The Shapiro Administration is investing over $1 billion into road and bridge improvements across East Central Pennsylvania this year, with more than $230 million allocated specifically to Berks County. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that multiple large-scale projec
The Brandywine Heights Area School District invites local senior citizens to a free afternoon of music, memories, and community at our Senior Citizen Spring Concert — a heartfelt performance by the students of Brandywine Heights High School.The Senior Citizen Spring Concert will be held Friday, Apri
Three Penn State Berks students – Samantha Acker, Kimberly Nicholas and Michelle Surine – received accolades and honors – for their research presentation at the Eastern States Communication Association (ECA) in Buffalo, New York from March 27-30, 2025. Established in 1910, the ECA is the oldest prof
With spring settling in and warmer weather approaching, the Animal Cruelty Unit in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) reminds pet owners, including those who keep their pets outdoors, that they are required to provide their animals with basic needs, as defined by l
Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.READING — City Democrats and Republicans will head to the polls on May 20
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has posted an updated list of recent Retail Food Inspection Reports for restaurants and food handlers in Berks County. Inspections are a “snapshot” of the day and time of the inspection. Violations are recorded but are often corrected on the spot prior to t
Family Promise of Berks County received a $20,000 grant from Clayton, ensuring that families in Berks County receive the support they need to stay safely housed.The grant is a portion of the $1.5 million dollars Clayton is dispersing to the Family Promise national network. The funds are a result of
An 18-year-old man is in serious condition following a shooting Saturday evening in the city.According to police, officers responded around 7:40 p.m. on April 19 to the 000 block of South 9th Street for a report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound t
The City of Reading is joining communities across the country in honoring American history and looking ahead to the nation’s 250th birthday through the Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative. As part of the celebration, two symbolic lights will shine Friday, April 18, from the William Penn Memorial Fire
Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.HARRISBURG — On May 20, Democrats and Republicans will choose their parti
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has posted an updated list of recent Retail Food Inspection Reports for restaurants and food handlers in Berks County. Inspections are a “snapshot” of the day and time of the inspection. Violations are recorded but are often corrected on the spot prior to t
Berks Ballet Theatre has announced a spellbinding double feature this spring, offering audiences an unforgettable afternoon of artistry and storytelling. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., the ballet company will perform a vibrant interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons score, followed by Cin
The Penn State Berks Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development (CEED) Center hosted its annual Student Enterprise Award ceremony on March 24, 2025. The award provides seed money to support enterprising and innovative students and allow them to utilize their Penn State Berks edu
Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.The Trump administration abruptly cut off funding for a NASA program aime
Plans to convert the former tennis courts at Schlegel Park into a new dog park advanced this week, as Reading City Council approved contracts for the project during its April 14 meeting. While the initiative received broad support, Councilmember Vanessa Campos raised questions about the location sel
A fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms tore through Berks County Tuesday afternoon, downing trees, damaging structures, and knocking out power to thousands of residents.The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the county shortly after 3 p.m., as storms packing
Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County has announced that Christina Kline has joined the BCSS team as Program Coordinator. Additionally, Krystal Rodriguez has been promoted from Intern to Administrative Assistant. The Board of Directors, team members, and volunteers welcome Christina to the
The Berks County Bar Association on Tuesday released results of a poll, which asked members to rate the three candidates competing in the May 20 primary for nominations to serve as a Berks County Court of Common Pleas judge.Only eight votes separated the candidates in the “Highly Recommended” rating
Opportunity House announced it is withdrawing from its plan to purchase the property at 100 South 4th Street, citing a lack of support from Reading City Council as the reason for ending the effort.The nonprofit, which has served the community since 1984, had intended to use the site to expand its af
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District has announced upcoming access restrictions at Blue Marsh Lake due to paving and roadway rehabilitation projects. The closures, originally scheduled to begin on April 11, have been delayed and will now start on May 1, 2025.The updated schedule ma
The Berks County Community Foundation announced it awarded more than $1.1 million in grants during the first quarter of 2025, supporting a wide array of nonprofit organizations and initiatives that aim to improve life throughout Berks County.In total, the Foundation distributed $1,152,270 across 190
A once-forgotten Cold War-era fallout shelter tucked into a hillside near the Greenhouse in City Park has been given a new lease on life. City officials recently guided members of the media on a rare tour of the underground structure, now cleaned and renovated for future use after sitting largely un
The City of Reading welcomed members of the local media on Monday for a guided tour of the greenhouse in City Park, highlighting ongoing improvements and long-term plans for the historic structure. Capital Project Manager David Anspach led the tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the nearly co
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a series of roadwork projects across Berks County for the week of April 14, 2025. Work includes paving, bridge repairs, brush cutting, and ongoing construction on major highways. Drivers are encouraged to expect delays, obey flagg
