Meeting Recap
Berks County adopts AI policy, awards uniform contracts
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.
July 7, 2026
Coverage
Berks County
Every meeting story and report we have published about Berks County, newest first. For how this government fits into the bigger picture, start with how Berks County government works.
Meeting Preview
Berks County commissioners July 9: a 600 Penn Street step
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.
July 7, 2026
Report
Where Berks County's $690 million budget goes
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.
July 7, 2026
Report
Berks County primary turnout: 23% of voters showed up
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.
July 7, 2026
Report
Berks County's $165 million courthouse problem
Engineers priced the courthouse renovation at $165 million, roughly $100 million over plan. That number explains why the county wants 600 Penn Street.
July 7, 2026
Report
DHS drops the Berks County ICE detention center plan
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.
July 7, 2026
Report
Berks County's new jail: four years of planning, no decision
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.
July 7, 2026
Report
Oak Forest fire aid: Berks County SBA deadline Aug. 24
Households and businesses hit by the June 11 Oak Forest apartment fire can get federal loans and state grants. Key deadlines: July 16, Aug. 24, Sept. 27.
July 7, 2026
Report
Data centers hit Berks County zoning: five towns, five plans
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.
July 7, 2026