Berks Weekly

06/23/2026

President Trump flew into Reading Regional Airport Tuesday afternoon before traveling to the Mack Trucks plant in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County.

06/23/2026

President Trump flew into Reading Regional Airport Tuesday afternoon before traveling to the Mack Trucks plant in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County.

06/23/2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Deputy Investigator Joel Bonilla.

For more than 31 years, Joel faithfully served the citizens of Berks County with dedication, professionalism, compassion, and integrity. Throughout his career, he touched countless lives through his service and made a lasting impact on this office, his colleagues, and the community he so proudly served.

Joel was more than a coworker—he was a trusted colleague, mentor, and friend. His commitment to helping others, his steady presence, and his willingness to serve will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Today, we mourn not only the loss of a dedicated public servant but also a member of our Berks County Coroner’s Office family. The void left by his passing cannot be measured, and there are simply no words that can fully express the sadness we feel.

We ask that you keep Joel’s family, friends, and fellow members of the Berks County Coroner’s Office in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Joel. Thank you for your years of service, your friendship, and your unwavering commitment to the people of Berks County. Your legacy will live on, and you will never be forgotten.

06/22/2026

EXPIRED // 🌪️ The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for Southern Berks County. At 4:35 PM, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Honey Brook, or 10 miles east of New Holland, moving east at 35 mph.

Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

06/22/2026

⛈️ The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Berks County until 9:00 PM Monday night. A couple tornadoes possible. Isolated hail up to a quarter size possible. Scattered wind gusts up to 70 MPH likely.

06/17/2026

The Berks County Industrial Development Authority will use the $13,687 Industrial Site Reuse Program (ISRP) grant to perform an environmental assessment of three lots at the Berks Park development site behind the Reading Airport.

Read more: https://berksweekly.com/news/berks-county-receives-funding-to-evaluate-redevelopment-sites-near-reading-airport/

Photo by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

06/17/2026

The annual Pagoda Hillclimb will return to Reading on June 20 and 21, drawing racers from across the East Coast to compete on the historic Duryea Drive course overlooking the city.

Details: https://berksweekly.com/news/sports/pagoda-hillclimb-returns-to-reading-june-20-21-with-racers-from-across-east-coast/

06/16/2026

More than 500 volunteers gathered Friday evening at the Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center at Penn State Berks to pack 250,000 meals for Berks County families facing food insecurity during the 10th annual Big Cheese event hosted by United Way of Berks County.

More than 500 volunteers gathered Friday evening at the Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center at Penn State Berks to pack 250,000 meals for Berks County families facing food insecurity during the 10th annual Big Cheese event hosted by United Way of Berks County. Volunteers spent the evening assemblin...

06/16/2026

Emails obtained by Spotlight PA show behind-the-scenes divisions among the region’s officials over ICE’s warehouse purchase.

By Hanna Holthaus of Spotlight PA: https://berksweekly.com/news/emails-detail-how-berks-county-leaders-worked-behind-the-scenes-after-detention-center-surprise/

Photo by Amanda Fries.

06/16/2026