The latest news from Berks Weekly

Easterseals partners with Nemours to expand pediatric orthopedic care in Berks County

Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania has announced a new partnership with Nemours Children’s Health to provide specialized pediatric orthopedic care for children with disabilities in Berks County.The partnership brings Nemours orthopedic specialists to Easterseals’ outpatient clinic in Reading, allowing

Penn State Berks students place third at Mindful Marketing Ethics Challenge

Penn State Berks students took third place overall at the 2026 Mindful Marketing Ethics Challenge, held on Oct. 7, 2026, at Messiah University. The Mindful Marketing Ethics Challenge is a unique collegiate competition where teams of undergraduate students develop written responses to a specially pre

Albright to eliminate 20 programs and about a third of its faculty amid low enrollment, strained finances

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 — Albright College is eliminating 20 academic programs and 17 faculty pos

Berks County Veterans Affairs to offer on-site employment services through new PA CareerLink partnership

The Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding employment assistance for local veterans and their spouses through a new partnership with PA CareerLink Berks County, bringing career counseling, job training resources and other support services directly to the Etchberger Veterans Service

Resilient Reading initiative reports progress on building improvements and redevelopment projects

Green Building Alliance has released a progress report highlighting the impact of its Resilient Reading initiative, a multi-year program helping commercial property owners, small businesses and nonprofits improve their buildings, reduce energy costs and access funding for renovations and energy effi

Both elevators finally work at older adult high rise after two years of outages

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.CUMRU TOWNSHIP — For the first time in two years, both elevators are working at a

Conrad Weiser Theatre Company to premiere original play ‘Once Upon a Trial’ November 20-21

Conrad Weiser Theatre Company will kick off its 2026-27 season with the premiere of Once Upon a Trial, an original one-act play written and directed by Kelly Snyder. Performances are scheduled for November 20 and 21 at Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia.The family-friendly production puts a humo

Wyomissing Borough Council approves zoning changes to support future Berkshire Mall redevelopment

Wyomissing Borough Council has approved changes to its zoning ordinance aimed at encouraging the redevelopment of aging commercial properties, including the Berkshire Mall property.Council voted Tuesday, November 10, to adopt revisions to the borough’s C2 Overlay District, establishing updated devel

Food Facility selling foods prepared in an unapproved private home: Restaurant Inspections, Nov. 12, 2026

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

Kutztown Police Department to host annual ‘Fill the Cruiser Challenge’ food drive November 14

The Kutztown Borough Police Department is inviting residents to help support local families in need through its annual “Fill the Cruiser Challenge” food drive on Saturday, November 14.The community initiative encourages residents, businesses, and organizations to donate nonperishable food items to h

Reading pedestrian dies from injuries sustained in October crash

A 70-year-old Reading man has died from injuries sustained after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing a city street last month, according to the Berks County Coroner’s Office.The victim was identified as Robert Bruce Bellairs Jr., 70, of the 600 block of North Sixth Street in Reading. He di

Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill returns for 38th season with festive displays and special events

Berks County Parks & Recreation will welcome visitors back to Gring’s Mill this holiday season as the annual Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill returns for its 38th year, beginning Saturday, November 28.The popular holiday tradition features illuminated displays throughout the historic recreation area,

Berks County officials warn of rising scams targeting residents, veterans and businesses

Berks County officials are warning residents about an increase in sophisticated scams targeting people throughout the county, including older adults, veterans, business owners and families. The schemes range from fraudulent arrest warrants and impersonated law enforcement officers to fake government

Creepin’ for Critters raises over $12,000 for Berks County Animal Rescue League

A Halloween tradition that began with one Berks County family’s love of decorating has grown into a successful community fundraiser, raising more than $12,000 in monetary donations and supplies for the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County this year.Creepin’ for Critters, a volunteer-led initia

Alvernia University announces plans to acquire Marian University in Wisconsin

Alvernia University in Reading has announced plans to acquire Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, as part of a proposed partnership aimed at strengthening both Catholic institutions, expanding educational opportunities and preserving their shared commitment to faith and service.Under the pr

Reading highlights sustainability efforts, $250,000 forestry grant and community projects

The City of Reading is highlighting several sustainability initiatives and accomplishments from October 2026, including a $250,000 state grant supporting urban forestry, improvements to public parks and community gardens, and statewide recognition for local environmental efforts.The initiatives, car

ReadingFilmFEST brings independent filmmakers, stories and new perspectives to downtown Reading

The 12th annual ReadingFilmFEST is bringing filmmakers, actors and audiences together in downtown Reading for a weekend of independent cinema, offering opportunities to explore new stories, meet the people behind them and learn more about the filmmaking process.Running November 6–8, the festival fea

Berks County company awarded $825,840 state grant to replace diesel-powered equipment

A Berks County company has been awarded more than $825,000 in state funding to replace diesel-powered equipment with an electric alternative as part of a statewide initiative aimed at reducing fuel costs and improving air quality.The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announce

County awards Berks LaunchBox $125K for small business grants

The Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State recently received another $125,000 grant from the County of Berks. The grant is part of the county’s IMAGINE Berks Strategic Economic Development Action Plan. The Berks LaunchBox will use the funding to continue to offer “IMAGINE Your Business” microgrants f

Excessive fruit fly activity observed in bar area: Restaurant Inspections, Nov. 5, 2026

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

Thorn Alley Kitchen to launch Sunday brunch, welcomes new general manager

Thorn Alley Kitchen, located at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in downtown Reading, is expanding its dining offerings with the launch of Sunday brunch beginning November 8, while also welcoming Malik Moss as its new general manager.The restaurant will serve brunch every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Penn State Berks student Joanna Lian finds purpose through service to Safe Berks

For Joanna Lian, a senior genetics and developmental biology major at Penn State Berks, a passion for women’s and children’s health extends far beyond the classroom. As a member of the Penn State Berks Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program, Lian has combined her academic interests with community service thr

Pedestrian dies following crash on Penn Avenue in Wyomissing

A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday evening in Wyomissing, according to the Wyomissing Police Department.Police said the crash occurred on November 4, 2026, at approximately 5:15 p.m. in the 800 block of Penn Avenue.The pedestrian was transported to Reading Hospital for treat

Police recover loaded handgun at Exeter Junior High School following online threat

A juvenile was taken into custody Wednesday morning, November 4, after police investigating an online threat discovered that the suspect had brought a loaded handgun into Exeter Junior High School and discarded it in a hallway trash can, according to the Exeter Township Police Department.The investi