7 dead, 10 hospitalized after explosion at R.M. Palmer building in West Reading Berks Weekly 2023-03-25 | An explosion at a West Reading chocolate factory has left 7 dead, 10 hospitalized.
Dorney Park opens Halloween Haunt with new Blair Witch maze, live show Berks Weekly 2026-09-20 | Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt is back for 2026 with new scares, live entertainment, haunted mazes and nighttime thrills throughout the park.We visited Dorney Park during opening weekend to experience this year’s Halloween lineup, including the all-new Blair Witch: No Signal, an immersive haunted maze inspired by The Blair Witch Project. We also checked out the new The Conductor live show inside the McTavish Steel Yard, featuring percussion, violin, staging and pyrotechnics.Halloween Haunt features six haunted mazes, five scare zones, roaming monsters, live entertainment, seasonal food and drinks, and Dorney Park’s rides after dark.For younger guests, Tricks and Treats takes over during the daytime with trick-or-treating, activities, shows and other family-friendly Halloween fun before the park transitions to Haunt after 6 p.m.Halloween Haunt runs on select nights through Oct. 31, while Tricks and Treats continues Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1.
Governor Mifflin community meeting on school safety | Sept. 3, 2026 Berks Weekly 2026-09-04 | Listen to the full audio recording of the Governor Mifflin School District Community Partnership Meeting held Sept. 3, 2026, following two recent school safety incidents.The recording is provided as supplementary source material accompanying Berks Weekly’s coverage of the meeting.Read more: berksweekly.com/news/parents-question-security-communication-at-governor-mifflin-community-meeting
Governor Mifflin School District Community Partnership Meeting Berks Weekly 2026-09-03 | Governor Mifflin School District Community Partnership Meeting
Reading ceremony honors lives lost to overdose, highlights recovery and hope Berks Weekly 2026-08-31 | Community members, local officials and advocates gathered at Reading’s City Park on Monday, August 31, for the third annual International Overdose Awareness Day flag-raising ceremony.Organized by the SOS Berks Opioid Coalition in partnership with the City of Reading, the ceremony honored those who have lost their lives to an overdose, recognized the grief carried by their families and friends, and highlighted prevention, treatment and recovery resources available in Berks County.Speakers shared personal stories of loss and recovery while emphasizing the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. The ceremony concluded with the raising of the Overdose Awareness Day flag, which will fly at City Park for seven days.Learn more about SOS Berks and local overdose prevention and recovery resources at sosberks.org.
Miller-Keystone Blood Center celebrates reopening of renovated Reading Donor Center Berks Weekly 2026-08-24 | Miller-Keystone Blood Center celebrated the grand reopening of its newly renovated Reading Donor Center on Monday. The upgrades include a reconfigured donor center and administrative offices, new donor chairs, energy-efficient lighting and updated ADA-compliant restrooms.Blood center leaders said the renovation is designed to provide a more welcoming environment for donors and staff as Miller-Keystone works to collect approximately 350 blood donations each day to support patients across the region.
Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks at Berks County Democrats event in Reading Berks Weekly 2026-08-23 | Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a meet-and-greet with Berks County Democrats in Reading on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.The Berks County appearance was one of several stops Shapiro made across Pennsylvania on Saturday as part of a weekend of campaign activity ahead of the November midterm elections. Shapiro also attended events with Democrats in Union and Lebanon counties earlier in the day.The Reading event brought together Shapiro, local leaders and members of the Berks County Democratic Party.
Severe thunderstorm flooding strands SUV on State Hill Road in Wyomissing Berks Weekly 2026-08-21 | Heavy rain from a severe thunderstorm caused flooding along State Hill Road near Hobart Avenue in Wyomissing on Monday evening. At one point, an SUV became stranded in the high water, prompting a response from the fire department. The occupant was safely removed from the vehicle. The water receded a short time later, and the road reopened to traffic.
Who Has the Best Fries? West Reading French Fry Fest | Bites of Berks Berks Weekly 2026-08-17 | We headed to the 8th Annual West Reading French Fry Fest to sample some of the creative takes on everyone’s favorite food — french fries!The festival took over the 600 and 700 blocks of Penn Avenue on Saturday, August 15, bringing together local restaurants and vendors serving everything from classic fries to unique loaded creations.Come along as we explore the festival, meet some of the people behind the food and, of course, try plenty of fries along the way.
Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 Stops in Reading, Pennsylvania Berks Weekly 2026-07-02 | Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 made a historic stop at Reading Outer Station in Muhlenberg Township on Thursday, drawing thousands of railfans despite record-breaking heat.Watch highlights from one of the largest operating steam locomotives in the world as it rolled through Berks County during the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad’s Semiquincentennial Steam Celebration.
Reading officials demonstrate fireworks dangers ahead of Fourth of July celebrations Berks Weekly 2026-07-02 | A consumer firework ignited a throw pillow in seconds Wednesday as thick black smoke quickly filled the air, illustrating the dangers city officials hope residents will remember before Fourth of July celebrations begin.The demonstration, held at the Berks County Fire Training Center, brought together Mayor Eddie Morán, Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss and members of the Reading Police Department Bomb Squad to remind the public that fireworks are prohibited within the City of Reading and to encourage residents to attend professional displays instead.
Berks officials announce DUI, boating safety crackdown ahead of July 4 Berks Weekly 2026-06-30 | As the Independence Day holiday approaches, PennDOT, local law enforcement, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and safety partners gathered at Blue Marsh Lake today to remind everyone that impaired driving and impaired boating put lives at risk.Officials outlined increased DUI enforcement efforts that will take place on Berks County roads and waterways throughout the holiday period.Whether you’re behind the wheel or behind the helm, plan ahead, designate a sober driver or operator, and help keep everyone safe this Fourth of July.
President Trump Arrives at Reading Regional Airport Before Lehigh Valley Visit Berks Weekly 2026-06-24 | President Trump flew into Reading Regional Airport Tuesday afternoon before traveling to the Mack Trucks plant in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County.
50 displaced by apartment building fire in Muhlenberg Township Berks Weekly 2026-06-12 | Approximately 50 residents were displaced Thursday night after a fire heavily damaged an apartment building at the Oak Forest Apartments complex in Muhlenberg Township. Emergency crews were dispatched at around 8:53 p.m. to Building G at Oak Forest Apartments, 2271 Hampden Blvd., following reports of a fire and black smoke coming from an apartment unit.As firefighters arrived, crews worked to clear residents from the structure while battling heavy fire conditions in the 200-foot-by-50-foot apartment building. Authorities said no injuries were reported.
Dorney Park welcomes Berks County families through CHOR during annual Day of Giving Berks Weekly 2026-06-08 | Hundreds of families connected to Berks County-based CHOR Youth & Family Services spent Sunday creating memories at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom as part of the amusement park’s annual Day of Giving.The event brought together more than 4,600 children and family members from across eastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley, providing complimentary admission and special experiences through partnerships with more than a dozen nonprofit organizations.Among those participating was CHOR Youth & Family Services, a Berks County nonprofit that received hundreds of tickets for families involved in its programs.
World War II Mid-Day Parade in Downtown Reading Berks Weekly 2026-06-06 | Historic military vehicles, World War II reenactors, and live music filled Penn Street as Downtown Reading hosted the annual World War II Mid-Day Parade on Friday. The event serves as the official kickoff to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s 35th Annual World War II Weekend at Reading Regional Airport.
Procession honoring Central Berks Regional Police Officer Officer Kristen Yeager Berks Weekly 2026-06-02 | Berks Weekly provides live coverage of the procession honoring Central Berks Regional Police Officer Kristen Yeager, who died in the line of duty on May 29, 2026. Law enforcement officers, first responders, family members, friends, and community members gathered to pay their respects as the procession traveled through Berks County.
Reading IMAX reopens with major upgrades, more renovations planned Berks Weekly 2026-05-29 | R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX officially unveiled a renovated IMAX auditorium Thursday, marking the first phase of a broader upgrade project at the downtown theater.Local officials joined R/C Theatres President and CEO Scott Cohen and company representatives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of renovations to the theater’s IMAX experience at 30 N. Second St. in Reading. The upgrades include luxury heated recliners, next-generation IMAX projection, immersive sound technology, and a new screen designed to deliver a brighter and clearer picture.
Gov. Shapiro visits West Reading to highlight Main Street investments Berks Weekly 2026-05-26 | Governor Josh Shapiro joined DCED Secretary Rick Siger and local leaders in West Reading on Tuesday to announce millions in Main Street Matters investments across Pennsylvania aimed at supporting small businesses, revitalizing downtown districts, and strengthening local economies.The press conference was held in West Reading following visits to local businesses along Penn Avenue.
Ethosource, Wyatt Seating announce $6.5 million redevelopment project in Reading Berks Weekly 2026-05-21 | A long-vacant industrial building in Reading is set for a major transformation.City officials joined leaders from Ethosource and Wyatt Seating on Wednesday to announce a $6.5 million redevelopment project at 2047 Kutztown Road. The 109,000-square-foot property will become a new center for manufacturing, operations, and innovation as the companies relocate and expand operations from Morgantown and Wyomissing to the city.The project is expected to begin operations in fall 2026 and support future hiring and economic growth in Reading.
Reading breaks ground on solar energy project at Public Works campus Berks Weekly 2026-05-18 | The City of Reading officially broke ground Monday on a new solar energy project at the Public Works campus as part of its goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2050.City officials, members of Reading City Council, Sustainability Manager Bethany Ayers Fisher, and representatives from Schneider Electric gathered for the ceremony at the Public Works Building on North Sixth Street.The project will include more than 4,200 solar panels across city facilities, including solar canopies at the Public Works campus and the City Hall Cedar Street parking lot. Officials said the project is expected to reduce long-term energy costs, offset electricity usage at municipal buildings, and help stabilize the city’s energy budget.Speakers during the event highlighted the project’s environmental and financial impact, including projected annual savings and efforts to reduce air pollution while modernizing city infrastructure.
Robert Leonard: City of Reading Fire Chief Berks Weekly 2026-05-18 | A conversation with new Reading Fire Chief Robert Leonard II about his career in the fire service, his transition from Prince George’s County, Maryland, to the Reading Fire Department, leadership goals, recruitment efforts, community engagement, and his vision for the future of firefighting in Reading.
Drivers, pedestrians reminded of roadway safety responsibilities during Exeter Twp enforcement Berks Weekly 2026-05-08 | As warmer weather brings more people outdoors, the Exeter Township Police Department is reminding both drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and understand their responsibilities on the road following a recent two-week pedestrian enforcement initiative.
Scout recognized for building accessible fishing pier at Blue Marsh Lake Berks Weekly 2026-04-24 | A Berks County Boy Scout was recognized Friday for designing and building a new accessible fishing pier at Blue Marsh Lake, a project officials say will serve the community for years to come. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 24 at the lake’s Stilling Basin, honoring Gavin Wanner for his volunteer service during National Volunteer Week. Wanner, a senior in the Exeter School District and member of Troop 377, led the effort to replace an aging fishing pier with a new structure designed to improve access for visitors.
Berks County raises America250PA flag ahead of nation’s 250th anniversary Berks Weekly 2026-04-23 | Berks County officials and members of the America250PA Berks committee gathered Thursday at the County Services Center to raise the official America250PA Berks flag, marking the lead-up to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The gateway into West Reading is getting a makeover Berks Weekly 2026-04-20 | The gateway into West Reading is set to receive a makeover as improvements begin on a prominent railroad bridge in the borough.According to borough officials, the Norfolk Southern bridge at Penn Avenue and Second Avenue will be power-washed and repainted starting Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.Motorists should use caution when traveling through the area, as lane closures and delays are expected in both directions between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The project is expected to take about two weeks to complete, weather permitting.The work is being funded through a grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority Local Share Account.
East Penn Manufacturing opens 930,000-square-foot distribution center in Maidencreek Township Berks Weekly 2026-04-10 | A new 930,000-square-foot distribution center for East Penn Manufacturing was officially unveiled Friday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Maidencreek Township, marking a major expansion for the Berks County-based company.
Driver charged in crash that killed two volunteer firefighters in Berks County Berks Weekly 2026-04-07 | A Berks County man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he struck and killed two volunteer firefighters while driving under the influence during an emergency response over the weekend.Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams announced Tuesday that Alexander Sepulveda Rivera has been charged in connection with the deaths of Walnuttown Fire Company Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick Jr.
Gov. Shapiro takes questions following announcement of three free official FIFA Fan Zone Berks Weekly 2026-03-26 | Governor Josh Shapiro takes questions from the media following the announcement of three free official FIFA Fan Zone sites across the Commonwealth.
Gov. Shapiro unveils three free FIFA Fan Zones across Pennsylvania for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Berks Weekly 2026-03-26 | Governor Josh Shapiro visited the DoubleTree Hotel in Reading Thursday morning to announce that the Commonwealth will host three free 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zones in Reading, Scranton, and Pittsburgh. The Governor and Philadelphia Soccer made today’s announcement alongside representatives from each Fan Zone location and encouraged all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of the World Cup’s excitement.
Local nonprofit leader wins United Way shopping spree in Wyomissing Berks Weekly 2026-03-26 | A three-minute dash for a good cause. United Way of Berks County held its annual shopping spree Wednesday evening at Redner’s in Wyomissing, giving one selected donor a fast-paced run through the aisles. This year’s winner, Safe Berks CEO Beth Garrigan, said the $1,082 in groceries will be used to support the organization’s shelter.The event is part of United Way’s annual campaign, which raised more than $11 million last year to support over 80 programs serving more than 190,000 Berks County residents.
Residents, officials voice concerns over proposed ICE detention facility at Upper Bern town hall Berks Weekly 2026-03-23 | Residents, local officials, and community advocates gathered Sunday at the Shartlesville Fire Company for a town hall meeting focused on a proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Upper Bern Township.Organized by the group Ice Out of Upper Bern (IOUB), the event aimed to provide information and bring together community members to discuss potential impacts of converting a warehouse on Mountain Road into a detention center. Speakers included local organizers, elected officials, and candidates for public office, each addressing different aspects of the proposal, including infrastructure, environmental concerns, economic effects, and broader policy implications.
Reading School District unveils new Innovation Academy with ribbon cutting ceremony Berks Weekly 2026-03-20 | The Reading School District officially unveiled its new Reading High School Innovation Academy on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 817 N. 9th St., marking a major investment in the future of the city’s students.
Habitat Berks dedicates rehabilitated home on Douglass Street for Reading family Berks Weekly 2026-03-17 | 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 neighborhood.
Berks County launches Berks 275 celebration with kickoff event at Miller Center Berks Weekly 2026-03-12 | Berks County officially launched its Berks 275 celebration Wednesday night, March 11, at the Miller Center at Reading Area Community College, marking the start of a yearlong commemoration leading up to the county’s 275th anniversary in 2027.
Gov. Shapiro visits Douglass Township manufactured housing community to push lot rent reform Berks Weekly 2026-03-11 | Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Douglass Village in Douglass Township on Wednesday to highlight proposed housing reforms aimed at protecting residents of manufactured home communities from steep lot rent increases.During the visit, resident Christine Zimmer shared how her monthly lot rent has risen from $495 in 2019 to about $900 today. Shapiro said similar increases are affecting thousands of Pennsylvanians who own their homes but rent the land beneath them.The governor is calling on the state Senate to pass legislation that would cap annual lot rent increases, saying the measure would help protect residents—many of whom live on fixed incomes—from sharp price hikes.
Military helicopter makes emergency landing during training flight in Robeson Township Berks Weekly 2026-03-04 | A military helicopter made an emergency landing in a field in Robeson Township on Wednesday afternoon after a warning light activated in the cockpit during a training flight. Emergency crews were initially dispatched around 1:17 p.m. to the area of Moyer Road and Weaver Road for a reported air emergency involving a military helicopter. Early reports described a possible engine fire with two people on board and injuries unknown.Responding fire personnel later confirmed there was no fire and no injuries.According to the Robeson Township Police Department, the aircraft was conducting an instrument training flight when a fire light indication activated in the cockpit. As a precaution, the crew executed an emergency landing in a nearby field.Two occupants were on board the helicopter at the time of the incident. Police said no injuries were reported.
Gov. Shapiro meets with Berks, Schuylkill officials on community impact of proposed ICE facilities Berks Weekly 2026-02-26 | Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the Berks County Agriculture Center in Bern Township on Thursday to provide an update on proposed federal immigration detention facilities in Berks and Schuylkill counties, reiterating his opposition and saying the state will use its legal and regulatory authority to try to stop the projects.Speaking during a press conference following a meeting with local officials, Shapiro said the federal government made plans for the two large U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers without advance notice to state or local leaders.
Alvernia marks next phase of American House renovation with ceremonial wall-breaking in Reading Berks Weekly 2026-02-25 | Alvernia University marked a major milestone in its ongoing CollegeTowne initiative Wednesday morning with a ceremonial wall-breaking at the historic American House building in downtown Reading, signaling the next phase of a project aimed at expanding healthcare access, workforce development and student learning opportunities.
Firefighters quickly contain house fire on West Buttonwood Street in Reading Berks Weekly 2026-02-20 | Firefighters in Reading quickly brought a mid-morning house fire under control Friday in the 300 block of West Buttonwood Street.
Hundreds Gather in Wyomissing for “ICE OUT” Immigration Protest Berks Weekly 2026-02-15 | Several hundred people gathered Saturday afternoon at Park Road and Penn Avenue in Wyomissing for a demonstration focused on federal immigration enforcement policies.The rally, promoted under the message “ICE OUT,” was held in solidarity with similar events nationwide. Organizers referenced the recent deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti involving federal agents as part of the reason for the gathering. The event ran from 12 to 1 p.m. and concluded without incident.
ICE OUT Protest in Wyomissing - Full Livestream Berks Weekly 2026-02-15 | Several hundred people gathered Saturday afternoon at Park Road and Penn Avenue in Wyomissing for a demonstration focused on federal immigration enforcement policies.The rally, promoted under the message “ICE OUT,” was held in solidarity with similar events nationwide. Organizers referenced the recent deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti involving federal agents as part of the reason for the gathering. The event ran from 12 to 1 p.m. and concluded without incident.
Three arrested after drug investigation tied to West Reading, Reading smoke shops Berks Weekly 2026-02-09 | Three men have been charged following a months-long investigation into illegal drug sales from two local smoke shops, Berks County officials announced Monday, saying the case was prompted by community complaints that high-potency THC products were being sold — including to juveniles.
City and Shuman Development Group sign letter of intent for $52M redevelopment of Fifth and Penn Berks Weekly 2026-02-06 | Mayor Eddie Morán and Alan Shuman of Shuman Development Group announced Thursday a major milestone for downtown Reading with the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) to redevelop the Fifth and Penn buildings, one of the city’s most prominent intersections. The signing announcement took place at a press conference outside the former 5th and Penn Bank building.
Reading police investigate shooting at 3rd and Spruce Recreation Center Berks Weekly 2026-02-02 | Police in Reading are investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday evening at the 3rd and Spruce Recreation Center, an incident that left a 12-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man with gunshot wounds and prompted a temporary closure of the facility.According to the Reading Police Department, officers were dispatched to the recreation center shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 following reports of gunfire inside the facility during a privately rented adult basketball tournament. When officers arrived, they learned that both victims had already been transported to Reading Hospital in private vehicles. Police said their injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
Patty Pagoda sees her shadow at relocated Groundhog Day event Berks Weekly 2026-02-02 | Despite the cold and a last-minute venue change, Patty Pagoda made her annual Groundhog Day prediction Monday morning in front of the “READING Pagoda” sign on Penn Street. With temperatures around 15 degrees, a crowd still gathered to see if Reading’s famous forecaster would spot her shadow — and she did, predicting six more weeks of winter.
A look at how Reading Public Works crews clear city streets during overnight snow removal operations Berks Weekly 2026-01-26 | ...
Mayor Morán Winter Weather Preparedness Press Conference Berks Weekly 2026-01-23 | Mayor Eddie Morán, along with City emergency service and public safety officials, held a press conference Friday to discuss winter weather preparedness, operational readiness, and steps residents can take ahead of the anticipated storm.
Reading Police release information after domestic call led to heavy police activity on Franklin St Berks Weekly 2026-01-22 | The City of Reading Police Department is providing additional information regarding a heavy police presence in the 800 block of Franklin Street on Thursday morning.According to police, officers were dispatched to the area around 8:30 a.m. on January 22 in response to a reported domestic dispute involving a male and female. During the call, officers received information indicating that one of the individuals may have been in possession of a firearm.Out of an abundance of caution, the Berks County Emergency Response Team was contacted to assist at the scene. Police made multiple attempts to contact anyone inside the apartment but were unsuccessful. The apartment was later cleared, and no residents were located inside.Police said the department carefully evaluates all high-risk calls and takes necessary measures to ensure public safety when responding to these situations.The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116 or Crime Alert Berks at 877-373-9913.
