TowerDIRECT ambulances are now equipped with sensory kits designed to help patients with autism feel more comfortable during medical emergencies, an initiative inspired by a local paramedic’s personal experience caring for her autistic son.The kits, which include noise-canceling headphones, fidget t
Two additional suspects have been arrested on murder and kidnapping charges in connection with the disappearance of Michael Petrino Jr., bringing the total number of individuals charged in the case to eight following a seven-month investigation led by the Reading Police Department.Luke Foxx, 21, and
A 14-year-old student at the John Paul II Center for Special Learning in Reading has become the first student at the school to earn a ServSafe Food Handler certification, marking a milestone as the organization prepares to open a new café in downtown Reading.Jeremy A., 14, successfully completed the
The Reading Police Department identified 61 violations and placed 10 commercial trucks and five drivers out of service during a commercial motor vehicle safety enforcement detail conducted Wednesday, October 21.The department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit worked alongside other participating agencies t
The Boyertown Area Historical Society and Fairview Cemetery Association will host a special walking tour of Fairview Cemetery on Sunday, November 1, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the lives and legacies of individuals who helped shape the Boyertown community.The event, titled “Souls
A Berks County school bus driver was among three drivers recognized by the Shapiro Administration Wednesday for their performance in Pennsylvania’s annual School Bus Driver Safety Competition.Pamela Little, a driver with Krise Transportation in Berks County, earned third place in the conventional bu
The West Reading Police Department has announced the promotion of Brandon Breitenstein to the rank of sergeant, recognizing his years of service, professional development and leadership within the department.Breitenstein began his law enforcement career as a part-time officer with Robeson Township a
Murals, metalwork, solar powered lighting, and unobstructed views of the river are planned for the reimagined Reading Gateway Bridge.Schuykill River Greenways is unveiling concept designs for the 600-foot pedestrian bridge, directly inspired by the wants and needs of hundreds of locals and frequent
State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today commended more than $185,000 in funding for Reading through Pennsylvania’s City Revitalization and Improvement Zone program, marking the city’s first award through the initiative.Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Secretary Pat Browne announced that Reading,
United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Matthew McKinney, 28, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 240 months’ imprisonment, 15 years of supervised release, and various financial penalties, including $98,500 in restitution to victims, by United States District Judge Joseph F.
Eight projects located in northwest Reading will receive funding through the Neighborhood Assistance Program, totaling $1,776,291, announced state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz.“This funding will go a long way to addressing many of the most pressing issues in our community – education access, food ins
The YMCA of Reading & Berks County will celebrate the grand opening of its expanded tennis and pickleball facilities during a Racquet Sports Open House on Friday, October 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sinking Spring YMCA, 4920 Penn Avenue.The event will give community members an opportunity to explore
Jose “Joey” Miranda, a Democrat, officially announced his candidacy for mayor of Reading on Friday evening, October 16, outlining a campaign focused on improving quality of life, strengthening public safety, addressing city spending, and restoring public confidence in local government.Miranda made t
The Shillington Borough Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man accused of attempting to lure a female student into his vehicle Wednesday evening.According to information released through Crime Alert Berks County, the incident occurred on October 14, 2026, betwee
Two people were arrested Thursday following a months-long investigation into an alleged cocaine trafficking operation in West Lawn, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office.Antonio Kreiser, 41, and Treva Florence, 41, both of the 2100 block of Penn Avenue in West Lawn, were taken int
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 — Skill games are beginning to disappear from businesses and s
Genesius Theatre in Reading will bring Bram Stoker’s classic gothic horror story to the stage this Halloween season with a production of “Dracula,” scheduled for October 23-25 and 29-31.The production features a stage adaptation written in 1924 by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston, which reimagi
This story was produced by the Berks County bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom. Sign up for Good Day, Berks, a daily dose of essential local stories at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/gooddayberks.READING — Reading may need to pull about $24 million from its reserves over two y
The Reading Police Department has identified a 20-year-old man who died following a shooting Thursday afternoon in the Glenside section of the city.According to an update released Friday by the department’s Criminal Investigations Division, the victim was identified as Amir Steele, 20.Officers respo
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary announced plans Thursday to replace its aging visitor center with a new $13 million facility designed to improve accessibility, expand educational opportunities, and showcase the organization’s conservation work around the world.The announcement was made during an October 15
Pennsylvania State Police are investigating an animal cruelty incident in Union Township after a cat returned home with a gunshot wound to its leg.According to a public information release from State Police Reading, troopers were dispatched to a residence in the 70 block of Center Road on October 13
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
Busker Incognito & the Hollow Wieners have released a new original Halloween-themed single, “Herr Krampy Bein,” bringing a blend of blues and boogie music to the spooky season.Released Thursday, October 15, through Smoking Bishop Records, the song is available worldwide on major digital music platfo
The Berks County Coroner’s Office has identified human remains discovered earlier this month inside a vacant home in Reading as 47-year-old Jose Rodriguez-Figueroa Jr. of Reading.The remains were discovered on October 2, 2026, inside a vacant residence in the 500 block of South 6th Street. According
