Berks County news

What passed at the Aug. 6 Berks County commissioners meeting: a state grant to help run the Nov. 3 election and a property-assessment settlement.

The Aug. 6 Berks County commissioners agenda: a state grant to help run the Nov. 3 election, a property-assessment settlement, and how to comment.

The July 30, 2026 Berks County commissioners meeting: a project manager for the youth detention renovation, $2.5M in budget moves, and what passed.

The July 30 Berks County commissioners agenda: a project manager for the youth detention center renovation, $2.5M in budget moves, and how to comment.

Berks County commissioners approved a five-county agreement to reopen the former county juvenile detention center in Bern Township as a regional facility.

Wildfire smoke put Berks County under a Code Purple, 'very unhealthy' air quality alert on July 17. Who is most at risk and how to protect yourself.

Reading Area Water Authority ordered a mandatory 15% cut for its North Heidelberg system, the first required limits as Berks stays under a state drought warning.

Berks County's online civil court dockets have been down since mid-June. The new system now launches mid-September; until then, search in person at the courthouse.

Colebrookdale, Robeson, Longswamp, Centre, Bethel, and Caernarvon are all drafting data-center zoning ordinances at once. Here is where each one stands.

The July 9, 2026 Berks County commissioners meeting: outside counsel to negotiate a possible 600 Penn Street purchase, $599,619 in budget moves, and grants.

Berks County said a new jail would beat renovating the old one. Four years after restarting the project there is no site, no price, and no decision.

The July 2, 2026 Berks County commissioners meeting: a new AI policy for employees, $206K in uniform contracts, a $300K farm loan, and an ICE comment.

The July 9, 2026 Berks County agenda: outside lawyers to negotiate a possible purchase of 600 Penn Street, $600,000 in budget moves, and how to comment.

Berks County's 2026 budget spends $690 million. Where the money comes from, where it goes, and why county taxes cover only about a quarter of it.

Official results: 23.22% turnout in the May 19 primary, certified June 5. Democrats turned out at 24.9%, Republicans at 21.7%. November is the big one.

Commissioners approved a letter of intent to buy the former Wells Fargo tower for $7.235 million, temporary space while the courthouse is repaired.

The federal government will not open the ICE facility it planned in an Upper Bern Township warehouse it bought for $87.4 million. What happened, and what happens to the building now.

Reading, Spring, Bern, Exeter, and Cumru are all writing data-center rules at once. Who has an ordinance, who wants a moratorium, and what decides July 13.