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The latest news from Berks Weekly
State Police host free online safety presentation to protect children from online predators and emerging AI threats

State Police host free online safety presentation to protect children from online predators and emerging AI threats

As part of the Shapiro Administration’s ongoing commitment to protect Pennsylvanians from predatory artificial intelligence (AI) practices, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today rolled out a presentation to educate families about emerging technology, the risks of online gaming, and the critical

Reading School District first in Berks County to approve electric school buses

Reading School District first in Berks County to approve electric school buses

The Reading School District has become the first school district in Berks County, Pennsylvania to approve the transition to electric school buses, marking a major step toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation for students.During its February meeting, the district’s Board of Directors approved

Beverage gun holder observed with pink organic residue: Restaurant Inspections, March 5, 2026

Beverage gun holder observed with pink organic residue: Restaurant Inspections, March 5, 2026

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

Farm to Table(aux) Raises More than $150K for Reading Hospital NICU

Farm to Table(aux) Raises More than $150K for Reading Hospital NICU

The Friends of Reading Hospital, in partnership with the Reading Hospital Foundation, raised more than $150,000 at this year’s Farm to Table(aux) celebration. Held on March 6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Reading, the event was themed to the bold spirit of Frida Kahlo and brought together com

Berks Book Bonanza announces Spring Collection hours; will accept donations through June 13

Berks Book Bonanza announces Spring Collection hours; will accept donations through June 13

Berks Book Bonanza began accepting donations this week as part of their spring collection period. Now through June 13, volunteers will be on hand to accept donations of gently-used books, DVDs, puzzles, games, and more during select days and times.The spring collection will take place during the fol

Greater Berks Development Fund sells 24 acres to C&B Development

Greater Berks Development Fund sells 24 acres to C&B Development

The Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF), an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), is pleased to announce the sale of 24 acres of land to C&B Development LLC, (C&B), Wyomissing.The parcel of land, which GBDF purchased in 2018 with the purpose of providing industrially zoned land

Berks County launches Berks 275 celebration with kickoff event at Miller Center

Berks County launches Berks 275 celebration with kickoff event at Miller Center

Berks County officially launched its Berks 275 celebration Wednesday night, March 11, at the Miller Center at Reading Area Community College, marking the start of a yearlong commemoration leading up to the county’s 275th anniversary in 2027.The public kickoff event featured historical presentations,

Gov. Shapiro visits Douglass Township manufactured housing community to push lot rent reform

Gov. Shapiro visits Douglass Township manufactured housing community to push lot rent reform

Governor Josh Shapiro visited a manufactured housing community in Douglass Township on Wednesday to highlight proposed housing reforms aimed at protecting residents from steep increases in lot rent.Speaking at a home in Douglass Village near Douglassville, Shapiro met with residents and advocates wh

Betsy Knott appointed vice president of retail banking at Fleetwood Bank

Betsy Knott appointed vice president of retail banking at Fleetwood Bank

Fleetwood Bank recently announced the appointment of Betsy Knott as Vice President of Retail Banking. Mrs. Knott brings 15 years of banking and sales experience and many certificates from the American Bankers Association. Additionally, Knott recently completed the PA Bankers Association’s Advanced S

Helping Harvest Community Kitchen surpasses 100,000 meals distributed

Helping Harvest Community Kitchen surpasses 100,000 meals distributed

The Helping Harvest Community Kitchen, located in downtown Reading, recently surpassed 100,000 meals distributed since its opening in April 2025.The kitchen provides a variety of meals for Berks and Schuylkill County neighbors experiencing food insecurity, primarily focused on specific populations s

James Toth named chief operating officer at Berks Community Health Center

James Toth named chief operating officer at Berks Community Health Center

Berks Community Health Center has announced that James Toth has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.James A. Toth, MBA, BSN, RN, FACHE, is a seasoned healthcare executive with extensive experience leading clinical and operational excellence across various healthcare organizations. As Chief Oper

State awards $825K for EV charging station in Fleetwood as part of $9 million investment

State awards $825K for EV charging station in Fleetwood as part of $9 million investment

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced new funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state, including a project in Berks County aimed at expanding access for drivers traveling along major corridors.The Shapiro Administration on Tuesday announced that 12 pro

ICE warehouse has years of unresolved construction problems, records show

ICE warehouse has years of unresolved construction problems, records show

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.UPPER BERN — The developer of a Berks County warehouse that ICE wants to use as a

