As we put a bow on 2024, here’s a few of our favorite, memorable and newsworthy photos taken by photographers this year. The images by staff photographers Jason Ardan, Chris Dolan, Sean McKeag and John Haeger as well as Frank Lauri, Dave Scherbenco and Bill Tarutis capture daily life in Northeast Pennsylvania … it’s moments of stunning beauty, the tragedy and the joy. Enjoy these images as we look forward to what is bound to be another exciting and surprising year in NEPA.
Jason Ardan, Staff Photographer
Former president and republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump holds up his fist on stage in front of many energized supporters at a rally in the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Apalonia Passetti sings Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again during the Luzerne County and Beyond Got Talent show at the F.M. Kirby Center on Sunday, April 7, 2024. The visual effect was done in-camera using a half-activated range extender. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Pennsylvania State Representative and Democratic Auditor General candidate Malcolm Kenyatta speaks at the Luzerne County Democratic Headquarters on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Greater Wyoming Area’s Chase Evans pitches against Back Mountain during Saturday’s All-Star matchup in West Pittston on June 29, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Emily Cook, Acting Director of the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections, adjusts the inner workings of an agilis sorting machine in preparation for Election Day. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton Prep’s Rebecca Oakes swims the butterfly leg of the 200 medley relay during Friday’s PIAA D2 swimming championships on Friday, March 1, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
211 N Main Street in Shavertown surrounded in water from a flooded Toby Creek due to rain from Debby on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The PIAA boys 2A race begins in Hershey on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Monday’s solar eclipse saw the moon cover approximately 95% of the sun in Northeast Pa. on Monday, April 8, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Vice President Kamala Harris holds for applause during a rally in the Wilkes University McHale Athletic Center in Wilkes-Barre on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Ashod Elijah Williamson-James celebrates with loved ones after graduating from Wyoming Area on Friday, June 14, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
41 N Empire Street in Wilkes-Barre caught on fire around noon on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Black Diamond Pipe Band performs in the Pittston St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 2, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Wyoming Seminary’s Anthony Evanitsky pins Blair’s Joe Schinder on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Former president and republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump holds up his fist on stage in front of many energized supporters at a rally in the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton Police Officer T.J. Stornable gets a fist bump from a kid on Harrison Avenue as he departs from the scene of an hours long police operation at 1612 Pine Street in Scranton on Saturday, June 8, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Clarks Summit’s Ladder 4 is seen set up at the scene of a second alarm fully involved house fire at 303 Fuller Road in Dalton on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Scranton firefighter Allen Lucas uses a saw to cut through a roll-up door at Olympia Chimney Supply on Sanders Street in Scranton as firefighters work to extinguish a fire inside the building on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Green Ridge’s Carter Lapiero celebrates as he scores a run during a District 32 8-9-10 Little League game against Mid Valley at the Carbino Club Little League field in Jessup on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Scranton Prep’s Jake Barrett wrestles North Pocono’s Seth Wheeland in a 139-pound wrestling match on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Delaware Valley quarterback Logan Olsommer reaches over the goal line to score and break a tie as Abington Heights’ Shawn Theodore defends late in the fourth quarter of a football game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Scranton Police Det. Kyle Gilmartin shakes hands with First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania John Gurganus during a fundraiser for Gilmartin at Montage Mountain on Friday, April 12, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Scranton firefighters work at the scene of a warehouse fire at 211 Birch Street in Scranton at Schoenberg Specialty Products on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Valley View faculty member Ken Rupp stands on a lift as he trims a wire on an umbrella art installation by Frank Dubas in the lobby of Valley View High School in Archbald on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. The art installation is similiar to a display installed by Dubas on Bogart Court in downtown Scranton in the spring of 2023. The umbrellas are installed in advance of Valley View’s Mary Poppins school play. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Scranton firefighters Lt. A.J. Samuel, left, and firefighter Ed Weidow work in the bucket of Truck 2 at the scene of a warehouse fire at 211 Birch Street in Scranton at Schoenberg Specialty Products on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Scranton Prep’s Daniel Santaniello takes a shot during a PIAA Class 4A basketball playoff game against Neumann-Goretti at Freedom High School in Bethlehem on Friday, March 15, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Erin Kosisky of Wilkes-Barre runs on North Washington Avenue in downtown Scranton during The Office 5K on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
