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.Next year we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, and yet one of the mo
The South Heidelberg Township Police Department has announced that Chief J. Matthew Hook has successfully completed the highly acclaimed School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) Class Number 622 at Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. The rigorous School of Police Staff and Command pro
Fleetwood Bank recently hosted their Annual Community Gift Basket Bingo, a fundraiser put together by Fleetwood Bank employees volunteering their time and effort. While different nonprofits throughout Berks County are selected to benefit from this initiative each year, the Bank always donates 100% o
Wyomissing’s holiday season will officially begin next month as the Borough hosts its annual Lighting of the Greens & Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Stone House lawn and pond area. A rain date is set for Sunday, December 7.Now in its 36th year, the event has bec
Berks County Community Foundation is opening their universal scholarship application a month early this year. Starting December 1st, 2025, students may apply for scholarship funds which are available for graduating high school students, current college students, and lifelong learners. Applications w
The City of Reading has announced the top performers from the 2025 Holiday Parade, highlighting standout entries across several categories and recognizing the creativity and enthusiasm shown by participating groups.In the Best Band category, the Reading High School Marching Band earned first place,
Rotary District 7430 and supporting West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club is proud to acknowledge the newly formed Rotaract Club of Berks County at their Charter Night celebration on November 19, 2025.Katie Farrell, Past District Governor of Rotary District 7430, opened the celebration with heartfelt
United Way of Berks County announced Thursday evening that community donors exceeded the organization’s 2025 campaign goal, contributing a total of $11,057,115 to support local health and human service needs.The announcement was made during the organization’s Campaign Victory Celebration, held at Re
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 — Berks County will not levy a property tax increase for 2026 after two c
Friday, ten juniors and ten sophomores were recognized by Principal Tom Campbell and Exeter Community Education Foundation (ECEF)’s Executive Director, Angela Cooke, and ECEF board members, Heather McCool and Jason Shaffer, for their outstanding math or science achievements. The awards are given tha
Vox Philia’s annual Christmas concert features two major works by the brilliant Antonio Vivaldi. Alongside his famous “Gloria in D Major” (RV589), the choir will perform his lesser known “Magnificat” (RV 610). Both pieces will be accompanied by members of Berks Sinfonietta.The choir will perform two
For 34 years, Hillside Playground on North 14th Street has been transformed into a dazzling holiday landmark known lovingly as “Christmas on the Mountain.” The largest free Christmas light display in the United States, this cherished tradition now features over 5 million LED lights and pixels, along
The Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State has announced seven recipients of its IMAGINE Your Business grant, designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs accelerate their business growth. The program awards up to $2,000 to assist startups with prototyping, marketing, product development and other esse
Boyertown’s holiday season will soon get into full swing as Building a Better Boyertown brings back its annual Chillin’ on Main celebration on Saturday, December 6. The family-friendly event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a full afternoon of entertainment, shopping, and seasonal fun throu
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28, 2025, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Customers may still obtai
The City of Reading is gearing up for a festive holiday season, with the much-anticipated Holiday Parade set to take place on Saturday, November 22nd, at 10 am along Penn Street. Free parking will be available from 7am-3:30pm at the South Penn Garage, 4th & Cherry Garage, and 5th & Cherry lot.New th
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 baby formula company whose products have been linked to a botulism
On Saturday, November 29, CHOR Youth & Family Services will host Christmas on the Farm — a free, family-friendly event at the Jim Dietrich Park Farmhouse in Muhlenberg Township from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This festive morning will feature visits with Santa, holiday crafts, a petting zoo, sweet treats, an
United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Matthew McKinney, 27, of Reading, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. on one count each of distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography.McKinney was arrested on a cri
The Shapiro administration is marking a busy and productive construction season across East Central Pennsylvania, with several major transportation projects underway or completed in Berks County.PennDOT’s Engineering District 5 reported this week that 87 projects valued at more than $840 million are
Reading United AC has announced the promotion of Rich Kessler to Head Coach of the club’s USL2 men’s team after previously serving as an assistant coach and goalkeeper coach since 2021. He succeeds Casey Moore, who recently transitioned to the newly established position of Sporting Director followin
The Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) has reached no-kill in 2024, according to Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. The milestone was celebrated on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, alongsid
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has awarded more than $3.1 million in watershed restoration grants statewide, including a significant investment in Berks County aimed at improving water quality in the Upper Little Swatara Creek watershed.The Berks County Conservation District
Fleetwood Police are asking for the public’s help identifying two suspects who used counterfeit cash at the Dollar General located at 44 Farmers Drive on Wednesday, October 30, 2025.According to the department, five counterfeit $100 bills were passed at the store between approximately 3 p.m. and 4 p
