Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has withdrawn its appeal of the Shapiro Administration’s administrative orders that forbid DHS from using the water or sewer infrastructure needed to convert warehouses in Berks and Schuylkill counties into immigration detention centers. The with
The Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State recently announced the winners of its summer 2026 Lifestyle Pitch Competition. Prizes awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners totaled $2,000 in seed funding.Twelve participants shared their vision, their story, and the customers they hope to s
The Pennsylvania State Police have determined that the June 11 fire at the Oak Forest Apartments in Muhlenberg Township was accidental and caused by an electrical event.According to state police, the Troop L Fire Marshal Unit has completed its investigation into the structure fire that broke out sho
Through the Manufacturing Innovation and Learning Lab (MILL) at Penn State Berks, students will have an opportunity to collaborate with Brentwood Industries staff on real-world projects. The MILL recently received a grant for $63,646 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Deve
The Foundation for the Reading Public Museum has announced the acquisition of Cupid Riding a Dolphin (1838), a rare painting by Pennsylvania artist Adam Mortimer Lightner (1815–1840). The acquisition strengthens the Museum’s holdings of early American art while bringing renewed attention to the rema
A Berks County school transportation provider will receive state funding to help train new school bus drivers as part of a statewide effort to improve student transportation safety and address ongoing driver shortages.The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced Tuesday that it
Two schools in the Wyomissing Area School District will receive a combined $720,000 in state funding to install solar energy systems aimed at reducing electricity costs and lowering carbon emissions.The funding was approved Tuesday by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through Pennsylvania’s Solar
The Kutztown University Foundation has concluded fiscal year 2025-26 with the most successful fundraising year in its history, securing $12,180,939 in philanthropic commitments to support Kutztown University students, programs and priorities. The milestone eclipses the Foundation’s previous fundrais
UGI Utilities has begun a natural gas system upgrade project in Lyons Borough that will bring temporary traffic impacts while also creating an opportunity for some homes and businesses to convert to natural gas service.The project began Monday, July 20, and is part of the utility’s ongoing efforts t
Berks Sinfonietta presented an evening of music celebrating love and peace Saturday at Atonement Lutheran Church, featuring a regional premiere, a celebrated piano concerto and an early Schubert symphony while showcasing the talents of local musicians and conductors.The July 18 performance of Canto
Rodale Institute has launched the 10 Million Acre Solution, the nonprofit’s $139 Million Comprehensive Campaign to help catalyze the transition of 10 million acres of U.S. farmland to organic and regenerative organic by 2030.Announced during the organization’s Annual Organic Field Day at the nonprof
A 31-year-old Reading man is facing multiple felony charges after an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office.Michael Sanchez was charged on July 16 with aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, endangering
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 — This November, Reading voters were supposed to have the opportunity to
Sixty-four aspiring eighth-grade students from across southeastern Pennsylvania spent four days exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics during the 2026 Rotary District 7430 STEM Youth Explorers Academy, held July 9-12 at Kutztown University.The academy brought together students fr
United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Dr. Habib Bhatti, 44, of Barto, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty Friday before United States District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; one count of use of an interstate commerce
Police departments across Berks County will increase patrols and DUI enforcement efforts this weekend as officials anticipate heavier summer travel and increased alcohol consumption.According to the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program, officers throughout the county will participate in ag
Albright College has announced the launch of its new Marching Arts Program, an exciting addition to campus life that will debut in Fall 2027. The College has also named Zachary Kuhn as its inaugural Director of Marching Arts, where he will lead the development of a year-round program designed to enr
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Berks County, warning that multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms could produce flash flooding from 10 a.m. Saturday through 2 a.m. Sunday.Forecasters said excessive rainfall could lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone
Downtown Reading will host the final weekend of the Official Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone this Saturday and Sunday, bringing live FIFA World Cup 2026 match broadcasts, concerts, entertainment and family activities to the city.The free event, organized by the City of Reading in partnership with Ex
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 — A group of activists wants Reading City Council to adopt a wide-ranging
Pennsylvania American Water customers will see smaller rate increases than the utility originally requested after the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a modified rate plan Thursday that cuts the company’s proposed revenue increase by more than half while requiring a series of customer
The Pennsylvania State Police are warning Berks County residents about a scam in which callers falsely claim to be deputies with the Berks County Sheriff’s Department and demand money from victims over an alleged missed jury duty warrant.According to Pennsylvania State Police Troop L in Reading, vic
Six projects in Berks County will receive a combined $6.5 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding, part of nearly $445 million in investments announced Thursday by Gov. Josh Shapiro to support community and economic development projects across Pennsylvania.The statew
This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA taking a fresh, positive look at the incredible people, beautiful places, and delicious food of Pennsylvania. Sign up for free here.As funding remains flat and patron demands expand, public libraries in Pennsylvania need more
