This story was produced as part of Spotlight PA’s new Berks Bureau, an effort to revitalize independent, nonpartisan investigative and public-service journalism in Berks County. To support this effort or sign up for updates, learn more here.Over the past year, Albright College in Berks County has cu
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Berks County and surrounding areas, upgrading its previous alert as forecasters anticipate significant snowfall and hazardous conditions. The warning will be in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday until 1 a.m. Monday, with total snow accumulat
Humane Pennsylvania is celebrating National Change A Pet’s Life Day with a three-day, fee-waived adoption event, generously sponsored by Silverbox Creative Studio. Change A Pet’s Life Day, which falls on January 24th, was created to encourage people to adopt pets from shelters and raise awareness ab
As part of World War II’s strategy to liberate Italy from the Nazis, the Allies sent an invasion force of 36,000 troops with naval and air support to land behind German lines at Anzio and to cut off the Germans from their supply lines. A flotilla of thirteen LSTs (Landing Ship Tank) sailed from Napl
The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) celebrated its Board of Directors for their dedication and service during the January board meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2025, as part of School Director Recognition Month.Across Pennsylvania, school directors devote an average of 10 volunteer hours each
A devastating fire destroyed a barn in Union Township early Thursday morning, resulting in the loss of livestock and an estimated $50,000 in damages, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.At approximately 12:56 a.m. on January 16, Berks County 911 dispatched the Birdsboro-Union Fire Department
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield held a press conference Friday morning at the Berks County Department of Emergency Services to highlight the recovery efforts in Berks County made possible through the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP).The grant
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Berks County and several neighboring regions, including the Lehigh Valley and portions of Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties. The watch is in effect from Sunday morning beginning at 7:00 AM through Sunday evening at 10:00 PM, as f
The United States Postal Service has unveiled its newest Forever stamp in the popular Love series, celebrating the theme of love through the work of iconic artist Keith Haring. The Love (2025) stamp, featuring Haring’s untitled 1985 drawing of two figures reaching toward a red heart, was officially
Travis Mauger knew from an early age that he wanted to help others. After high school, he joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and later became a cadet in the local Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). His time in the military solidified his goal of serving others, particularly service memb
Berks History Center has announced the opening of their newest rotating exhibit, “Sights Unseen.” This captivating display of photography is presented by the BHC in partnership with the Vision Resource Center of Berks County.“Sights Unseen” brings to light a fascinating project initiated in the mid-
A powerful tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of Vietnam War veterans was unveiled Thursday morning at the Berks County Etchberger Veterans Affairs Center. The event, introduced Memories of Herb, a striking piece of art by Vietnam War veteran and artist Gary Wanner, which commemorates the Battle o
VOiCEup Berks has recognized an exceptional group of students from Wilson, Muhlenberg, and Exeter School Districts who have earned The President’s Volunteer Service Award for their dedication to community service through Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) of Reading.This national award, presented on behalf
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 Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles will be celebrating sixty years of preserving Pennsylvania’s transportation heritage in 2025. The Boyertown Museum plans to commemorate this anniversary throughout the year with special events and programming.The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles was fou
As Berks Encore celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2025, the organization is unveiling a refreshed identity that underscores its steadfast commitment to senior care and nutrition. A key element of this rebranding includes the addition of a new logo featuring Meals on Wheels Berks County, a program t
The Shapiro-Davis Administration is investing in Pennsylvania’s law enforcement capabilities, with Berks County set to receive $209,510 in grant funding to help recruit and train 40 municipal police officers. This initiative is part of a statewide effort to address police staffing shortages and enha
Kutztown University has been selected to host a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence from India to be a professor in the Department of Cinema, Television and Media Production during the 2025 spring semester. Dr. Manjula Srinivas, an expert in media and journalism at Flame University Pune, was selected for
Students from Twin Valley High School have left their creative mark on the Pennsylvania Turnpike through the Art Sparks program, an initiative by the PA Turnpike and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA). Their work, “Pieces of Pennsylvania,” now adorns the Peter J. Camiel Service Plaza, completed
Berks County Community Foundation has announced the conclusion of its 4th quarter grant cycle for calendar year 2024, which has successfully distributed vital funding to local nonprofits and initiatives dedicated to improving our community. In this quarter, the Foundation awarded grants to a divers
David Tanner joined the WCR Center for the Arts as the Executive Director in December 2024. “We are excited and proud to welcome David Tanner as the WCR’s Executive Director. His valued experience and leadership will positively impact our organization and the Downtown Reading Arts Community,” said J
Immanuel United Church of Christ, the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks, and Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom are partnering to support our community through the 2025 MLK Youth Day of Service. Immanuel UCC, 99 S. Waverly Street, Shillington, will host the volunteer event for youth and families on Mo
In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11, 2025, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office is recognizing and highlight the work that the Human Trafficking Task Force has accomplished this past year.The Berks County Human Trafficking Task Force recognizes that traffi
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge, in collaboration with several local organizations, will host a community cleanup event on Monday, January 20th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The effort will focus on cleaning up the neighborhood surrounding th
