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The latest news from Berks Weekly
Deadly West Reading chocolate factory explosion prompts PUC safety complaint against UGI

Deadly West Reading chocolate factory explosion prompts PUC safety complaint against UGI

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC’s) independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) has filed a formal complaint against UGI Utilities, Inc. – Gas Division (UGI) following a detailed investigation into the March 2023 natural gas explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company chocola

Two found dead inside Cumru Township home; investigation ongoing

Two found dead inside Cumru Township home; investigation ongoing

Cumru Township police are investigating the deaths of two individuals found inside a home Tuesday following a welfare check request from family members.According to the Cumru Township Police Department, officers were dispatched March 17 to a private residence in the 500 block of Church Road. Upon ar

Berks officials grappling with ICE’s warehouse plans want assurances from the feds

Berks officials grappling with ICE’s warehouse plans want assurances from the feds

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 — Local officials say they are working to ensure Berks County taxpayer

Berks County projects receive over $1 million in state grant funding from multiple lawmakers

Berks County projects receive over $1 million in state grant funding from multiple lawmakers

More than $1 million in state grant funding has been awarded to projects across Berks County, with multiple state lawmakers announcing investments aimed at improving public safety, infrastructure and community resources.The funding comes through Pennsylvania’s Local Share Account (LSA) programs, whi

Pickup truck driver killed in head-on crash with trash hauler in Cumru Township

Pickup truck driver killed in head-on crash with trash hauler in Cumru Township

A fatal crash involving a trash hauler and a pickup truck is under investigation after a head-on collision along Philadelphia Avenue (Route 724) in Cumru Township.According to the Cumru Township Police Department, emergency responders were dispatched to the area of Valley Stream Road after initial r

Berks universities receive more than $70K in state funding for sexual violence prevention programs

Berks universities receive more than $70K in state funding for sexual violence prevention programs

Berks County colleges are set to receive more than $70,000 in state funding as part of a broader $1.7 million investment aimed at combating sexual violence on college campuses across Pennsylvania.The funding, announced by the Shapiro Administration through the third round of the “It’s On Us PA” init

Berks County Board of Assessment Appeals moves to in-person hearings

Berks County Board of Assessment Appeals moves to in-person hearings

The County of Berks Board of Assessment Appeals has voted to resume in-person property assessment appeal hearings beginning in April 2026, ending the practice of conducting hearings by telephone that was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.Prior to 2020, appeal hearings were routinely held in p

Habitat Berks dedicates rehabilitated home on Douglass Street for Reading family

Habitat Berks dedicates rehabilitated home on Douglass Street for Reading family

Habitat for Humanity of Berks County dedicated a newly rehabilitated home Tuesday afternoon at 924 Douglass St. in Reading, celebrating the completion of a project that will provide a local family with a new start while marking the organization’s first home in the 9th and Douglass streets neighborho

Twin Valley High School to present ‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ This April

Twin Valley High School to present ‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ This April

Twin Valley High School’s theater department will bring a classic fairytale to life this spring with its production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, set to take the stage in April.Directed by Jessie Sanders, the production will transform the high school auditorium into a royal setting, featuri

Reading Theater Project presents world premiere of “Banshee” by Adam Richter

Reading Theater Project presents world premiere of “Banshee” by Adam Richter

A mysterious force echoes across generations in Reading Theater Project’s world premiere of “Banshee.” From May 1-10, 2026, Berks County audiences will be able to see the first full production of “Banshee” by Wyomissing playwright Adam Richter at the WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St. in Read

The Trump admin’s secretive, fast-tracked process to pick who will run Pa.’s new detention centers

The Trump admin’s secretive, fast-tracked process to pick who will run Pa.’s new detention centers

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 Trump administration is using a secretive, fast-tracked process fue

TeenTALK in Berks County: Attorney General Sunday meets with students for discussion on social media’s impact on mental health

TeenTALK in Berks County: Attorney General Sunday meets with students for discussion on social media’s impact on mental health

Attorney General Dave Sunday continued his series of teenTALK events by meeting with Berks County students this week to discuss the impacts of social media on mental health.Students from numerous Berks County school districts participated in the open discussion with Attorney General Sunday. Many of

