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The latest news from Berks Weekly
United Way of Berks County surpasses campaign goal, raises more than $11 million

United Way of Berks County surpasses campaign goal, raises more than $11 million

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

Special funds help Berks County avoid property tax increase despite $16M shortfall

Special funds help Berks County avoid property tax increase despite $16M shortfall

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

Exeter Township School District recognizes outstanding sophomore and juniors in math & science

Exeter Township School District recognizes outstanding sophomore and juniors in math & science

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 to Present “A Venetian Christmas” featuring works by Vivaldi

Vox Philia to Present “A Venetian Christmas” featuring works by Vivaldi

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

Reading’s Christmas on the Mountain expands to unprecedented scale for 2025—possibly its final season

Reading’s Christmas on the Mountain expands to unprecedented scale for 2025—possibly its final season

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

Berks LaunchBox announces seven new ‘IMAGINE Your Business’ grant recipients

Berks LaunchBox announces seven new ‘IMAGINE Your Business’ grant recipients

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

Chillin’ on Main returns to downtown Boyertown on December 6

Chillin’ on Main returns to downtown Boyertown on December 6

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

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

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

Reading announces street closures ahead of 2025 Holiday Parade

Reading announces street closures ahead of 2025 Holiday Parade

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

Baby formula company linked to botulism outbreak stopped production at Berks plant in 2023

Baby formula company linked to botulism outbreak stopped production at Berks plant in 2023

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

Christmas on the Farm to celebrate foster care & adoption families with community support and holiday cheer

Christmas on the Farm to celebrate foster care & adoption families with community support and holiday cheer

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

Reading man pleads guilty to child pornography offenses

Reading man pleads guilty to child pornography offenses

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

Shapiro administration highlights major road and bridge investments in Berks County

Shapiro administration highlights major road and bridge investments in Berks County

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 names Rich Kessler USL2 1st Team Head Coach

Reading United AC names Rich Kessler USL2 1st Team Head Coach

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 reached no-kill in 2024

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County reached no-kill in 2024

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

Berks County Conservation District receives $317K for watershed restoration project

Berks County Conservation District receives $317K for watershed restoration project

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 seek two suspects after counterfeit bills passed at Dollar General

Fleetwood Police seek two suspects after counterfeit bills passed at Dollar General

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

Reading man sentenced to 18 years in prison for three Berks County armed robberies

Reading man sentenced to 18 years in prison for three Berks County armed robberies

United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Mikal Portalatin, 35, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 216 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge John M. Gallagher for committing three commercial armed robberies. Judge Gallagher also order

Reading’s pagoda re-illuminated as restoration progresses

Reading’s pagoda re-illuminated as restoration progresses

Reading’s iconic Pagoda is glowing once again after a successful exterior lighting test Monday evening, marking a key step forward in the city’s ongoing renovation efforts.City officials confirmed that the test validated the new electrical components and lighting fixtures installed as part of the br

Water Main Break on Lancaster Avenue in Reading prompts boil water advisory for 18th Ward, Kenhorst

Water Main Break on Lancaster Avenue in Reading prompts boil water advisory for 18th Ward, Kenhorst

Update – 11/21/25: (Via RAWA) Residents of the 18th Ward and Kenhorst Borough the Boil Water Advisory is now lifted. The test samples have been cleared and the water is safe for consumption.Original post: A water main break reported Monday evening has prompted a boil water advisory for parts of Read

Exeter Township School District inducts 3 into Academic Hall of Fame, 45 into National Honor Society

Exeter Township School District inducts 3 into Academic Hall of Fame, 45 into National Honor Society

The Exeter Township School District celebrated the achievements of students and alumni as 46 juniors and seniors were inducted into the Claude W. Dundore chapter of the National Honor Society and three notable alumni or community members were inducted into the Exeter Alumni Association’s Academic Ha

Hamburg Area High School to present “Mary Poppins” Musical this november

Hamburg Area High School to present “Mary Poppins” Musical this november

Hamburg Area School District and Hamburg Hawks Performing Arts will bring the timeless story of Mary Poppins to the Hamburg Area High School stage later this month. The production, based on the beloved Broadway adaptation, promises a blend of classic charm, musical magic, and heartfelt storytelling

Berks Ballet Theatre marks 50th Anniversary with special production of The Nutcracker

Berks Ballet Theatre marks 50th Anniversary with special production of The Nutcracker

Berks Ballet Theatre will celebrate a significant milestone this holiday season as it presents its 50th anniversary production of The Nutcracker on December 20 and 21 at Kutztown University’s Schaeffer Auditorium. Three performances are scheduled, and tickets begin at $43.This year’s production high

Berks County Veterans Affairs leaders present testimony to PA Legislature on groundbreaking PTSD treatment legislation

Berks County Veterans Affairs leaders present testimony to PA Legislature on groundbreaking PTSD treatment legislation

Berks County Director of Veterans Affairs Jay Ostrich and Deputy Director Will Tobin will present testimony to the Pennsylvania State Legislature in Harrisburg on Monday, November 17, in support of PA House Resolution 157, which urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 1947, the Treatment and Relief thr