The latest news from Berks Weekly

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

Time to ‘relax and really be kids’: How Reading schools expanded recess ahead of state mandate

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 — Students in kindergarten through fourth grade in Reading School Distric

Two men injured in Reading shooting following dispute at house party, suspect charged

Two men were injured in a shooting early Sunday morning in Reading following a dispute at a house party, according to the Reading Police Department.Police said officers responded to the 1200 block of Douglass Street at approximately 3:57 a.m. on November 1, 2026, for a report of a shooting.Upon arri

Penn State Berks students take third place in RED vs BLUE Cyber Competition

Penn State Berks students were part of a team that earned third place in the “RED vs. BLUE Cyber Competition,” an event sponsored by the Penn State Competitive Cyber Security Organization. It was held on Sept. 20 on the University Park campus.This year’s event was a six-hour, in-person, hands-on bat

YMCA of Reading & Berks County names Duane Crouse as director of development

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has announced the appointment of Duane S. Crouse as its new director of development, bringing more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, community engagement, and organizational leadership to the organization.Crouse joins the YMCA following a career

Reading kicks off $2.13 million street paving project across the city

The City of Reading officially kicked off a $2.13 million street paving project Monday morning, November 2, with improvements beginning on Joan Terrace and Summit Chase Drive. The project will include work on streets throughout the city, with paving expected to be completed by the end of November, w

Reading School District appoints Dr. April Halligan-Rostek as assistant superintendent of operations

The Reading School District Board of School Directors has approved the appointment of Dr. April Halligan-Rostek as assistant superintendent of operations, promoting a longtime district administrator who has served in various educational and leadership roles since 2007.Halligan-Rostek brings nearly t

Berks County Community Foundation awards more than $415,000 for energy efficiency projects

Berks County Community Foundation has awarded more than $415,000 in grants to seven organizations and entities to support energy efficiency improvements aimed at reducing utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions.The foundation announced the distribution of $415,673 in funding on October 30 through

Authorities seize more than $25K in suspected illegal drugs, paraphernalia from Reading business

The Berks County District Attorney’s Office is investigating a downtown Reading business following the seizure of more than $25,000 worth of suspected illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia during a search Thursday.Detectives from the Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, working alongside

Gebhard joins Perry Township to celebrate ribbon cutting for new pavilion at Perry Recreation Park

Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) joined Perry Township officials and community members today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a new pavilion at Perry Recreation Park.The $136,036 project was fully funded through a state grant supported by Gebhard. Centrally located between the pa

Three-alarm fire in Reading displaces 32 residents, damages multiple homes

A three-alarm fire Friday afternoon in the 700 block of North 10th Street in Reading displaced 32 residents, including four children, and left several properties deemed unsafe, according to the Reading Fire Department.Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 4:55 p.m. on October 30. A second ala

State police investigate theft of $10,000 in copper wire in District Township

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the theft of copper wiring valued at approximately $10,000 from a utility pole in District Township, Berks County.According to a public information release from PSP Reading, the theft occurred sometime between October 26 and October 28, 2026, near the inte

Washington Township receives $199,000 state grant for park improvements

Washington Township in Berks County has been awarded a $199,000 state grant to support improvements at Washington Township Park, according to an announcement from state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24).The funding was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DC

Reading School Board drops plan to vote on increasing its travel budget at Wednesday meeting

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 Reading School Board dropped plans to consider increasing its trave