YMCA of Reading & Berks County appoints Ken Borkey, Jr. President & CEO

YMCA of Reading & Berks County appoints Ken Borkey, Jr. President & CEO

YMCA of Reading & Berks County announced the appointment of Ken Borkey, Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), promoting the longtime YMCA leader who has served the organization for nearly 15 years. Borkey will succeed Phillip Borup, who has served the Y for more than three years leadin

Help a Girl Out initiative marks fifth anniversary with record collection of 138,367 products

Help a Girl Out initiative marks fifth anniversary with record collection of 138,367 products

The Help a Girl Out (HAGO) initiative is celebrating five years of community efforts to address period poverty while announcing that its 2026 collection drive has reached a milestone of 138,367 donated products.The initiative, which began as a grassroots effort by a group of local women, has grown i

Wyomissing announces 2026 Egg Hunt at Wyomissing Hills Memorial Park

Wyomissing announces 2026 Egg Hunt at Wyomissing Hills Memorial Park

The Borough of Wyomissing is excited to welcome families back to one of the community’s most cherished traditions — the Annual Egg Hunt — taking place on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, at Wyomissing Hills Memorial Park at 11:00 am.Children ages 1 through 12 are invited to participate in this long-stand

City of Reading to begin 2026 yard waste collection March 30

City of Reading to begin 2026 yard waste collection March 30

The City of Reading has announced the start of its 2026 yard waste collection program, which will begin Monday, March 30, and continue throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons.Residents are encouraged to schedule yard waste pickups in advance to ensure timely collection.Collections will take

State police investigating mail theft and check washing in Union Township

State police investigating mail theft and check washing in Union Township

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a reported mail theft and check washing incident that occurred in Union Township, Berks County.According to a public information release from the Reading Patrol Unit, troopers responded March 11 to a residence on Hay Creek Road in Birdsboro for a report of

Schwank and Laughlin reintroduce rental application fee cap legislation

Schwank and Laughlin reintroduce rental application fee cap legislation

Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) have reintroduced legislation to place reasonable limits on rental application fees in Pennsylvania.Rental application fees can range from $25 to $75, often higher than the administrative costs associated with processing an application. The

Safe Berks receives $100,000 state grant for safety upgrades and sidewalk repairs

Safe Berks receives $100,000 state grant for safety upgrades and sidewalk repairs

State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr., D-Berks, announced Friday that Safe Berks has received $100,000 in grant funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to support safety and infrastructure improvements.The funding will be used for the Safe Berks Sidewalk and Safety P

Overnight utility, bridge deck repair: PennDOT upcoming roadwork March 13, 2026

Overnight utility, bridge deck repair: PennDOT upcoming roadwork March 13, 2026

PennDOT District 5 has announced several upcoming road work projects across Berks County scheduled for the week of March 16. Motorists should expect lane restrictions, shoulder closures, and occasional traffic stops in several areas.In Centre Township, crews will perform brush cutting along Tilden R

Berks County organizations receive state funding to enhance security and prevent hate crimes

Berks County organizations receive state funding to enhance security and prevent hate crimes

Several nonprofit and faith-based organizations in Berks County are receiving state funding to improve security measures as part of a nearly $11 million statewide investment aimed at preventing hate crimes and protecting community institutions.The funding, announced by the Pennsylvania Commission on

Berks drug task force arrest Reading man in narcotics and firearms investigation

Berks drug task force arrest Reading man in narcotics and firearms investigation

A Reading man was taken into custody Friday morning following a narcotics and firearms investigation conducted by the Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force.According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, detectives arrested Angel Benitez, 52, of the 100 block of West Elm Street

State Police host free online safety presentation to protect children from online predators and emerging AI threats

State Police host free online safety presentation to protect children from online predators and emerging AI threats

As part of the Shapiro Administration’s ongoing commitment to protect Pennsylvanians from predatory artificial intelligence (AI) practices, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today rolled out a presentation to educate families about emerging technology, the risks of online gaming, and the critical

Reading School District first in Berks County to approve electric school buses

Reading School District first in Berks County to approve electric school buses

The Reading School District has become the first school district in Berks County, Pennsylvania to approve the transition to electric school buses, marking a major step toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation for students.During its February meeting, the district’s Board of Directors approved