Michele Bare to step down as Wyomissing borough manager after 18 years

Michele Bare to step down as Wyomissing borough manager after 18 years

Wyomissing Borough Council announced Tuesday that Borough Manager Michele Bare will step down from her position after 18 years of service with the borough.Bare has served the Wyomissing community in several roles across multiple departments during her tenure before being appointed borough manager mo

“Stigma kept me from accepting help”: One Pennsylvanian’s path to recovery

“Stigma kept me from accepting help”: One Pennsylvanian’s path to recovery

Leer en español This is the first installment in a series about Pennsylvanians in recovery from substance use disorder and how stigma affected their recovery. The series is a collaboration between Public Good News, Centro Integral de la Mujer Madre Tierra, and Life Unites Us. If you’d like to share

Anne-Marie Grill chosen to fill seat on Exeter Township School Board

Anne-Marie Grill chosen to fill seat on Exeter Township School Board

The Exeter Township Board of School Directors selected Anne-Marie Grill to fill a vacancy on the board following interviews with 10 candidates during a special meeting on Monday evening, which was held in the board room at the Exeter Township Lausch Administration Building.Mrs. Grill, an Exeter Town

Architectural designer Eddit Marmolejos Gil appointed to Berks County Housing Authority board

Architectural designer Eddit Marmolejos Gil appointed to Berks County Housing Authority board

Muhlenberg Greene Architects has announced that Eddit Marmolejos Gil, Architectural Designer, has been appointed to serve on the Board of the Berks County Housing Authority.The Berks County Housing Authority Board works to support the Authority’s mission of providing safe, decent, and affordable hou

John Paul II Center for Special Learning expands transition program ahead of Special Blends Café opening

John Paul II Center for Special Learning expands transition program ahead of Special Blends Café opening

With the upcoming opening of Special Blends Café by JPII later this summer, the John Paul II Center for Special Learning is strengthening its Transition Program to expand real-world learning opportunities for students. Effective immediately, Rene Berkhammer has been promoted to Director of Transitio

‘Let’s Talk, Period.’ event brings positivity and education to families

‘Let’s Talk, Period.’ event brings positivity and education to families

Reading Hospital partnered with The Junior League of Reading and Berks Teens to host “Let’s Talk, Period,” a free event focused on menstrual equity and period positivity for teens and tweens in grades 3-8 and a trusted adult. More than 130 individuals were in attendance, making it the largest event

Winners announced in 23rd Annual Berks County Public Libraries Awards Celebration

Winners announced in 23rd Annual Berks County Public Libraries Awards Celebration

On March 4, Berks County Public Libraries honored leadership and service excellence during its 23rd Annual Awards Celebration. Presented at the Library System headquarters in front of an audience of 70 attendees, the event recognized individuals and organizations for their support and contributions

Vice President for Programs and Initiatives, Monica Reyes, named 2026 Take the Lead Berks County honoree by Girl Scouts of Eastern PA

Vice President for Programs and Initiatives, Monica Reyes, named 2026 Take the Lead Berks County honoree by Girl Scouts of Eastern PA

Each year, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) honors four female leaders who exemplify the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Monica Reyes, Vice President for Programs and Initiatives of Berks County Community Foun

$2.5M winning Pennsylvania Lottery scratch-off ticket sold in Maidencreek Township

$2.5M winning Pennsylvania Lottery scratch-off ticket sold in Maidencreek Township

A Pennsylvania Lottery Scratch-Off ticket worth $2.5 million was recently sold at a retailer in Berks County.According to the Pennsylvania Lottery, the winning ticket for the $120,000,000 Payout Scratch-Off game was sold at Redner’s Quick Shoppe, 8381 Allentown Pike, Maidencreek Township. The retail

State officials visit Berks County farm to highlight support for women in agriculture

State officials visit Berks County farm to highlight support for women in agriculture

State officials visited a Berks County farm this week to highlight investments aimed at supporting women in agriculture during Women’s History Month and the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer.Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and State Sen. Judy Schwank, minority

Police in Berks County urge residents to plan for a sober ride ahead of St. Patrick’s Day

Police in Berks County urge residents to plan for a sober ride ahead of St. Patrick’s Day

Berks County law enforcement officials are reminding residents to make safe transportation plans before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.With festivities expected to take place across the country on and around Tuesday, March 17, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Ad