At a press conference Thursday morning at City Hall, Police Chief Elias Vázquez announced a significant 21% reduction in crime across all major categories in the City of Reading in the first six months of 2024, marking a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety.“We are proud o
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
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation joined the family of Joseph Walker on Thursday morning for a dedication ceremony to name the Park Road Bridge over the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks in honor of the fallen PennDOT worker. The bridge, located in Wyomissing Borough, was officially unvei
In the world of classical music, piano studies are often seen as a solitary pursuit. However, a unique ensemble from the Yocum Institute for Arts Education is redefining this perception. The Berks Piano Quartet, consisting of four talented school-age pianists, has become a local success story, blend
The United Way of Berks County successfully launched its annual Campaign Kickoff Event at FirstEnergy Stadium Wednesday morning, gathering more than 250 community members, volunteers, and local leaders for a morning of inspiration and action. The event marked the beginning of the 2024 campaign, whic
The Reading Fire Department held a solemn memorial service in City Park to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Wednesday morning. Local residents, city officials, and first responders gathered near the September 11th Memorial Tree, which stands as a livin
Breadth of Hope LLC, an emerging leader in the literary world dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program. The grant, offered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) in partnership with the Berks Arts Counc
On Tuesday, Berks County middle and high school students who actively participate in Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Support, and Aevidum clubs and organizations had the opportunity to hear from nationally recognized speaker and author Kevin Hines at the Miller Center for the Arts at the Read
Kutztown University’s Teacher Leadership Academy launched in January as a transformative initiative dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of education leaders. The Academy is set to expand this fall with new agreements with Methacton and Reading School Districts.The KU Teacher Le
The 2024 ReadingFilmFEST is set to offer film enthusiasts an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the world of filmmaking, with a special Industry Speaker Series featuring acclaimed writer John Hindman and actor Taylor Handley. The event will take place on Saturday, October 12, from 10:00 to 11:45
Treasurer Stacy Garrity has announced that more than $57,000 worth of unclaimed property was found for fans of the Reading Fightin Phils who attended last Wednesday’s baseball game against the Erie SeaWolves.“The Fightin Phils never gave up, and they earned a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the
Hope Rescue Mission, a beacon of hope for individuals experiencing homelessness in Berks County, celebrated its 130th Anniversary at their Annual Gala at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading. This landmark event brought together supporters, volunteers, and community leaders to honor the Mission’s ric
Alvernia University and Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania have announced a new partnership to expand educational opportunities for Girl Scouts across the region. The partnership includes up to $27,000 per year in merit scholarships for Girl Scouts in Eastern PA’s nine-county footprint, renewable f
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will host a job fair at the PennDOT Berks County office, 4680 Fifth Street Highway, Temple, PA 19560 on Wednesday, September 11th from 8 AM to 2 PM. The event will include onsite interviews with job offers. Those interested in a career with PennDOT are e
The Berks County Conservation District’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Program has announced that ultra-low volume mosquito control operations will take place in Exeter Township and portions of the City of Reading this week to combat rising populations of adult mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile
Antietam School District is set to receive a $7.8 million grant from the Shapiro administration as part of a broader initiative to address environmental hazards in schools across Pennsylvania. The funding, announced during a visit by Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mum
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is coming to an end for this year. The deadline to get checks is September 30. The FMNP is presented in partnership with the PA Department of Agriculture and the Berks County Area Agency on Aging each year starting in June.Eligible participants mus
The streets of Reading were filled with hope as community members gathered for the annual Berks Recovery Walk Sunday morning in downtown Reading. Hosted by the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA), the event, aimed at raising awareness and celebrating recovery from substance use disorder, drew participa
PennDOT maintenance forces and private contractors have scheduled several construction projects in Berks County this week. To help our readers avoid travel delays, here are a few of the most notable projects.In Ruscombmanor Township, utility work at the intersection of PA 12 and PA 73 will cause lan
Preservation Pennsylvania has announced that the WCR Center for the Arts, formerly the Women’s Club of Reading, has been awarded the 2024 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award for Leadership in Public Impact. This award recognizes the WCR Center for the Arts excellence in using a historic buildin
The Northern Berks Regional Police have arrested a man in connection with recent package thefts in the Willow Glen neighborhood after a resident reported a suspicious vehicle.According to police, on Friday morning, officers were alerted by an observant resident to a suspicious vehicle in the Willow
The Central Pennsylvania House Delegation and the House Transportation Committee held a public information meeting Friday morning in Reading to address the region’s transportation needs, priorities, and potential funding options. Watch the full meeting in the embedded video.The event, which took pla
After nine years of service, Jennifer Reimer, president of the board of directors of the Reading Theater Project, has announced her retirement, marking the end of an era. Reimer has been a pillar guiding RTP with her unwavering dedication showcasing her leadership and commitment.Reimer was a foundin
A 32-year-old man from Shillington is facing multiple counts of rape, along with related charges, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday afternoon.The investigation began on Friday, April 12, 2024, when Berks County District Attorney’s Detectives received a Childline Referral f