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Scranton Police Officer T.J. Stornable gets a fist bump from a kid on Harrison Avenue as he departs from the scene of an hours long police operation at 1612 Pine Street in Scranton on Saturday, June 8, 2024. (Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)
Hazleton Area High School Patrick Seeley reacts after his shot during a match against Mahanoy Area High School in a Unified Bocce match on Friday, Jan. 5, 2023 Mahanoy City.Hazleton Area High School next match is home on Jan. 16, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Noah Gennaro ,4, places an American flag at a US veterans headstone at Queen of Haven Cemetery in Hazle Twp. on Monday May 15, 2023. Crews from the Hazleton and West Hazleton Fire Departments places 292 flag at veterans graves in the cemetery, and will place more than 1600 flags at veterans graves throughout the city.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Hazleton Ryan Schmidt (8) and Dominic Marino (25) leap into the air as they celebrate Schmidt scoring in the fourth inning of 6A PIAA quarter final game on Friday, June 7, 2024 at DeSales University.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Heights Terrace Elementary/Middle school students reacts during the Heights Terrace Elementary/Middle School color Run 2024 on Thursday, May 23, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Heights-Terrace Elementary/Middle School Principal Kevin Schadder holds up the pie and reacts after being pied by his daughter Katheryn Schadder ,right as Maria Zullo ,left looks on during a Pie Day celebration at the school on Thursday, March 14, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Brian Quijandria portrays Jesus as he and Father Kevin Miller ,center, in white and red along with the faithful process through the city of Hazleton during the Holy Annunciation Parish at Church of Saint Gabriel Good Friday Cross walk on Friday, March 29, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Tom Biles putts on the 8th during a round of disc golf at Eurana Park in Weatherly during the Eurana Parks dubs league on Monday, July 29, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Robert Carapellucci sale consultant with Blaise Alexander Mazda of Greater Hazleton clears snow from one of the more than 150 vehicles on the lot following a snow storm on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Ian Oswald tees off during a round of disc golf at Eurana Park in Weatherly during the Eurana Parks dubs league on Monday, July 29, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Footprints in the snow on the sidewalk on Broad Street near Laurel Street in Hazleton on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Hazleton Riley Katchur (5) is surrounded by teammates after he scores in the six inning of 6A PIAA quarter final game on Friday, June 7, 2024 at DeSales University.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Katheryn Schadder right pies her father Heights-Terrace Elementary/Middle School Principal Kevin Schadder as Maria Zullo ,left looks on during a Pie Day celebration at the school on Thursday, March 14, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
The faithful process through the city of Hazleton during the Holy Annunciation Parish at Church of Saint Gabriel Good Friday Cross walk on Friday, March 29, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Mahanoy Area Class of 2024 Salutatorian Lucas Karnish passes pictures of his classmate before the start of the commencement exercise on Wednesday May 29, 2024 at Mahanoy Area Junior Senior High School. (John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Mary Yanuzzi who plays Sophie along with other cast members rehearse a scene from the Cougar Players production of Mamma Mia on Monday May 20, 2024 at Hazleton Area High School. The show run May 24 2024 with a curtain of 7pm May 25 with a curtain of 2pm and 7pm and May 26 with a curtain of 2pm. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students ,cash only at the door.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Pennsylvania State Police salute during the singing of the National Anthem during a memorial service to honor the 104 Trooper’s who were killed in the line of duty since The Pennsylvania State Police were formed in 1905 on Wednesday May 1, 2024 at Troop N in West Hazleton PA. (John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Height-Terrace Elementary/Middle School first grader Abby Arias reacts as local TV personality Chelsea Strub and Jeremy Lewan read “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr Seuss at on Friday March 1, 2024 as part of the Read Across America at the school.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Bob Johnson of Ice Creations uses a chainsaw as he craves to create a “old-time wooden bar’ theme at Damenti’s Restaurant in Hazleton on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. ICE4U2C will open on Tuesday Jan 9, 2024 and run through March 19, 2024 and celebrates non-profit organizations that continually work to improve the communities they serve. This year, a portion of ICE4U2C ticket sales will benefit S.A.F.E.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
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Hazleton Area High School Patrick Seeley reacts after his shot during a match against Mahanoy Area High School in a Unified Bocce match on Friday, Jan. 5, 2023 Mahanoy City.Hazleton Area High School next match is home on Jan. 16, 2024.(John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
