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
More than 900 runners, walkers, volunteers, and community supporters gathered at Reading Hospital on October 18 for the 2026 Reading Hospital Road Run. The event raised an estimated $40,000 to support Reading Hospital’s Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit.A longstanding Berks County traditi
The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) celebrated the opening of the new BCIU Learning Center at Centre Avenue on Thursday, October 22, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, open house, and tours of the facility at 2101 Centre Avenue in Reading. State and local officials joined BCIU leaders, part
Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship celebrated the launch of the newest addition to its Spark Business Incubator on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne. A ribbon-cutting ceremony supported by the Greater Reading Chambe
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
State Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock celebrated a $624,074 investment in Exeter Township School District to help them implement structured literacy curriculums across their classrooms.The funding will help Jacksonwald, Lorane, and Owatin Creek elementary schools build the systems, instructional capacity, and
Wyomissing Borough has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to support the restoration of Parklands Creek and improve public access to one of the borough’s most frequently used natural areas.The funding will support the restorati
The South Heidelberg Township Police Department is participating in a statewide aggressive driving enforcement campaign aimed at reducing traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.The enforcement initiative, running from October 19 through November 8, 2026, includes the Pennsylvania State Police and
Reading City Council is accepting applications for the vacant City Auditor position, with the selected applicant set to serve through January 3, 2028, at an annual salary of $78,750.The position provides independent financial oversight of city government, including reviewing expenditures made by the
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
Update – 10/26/26: DA reveals alleged drug robbery motive, new details in Michael Petrino Jr. kidnapping and murder investigationOriginal post: Two additional suspects have been arrested on murder and kidnapping charges in connection with the disappearance of Michael Petrino Jr., bringing the total
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
