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 — Lt. Rebecca Zentmyer is the only professional female firefighter in Rea
The City of Reading announced Monday its official proclamation recognizing Black History Month, reaffirming the city’s commitment to honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans locally and nationwide.As part of the observance, Reading City Hall began illumination Monday eveni
Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams is joining prosecutors across Pennsylvania in urging state leaders to adopt a series of public safety policy changes aimed at addressing gun violence, victim services, and emerging drug concerns.In a recent press release dated Feb. 19, Adams announced his
This story, written by Luisa Corporan for Barrio Alegría, is part of a series designed to empower the community to take action in mitigating the impact of pollution and the misuse of natural resources. Lea este artículo en español aquí.We receive different types of messages every day; however, when
Nearly one year ago, Robert Eisenhower of Bernville underwent life-saving heart surgery at Reading Hospital after his valve dissolved – a situation his wife, Brenda, described as “very close to the end.”Thanks to the skill and quick actions of Dr. Brian McCauley and the cardiac care team, Eisenhower
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.UPPER BERN — Not enough clean water. Hundreds of thousands of gallons of sewage d
Vox Philia will present its annual Black History Month concert later this month, bringing together multiple choirs from Berks County and surrounding institutions for a collaborative choral performance.The concert is scheduled for Saturday, February 28 at 4 p.m. at Immanuel UCC, 99 S. Waverly Street
PennDOT has announced several maintenance and construction projects scheduled across Berks County this week, with work expected to impact travel on multiple state highways and local roads. Motorists may encounter lane restrictions, shoulder work, and flagging operations at various locations during d
Update – 2/23/26: Mayor Eddie Morán has officially lifted the Snow Emergency in the City of Reading as weather conditions have improved and roadways have been cleared. City crews will continue addressing remaining slick spots and localized snow accumulation. Residents and City service providers may
Fire companies and emergency medical service agencies across Berks County are among dozens of organizations in central Pennsylvania receiving state grant funding aimed at strengthening public safety operations.State Sen. Chris Gebhard announced that more than $1 million in grants has been awarded to
South Heidelberg Township Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a person connected to an assault and robbery that occurred earlier this month in Heidelberg Township.According to Crime Alert Berks, the incident took place around 6 p.m. on Feb. 13 in the 700 block of West Penn A
The Reading Parking Authority announced temporary parking accommodations ahead of an approaching winter storm, aimed at supporting snow removal efforts and maintaining public safety across the city.According to the authority, the measures are being implemented in coordination with the City of Readin
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Berks County as a significant snowstorm is expected to impact the region from Sunday morning through Monday evening.According to the National Weather Service, the warning will be in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday until 6 p.m. Monday. Forecasters say heavy snow i
A man was taken into custody Friday evening after a firearm discharged and injured a woman in Mt. Penn, according to the Central Berks Regional Police Department.Police said officers responded around 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 to the 00 block of Pennwyn Terrace for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers
Update: Winter Storm Warning issued for Berks County with up to 16 inches of snow possibleOriginal post: A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Berks County, with forecasters warning that a significant winter storm could bring heavy snow and gusty winds from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon
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 Reading Area Water Authority is asking customers to reduce water use after Berks County was placed under a drought warning by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).In an alert issued Feb. 19, the authority announced a Voluntary Water Conservation Notice for all customers,
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.An ICE memo gives a glimpse into the agency’s intent for warehouses it quietly pu
The City of Reading mourns the passing of former District 4 Councilman Stratton “Strat” Marmarou, who died this morning at the age of 92. A lifelong public servant, Marmarou dedicated decades to the safety, civic life, and well-being of Reading’s residents.Marmarou retired from the Reading Police De
The Douglass Township Board of Supervisors have announced that the Township has been awarded a $180,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnership Program to support the improvements of Ganshahawny Park on Old Philadelph
Berks County Treasurer Mitchell R. Darcourt has announced that Womelsdorf Borough (District 95) is now able to pay outstanding annual and interim real estate tax bills online with credit/debit cards. Womelsdorf joins the City of Reading (Districts 01-19) and other townships and boroughs in the onlin
Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe honored Ken Bonkoski, the facilities manager at Antietam School District who has guided the district’s recovery and rebuilding project after a flood devastated one of its school buildings in 2023, as a 2026 Pennsylvania Recognizing Inspiring School
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.Update: Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach said Tuesday evening there’s
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich today touted how regional teams created under the Shapiro Administration and backed by the U.S. Department of Justice will help keep older Pennsylvanians safe and protected from abuse.These regional coalitions are called Multidisciplinary Tea