Gov. Josh Shapiro, far left, spends the afternoon with family and staff on Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley Saturday. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Throop police officer Christine Bonavoglia gives a blue and white carnation to Theresa Merva in honor of her father, former Throop police Chief Joseph Merva, during the Police Memorial Service at the Throop Community Civic Center in Throop Sunday, May 19, 2024. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View celebrates a District 2 title in softball. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A pole vaulter clears the bar at a Scranton Prep vs. Abington Heights Track and Field meet. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Workers demonstrate at PASNAP Rally Outside of Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A child makes candy at the Strawberry Festival at Lakeland Orchard and Cidery. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A firefighter works at the scene of a fire in Edwardsville. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lunch is prepared at St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen on Scranton. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
(SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell is shown at a press conference at Scranton Police headquarters. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A child looks through a telescope during a solar eclipse event at the Kesytone Observatory. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A Crestwood pole vaulter focuses as she competes in the District 2 Track and Field Championships. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Veterans participate in a Veterans Day ceremony in Jessup. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
(SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A bundled child blows bubbles at an Easter egg hunt at American Legion Post 221. (SEAN MCKEAG/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Pittston Area pitcher Gianna Adams (16) delivers a pitch in Thursday’s game against Tunkhannock. (FRANK LAURI)
Misericordia players rushed the mound squirting water to celebrate their 6-4 win against Middlebury College in the NCAA Division III Regional Baseball Championship on Sunday. (FRANK LAURI)
Crestwood’s Jordan Andrews (34) gets up high after the ball against Abington Heights in the District 2 Class AA Lacrosse Championship on Thursday. (FRANK LAURI / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Pittston Area pitcher Gianna Adams (16) delivers a pitch in Thursday’s game against Tunkhannock. (FRANK LAURI)
Children and parents run for eggs at the start of the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Easter Egg Hunt on Public Square Saturday March 30th. Children 10 and under were treated by a visit from the Easter Bunny who arrived by Wilkes-Barre Fire Truck and had a chance for various gifts if they were able to grab some of the right egg outs of the 7,000 that were scattered about Public Square. Various Downtown Wilkes-Barre businesses also offered treats in front of their respective locations. (DAVE SCHERBENCO / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRPAHER)
Democratic candidate Representative Matt Cartwright and his Republican challenger Rob Bresnahan Jr. exchange pleasantries prior to the start of the WVIA produced Pennsylvania 8th Congressional District Debate .The debate was held on the campus of King’s College in the Burke Auditorium on Oct. 22. (DAVE SCHERBENCO/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER)
King’s celebrates its victory over Ursinus during an NCAA Division III playoff first-round game Saturday at McCarthy Stadium. DAVE SCHERBENCO / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
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Children and parents run for eggs at the start of the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Easter Egg Hunt on Public Square Saturday March 30th. Children 10 and under were treated by a visit from the Easter Bunny who arrived by Wilkes-Barre Fire Truck and had a chance for various gifts if they were able to grab some of the right egg outs of the 7,000 that were scattered about Public Square. Various Downtown Wilkes-Barre businesses also offered treats in front of their respective locations. (DAVE SCHERBENCO / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRPAHER)
The Wilkes University Colonels celebrate after defeating King’s College 43-28 in the annual Mayor’s Cup game in Wilkes-Barre Twp. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
A flame is passed to light a candle during a vigil on the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims at Plaid Community Church in Jenkins Twp. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
One-year-old D.J. Wentz, of Hunlock Creek, reaches to touch a miniature highland cattle on the second night of the Luzerne County Fair in Lehman Twp. on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kris Fragale, of Exeter, starts eating a 10-pound, 28-inch pizza with jalapeño peppers and bacon for a pizza challenge at Uncle Buck’s BBQ in Plymouth on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Members of the First Batallion 109th Field Artillery march past the armory in Wilkes-Barre during the 79th annual Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Human resources management graduate Elizabeth Marissa Telencio, of Wilkes-Barre, wears her Star Wars-themed mortarboard during the 75th annual King’s College commencement at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township on Friday, May 17, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
People watch the final Rockin’ the River concert of the season from Nesbitt Park in Wilkes-Barre on Friday, July 26, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Nanticoke Area’s Kate Reed, left, blocks the shot of Wyoming Valley West’s Thalia Irizarry in Nanticoke on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Lake-Lehman second baseman Lucy Honeywell. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
A nearly full moon rises behind the trees at Charley Trippi Stadium in Yatesville on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
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The Wilkes University Colonels celebrate after defeating King’s College 43-28 in the annual Mayor’s Cup game in Wilkes-Barre Twp. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER