Sixty-four aspiring eighth-grade students from across southeastern Pennsylvania spent four days exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics during the 2026 Rotary District 7430 STEM Youth Explorers Academy, held July 9-12 at Kutztown University.The academy brought together students fr
United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Dr. Habib Bhatti, 44, of Barto, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty Friday before United States District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; one count of use of an interstate commerce
Police departments across Berks County will increase patrols and DUI enforcement efforts this weekend as officials anticipate heavier summer travel and increased alcohol consumption.According to the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program, officers throughout the county will participate in ag
Albright College has announced the launch of its new Marching Arts Program, an exciting addition to campus life that will debut in Fall 2027. The College has also named Zachary Kuhn as its inaugural Director of Marching Arts, where he will lead the development of a year-round program designed to enr
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Berks County, warning that multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms could produce flash flooding from 10 a.m. Saturday through 2 a.m. Sunday.Forecasters said excessive rainfall could lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone
Downtown Reading will host the final weekend of the Official Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone this Saturday and Sunday, bringing live FIFA World Cup 2026 match broadcasts, concerts, entertainment and family activities to the city.The free event, organized by the City of Reading in partnership with Ex
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 — A group of activists wants Reading City Council to adopt a wide-ranging
Pennsylvania American Water customers will see smaller rate increases than the utility originally requested after the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a modified rate plan Thursday that cuts the company’s proposed revenue increase by more than half while requiring a series of customer
The Pennsylvania State Police are warning Berks County residents about a scam in which callers falsely claim to be deputies with the Berks County Sheriff’s Department and demand money from victims over an alleged missed jury duty warrant.According to Pennsylvania State Police Troop L in Reading, vic
Six projects in Berks County will receive a combined $6.5 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding, part of nearly $445 million in investments announced Thursday by Gov. Josh Shapiro to support community and economic development projects across Pennsylvania.The statew
This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA taking a fresh, positive look at the incredible people, beautiful places, and delicious food of Pennsylvania. Sign up for free here.As funding remains flat and patron demands expand, public libraries in Pennsylvania need more
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a statewide Code Purple Air Quality Alert for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on Friday, July 17, as wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota is expected to blanket the commonwealth.The Code Purple alert marks a worsening of
Three Alvernia University mechanical engineering students turned an idea born in the classroom into an award-winning healthcare innovation, securing both a provisional patent and first place in the collegiate division of the 24th Annual tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition in Northeast Pennsylvania.
The Reading Public Library announced that the elevator at its Main Library is expected to remain out of service until January 2027 because of ongoing mechanical issues.In a message to the community shared on social media, the library said the decision was made out of concern for public safety after
Efforts to restore passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia took another step forward this week as the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) and Amtrak signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing their partnership on the proposed rail corridor.The agreement outlines h
Two Reading residents are facing felony charges following a Berks County District Attorney’s Office investigation into alleged illegal firearm trafficking, including accusations of straw purchasing, false statements and filing a false burglary report.The Berks County District Attorney’s Office annou
The Reading Science Center has received a $10,000 grant from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to support its Sisters in STEM program, an initiative designed to encourage girls to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics.The grant was awarded by AAUW through the org
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
This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a $25 million grant award for a railway improvement project along the Colebrookdale Railroad in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The award comes after U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter of support to Secretary of Transp
Philadelphia law firm Anapol Weiss has filed a class-action suit in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County against Westover Property Management Company, L.P., alleging that the company failed to prevent a recent fire outbreak at Oak Forest Apartments. Per the complaint, the company failed
Berks County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of a new team member, Alyssa N. Wilkinson, CPA. Alyssa assumed the role of Accounting and Finance Manager on Monday, June 15, and brings with her a wealth of experience and local connections.Alyssa manages the Community Foundation
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has declared a statewide Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Thursday, July 16, as wildfire smoke is expected to create unhealthy air quality across Pennsylvania, including Berks County.According to DEP, smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minne
Bethany Children’s Home celebrated the completion of a newly restored basketball court Wednesday, marking the culmination of a community-supported project designed to provide youth with a safe space for recreation, personal growth and healing.The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on the Bethany campus n
The Womelsdorf-Robesonia Joint Authority will receive a nearly $1.2 million low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to rehabilitate the Furnace Creek water storage tank, part of a statewide investment aimed at improving drinking water and wastewater
