troopers said they learned 34-year-old Darius Oshan James was involved in a fight with another man, and at some point, a gun was discharged, hitting a 10-year-old boy, who was in the residence at the time. State police say the child claimed James was attempting to shoot his father in the head when the gun went off and hit him in the arm.

SMITHFIELD TWP., MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police arrested two people after a traffic stop revealed 28 bundles of heroin inside a Jeep. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, on September 15, troopers pulled over a vehicle on Seven Bridge Road in Smithfield Township. Police say that during the traffic stop, "indicators of criminal activity" were detected, and troopers asked the driver, Richard Gandolfo, 53, of Stroudsburg, if they could search the car. $25K worth of lottery tickets stolen from machines, dispensers The search seized 28 bundles of suspected heroin, and Gandolfo admitted to police that he "ingested the heroin." Gandolfo has been charged with drug-related offenses and DUI.

Explore the Pocono Beverage Trail with NBC Philly's own Sheila Watko! 🏔 Plan your Pocono Mountains getaway: http://poconomountains.com ➡️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/user/poconotourism?sub_confirmation=1 📺 Find insider tips, local attractions, live cameras, weather forecasts and more on Pocono Television Network. Tune into the 24/7 stream online: https://poconotelevision.com 📱 Stay connected with @PoconoTourism: https://facebook.com/poconotourism https://instagram.com/poconotourism

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania announced the selection of its 2025-2026 Legislative Fellow, State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, at breakfast held in his honor on Thursday, September 18. ESU President Kenneth Long introduced Representative Pashinski at the event to university faculty, students, staff and special guests from the community. The Legislative Fellow program, established in 1999, is designed to bring state legislators to campus to participate in a variety of campus activities and to meet formally and informally with students, faculty and staff throughout the year.

Pocono Politics posted comment and several photos on their Facebook page from last night's vigil for Charlie Kirk:"Amazing turnout tonight for the Charlie Kirk vigil. Thank you to the police and security, the organizers, the speakers, and to all who turned out in prayer to show their support. The entire vigil was recorded and can be viewed on the Monroe County Republican Committee of PA Facebook page. 

Barrett Township Supervisors Workshop - September 17, 2025 - 6:30 PM - Discussion on proposed Data Center Ordinance - Discussion on proposed changes to the previously advertised sign ordinance - various other topics

POLK TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A new resource in the Poconos aims to ease food insecurity, while also honoring the service of local heroes. 28/22's Sydney Kostus has more details on the veteran’s nonprofit behind the mission in Monroe County. It may only be September, but the holidays are on the minds of volunteers at Valor Clinic Foundation in Polk Township. They’ve already begun planning for Thanksgiving, hoping to fill freezers like this one with turkeys to feed more than 630 veterans and their families. “If you don’t think you could help, you’d be surprised. You helping somebody may make somebody else smile, and that’s what it’s about,” shared Richard Snider, food pantry volunteer at the Valor Clinic Foundation. The nonprofit is centered around assisting veterans with food insecurity, shelter, and mental health resources. 

STROUDSBURG, Pa. — Hundreds gathered in front of the Monroe County Courthouse for a candlelight vigil honoring Charlie Kirk's life. Kirk was killed a week ago at a college campus in Utah. "I didn't really know Charlie until after he was killed, and it's broke my heart, and I just felt that I needed to be here tonight,” said Michael Campion of East Stroudsburg.Read the full story here.

BLAKESLEE, Pa. — A 22-year-old New York man died Saturday morning in an ATV crash in Monroe County, officials said.The crash that claimed Dmytro Prokopets' life was reported just before 2:40 a.m. along state Route 115 in Tunkhannock Twp., Pocono Mountain Regional Police said.Prokopets, of Brooklyn, had been driving an ATV that was struck from behind by a 2018 Nissan Sentra driven by Tshilonda Sabwa, 57, of Albrightsville.Read full story here.

Stroudsburg Borough Council has set its tax on skill game machines.On Sept. 16, the borough council approved a resolution that will tax businesses with skill games at $750 per machine annually. Council member Joseph Shay voted against the resolution and council member Walter Lopez voted present.Read the full story here.

EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Every year, the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser supports non-profits doing life-changing work in Monroe County. Wednesday night marked its 22nd year, and the event has raised more than $3 million for our neighbors in need. This year, Family Promise of the Poconos, Metamorphosis Women's Initiative, Northbound and Company, and the Salvation Army East Stroudsburg each received $25,000.

STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Vigils for the late political activist Charlie Kirk have been popping up worldwide since his assassination last week, including a few in Northeastern Pennsylvania. 28/22 News Reporter Avery Nape was in Stroudsburg on Wednesday night for a service that brought out hundreds of people to celebrate and memorialize his life. The voice of the late Charlie Kirk reached far beyond party lines both nationally and around the globe, and the impact his messages had is no different here in NEPA. Hundreds filled Courthouse Square in Downtown Stroudsburg on Wednesday to remember the late Charlie Kirk. People, young and old, gathered to keep both his memory and his message alive. "He reached out to the young people, and the young people are going to be our leaders someday," Stroudsburg resident David Bryant told 28/22 News.

EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — School officials and community advocates are turning up the pressure on state lawmakers in East Stroudsburg. Groups from across the Poconos called for cyber charter reform and an end to Pennsylvania's three-month budget stalemate at Echo Lake Park on Wednesday. Districts say they have missed out on almost two billion dollars in state payments while cyber schools sit on reserves and spend millions on ads and executive perks. For the 2022-23 school year alone, Pocono-area districts paid more than 20 million dollars in cyber costs.

STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Every year, the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser supports non-profits doing life-changing work in Monroe County. Now in its 22nd year, the event has raised more than $3,000,000 for our neighbors in need, and this year, four organizations were selected to receive funding. Brianna Strunk with the Pocono Television Network introduces us to the fourth recipient. Scott Robinson didn't have an easy childhood. He lost his parents at a young age, and his siblings died from addiction. Scott himself fell into addiction and sought help when he was just 11 years old. "I had a lot of trauma and was in fight or flight mode for many years," Scott said. 31 years later, Scott needed help again and recently went through in-person treatment. This time, he did it for his kids and grandkids.

Pa. state Rep. Maureen Madden hosted her annual Veterans Expo in Tannersville. Hundreds of local veterans came out to share stories and learn about state and local resources to get the help they need.

Here are all the spooky activities this October in Youth Services. For more activities, check out the entire fall schedule. Family Halloween Party Ages 3-Grade 5. Schools are closed so join us for Halloween themed activities, craft, & snack. Costume optional. Registration begins Mon, Sept 29. 570-421-0800 x305. Hughes: Mon, Oct 13, 1:00 PM Halloween Lapsit Ages 1-2. Story & songs. Come in your Halloween costume (optional) and receive a special treat. Walk-in. Hughes: Mon, Oct 27, 11:00 AM Hughes: Tues, Oct 28, 11:00 AM Smithfields: Tues, Oct 28, 9:30 AM Trick-or-Treat Storytime Recommended ages 2 and up. Stories & short Trick-or-Treat in library. Costume optional. Walk-in.

Season 5, Episode 22 - We take you to the banks of the Delaware River to explore the historic and ever-evolving Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. In this episode, we uncover the sweet side of Shawnee—literally! With an on-site apiary buzzing with activity, the resort’s beekeepers are crafting honey that finds its way into delicious dishes and craft brews served on the property. From golf greens to a brand-new pool, Shawnee is blending tradition with innovation. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming in next month’s Pocono Mountains Magazine, where Brianna dives deeper into the resort’s vibrant food scene and the buzz around their bees.

STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Every year, the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser supports non-profits doing life-changing work in Monroe County. Now in its 22nd year, the event has raised more than $3,000,000 for our neighbors in need, and this year, four organizations were selected to receive funding. Brianna Strunk with the Pocono Television Network introduces us to the third recipient. Tiffany Destefano found the strength to leave what she calls a toxic home situation. After securing stable housing for her kids, Tiffany found herself couch surfing at friends' houses, then living in a car. "You gotta stay hopeful, you definitely do. Can't give up," Destefano told 28/22 News.

The next meeting of the East Stroudsburg Council of Trustees is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025. Committees and the full board will meet as follows: Committee Meetings Time: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. Council of Trustees Full Board Meeting Time: 4 p.m. The Council of Trustees will meet both in person and via zoom. In-person meetings will be held at the East Stroudsburg University Innovation Center, Room 336. However, we continue to offer the option to participate via zoom.