Washington Township in Berks County has been awarded a $199,000 state grant to support improvements at Washington Township Park, according to an announcement from state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24).The funding was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DC
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 — The Reading School Board dropped plans to consider increasing its trave
A 66-year-old Mohnton man has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple reported child luring incidents in Shillington Borough and the City of Reading earlier this month, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office.Robert Ruhe faces three counts of luring a child into a moto
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 — A critical swing seat in Pennsylvania’s state Senate could c
The Reading Parking Authority (RPA) is reviewing parking citations issued over the past several months after discovering that some payments made through a mobile payment provider may not have been properly recorded in its parking enforcement system.According to a public statement issued by the autho
As Pennsylvanians prepare to turn back their clocks this weekend, the Shapiro Administration is urging residents to take a few minutes to replace the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. If you don’t have a smoke or CO alarm, you can request a free smoke alarm from the Am
Berks County transportation planners are seeking input from the public on how to reduce barriers to walking, bicycling, and accessibility in Berks County and the best methods to achieve those goals. The car has been the dominant choice for people to travel to work, school, shopping centers, etc. As
After more than six months of construction and traffic detours, the Route 724 bridge over Allegheny Creek in Robeson Township reopened Thursday morning, October 29, marking the completion of a $2.8 million replacement project.State Rep. Mark Gillen joined township officials, representatives from the
The Adalyn Rose Foundation’s 2026 Empty Stroller Run & Walk campaign brought together more than 2,400 participants and raised over $215,000 to support families grieving the loss of a baby or young child.During the month of October, families, friends, and supporters participated in events in Reading,
Kutztown University has named Stephanie Hemak its next assistant vice president for finance. Hemak brings more than 20 years of experience in financial reporting and more than a decade of financial leadership and management experience. She will begin her new role Monday, Nov. 2.As assistant vice pre
South Heidelberg Township officials joined state and county leaders Wednesday, October 28, 2026, to break ground on the long-awaited Krick Lane Extension Project, marking the beginning of a major roadway improvement aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving safety, and supporting future develo
The City of Reading has announced that Moody’s Ratings has revised the City’s financial outlook from stable to positive while affirming its Baa2 issuer rating and Baa2 ratings on the City’s general obligation bonds.The positive outlook reflects Moody’s recognition of the City’s strong financial rese
Alvernia University is celebrating the successful conclusion of its historic Partners in Progress campaign, which raised more than $82 million to bring the university’s CollegeTowne vision to life, transform the student experience, and expand access to higher education.“Partners in Progress is a rem
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 — Several members of the Reading School Board spent more than $93,000 on
A $500,000 state grant will help fund restoration efforts at the Boyertown Community Pool, bringing the facility closer to reopening in May 2027.State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) visited Boyertown Community Park on Tuesday, October 27, to announce the funding alongside members of the Friends of the
The City of Reading has announced that official trick-or-treat hours for Halloween will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., giving families an opportunity to celebrate throughout city neighborhoods.Mayor Eddie Morán is encouraging residents who plan to distribute candy to turn o
Reading Hospital will host a free community education event on Saturday, November 7, aimed at helping Berks County residents better understand diabetes, manage their health, and connect with local medical experts.The event, titled “Let’s Talk Diabetes,” will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the
Yocum Institute for Arts Education has announced the appointment of Alec Reinert as its new Director of Development. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, Reinert brings a wealth of experience and a passion for expanding opportunities for young peop
Two Berks County 4-H members have been selected to serve as Pennsylvania State Project Ambassadors, joining a statewide team of young leaders who will help shape future programming and provide input on educational initiatives.Margaret Haan and Dakota Deeter were among the 25 youth recently inducted
Pennsylvania schools will be required to restrict student cell phone use throughout the school day beginning with the 2027-28 academic year under legislation signed into law Monday by Gov. Josh Shapiro.Shapiro signed Senate Bill 1014 during a visit to Lenape Middle School in Doylestown, Bucks County
Berks County District Attorney John Adams revealed new details Monday, October 26, in the investigation into the disappearance and presumed death of Michael Petrino Jr., outlining what prosecutors believe was a coordinated kidnapping carried out in retaliation for a drug robbery.During a press confe
The Salvation Army Boyertown Corps has welcomed Captains Derek and Betty Ellen Barrett as its new Corps Officers, placing the couple in charge of the organization’s church ministry, community outreach and day-to-day operations.In their new roles, the Barretts oversee worship services, social service
A Reading man has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of a coworker along River Road in May, following an investigation that included surveillance footage and DNA evidence recovered from a bicycle found near the crime scene.Berks County District Attorney John Adams announc
PennDOT has announced several roadwork projects across Berks County for the week of October 26–30, 2026. Maintenance crews will conduct bridge repairs, pothole patching, road sign work and shoulder improvements along US 422 West, Interstate 176, Interstate 78, Route 501, Stony Run Valley Road and Ro
