Hi there, Wilkes-Barre! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Tunes in the Taproom with Paul Martin and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Wilkes-Barre councilman denies responsibility for 12 vehicles being towed (citizensvoice.com) — Wilkes-Barre Councilman Tony Brooks is distancing himself from blame after 12 vehicles were towed near River Street, saying he never urged residents to remove no-parking yard signs, only illegal advertising and tree-stapled signs. Mayor George Brown, however, suggests Brooks' comments and sign removals contributed to confusion before paving work, pointing to council meeting videos where Brooks discussed taking down more than two dozen no-parking signs.
2. Rescuers, SPCA speak out on CDE Exotics raid (2822news.com) — Wilkes-Barre residents are learning more about the disturbing conditions uncovered at CDE Exotics, where the owner now faces numerous animal‑cruelty charges and many rescued animals are still recovering. Local rescuers and the Luzerne County SPCA describe dead and neglected animals, ongoing care for those remaining on site, and continuing efforts to have several birds surrendered so they can be safely rehomed.
3. GAMEFACE: Game of the Week, Valley West at Wilkes-Barre Area (citizensvoice.com) — Wilkes-Barre Area's Wolfpack host Valley West on Saturday in a rivalry game that could shape District 2-4 playoff seedings. The Wolfpack are battling injuries in the backfield, while Valley West rides a four-game win streak. Local fans can expect a physical matchup where control of the line of scrimmage and Wilkes-Barre's ability to run the ball may decide everything.
4. Personnel File, October 14, 2026 (thetimes-tribune.com) — Several familiar regional names with strong Wilkes-Barre ties are stepping into new leadership roles, from Misericordia's trustee board to North Branch Land Trust and local banks. You'll also find details on pediatric care now available at the Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre and a nurse practitioner trained at Wilkes University, plus other career milestones across Northeast Pennsylvania.
5. Cocaine in LEGO container seized after mail package bust (2822news.com) — Investigators intercepted a cocaine-filled package headed from Puerto Rico to a Dana Street address in Wilkes-Barre, finding more than a kilogram of the drug hidden in a LEGO container. After arranging delivery, detectives arrested a 35-year-old man and seized packaging materials, scales, cash, and phone evidence suggesting multiple suspicious USPS parcels. The case underscores ongoing drug-trafficking concerns in city neighborhoods.
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Ok Wilkes-Barre! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
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