José Martínez

1 week ago | wfmz.com | José Martínez

WEST READING, Pa. - Art on the Avenue brings thousands to West Reading every summer, a celebration of art, music, and community. But this year, something powerful is happening behind the scenes. "We as a church right on the avenue have always had a huge desire to participate in whatever the community is doing, but also to offer a free and safe space, particularly for families," said Pastor Sarah Bateman of Reading City Church.

1 week ago | wfmz.com | José Martínez

READING, Pa. – The energy was hard to miss inside the DoubleTree Hotel Thursday night. More than 300 people from across Pennsylvania gathered to kick off the annual state convention of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World — one of the oldest African American fraternal organizations in the country. "The Elks is a national organization that is known worldwide," said Carmela Boykins, Reading chairperson for this year's Pennsylvania State Association convention.

1 week ago | wfmz.com | José Martínez

EPHRATA TOWNSHIP, LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. - A large police presence caught shoppers and drivers by surprise Wednesday afternoon in Ephrata Township, Lancaster County. It all happened around 4 p.m. near the interchange of Route 322 and Route 222, just steps from a busy Walmart. Officers were seen surrounding a white car with visible damage, and at least five people were seen getting out of the vehicle.

1 week ago | wfmz.com | José Martínez

READING, Pa. - Starting next month, LGBTQ+ youth will no longer have access to a dedicated option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Since 2022, those calling the mental health crisis line could press 3 to speak with counselors specifically trained to support LGBTQ+ people under 25. Nearly 1.3 million calls were routed through that option.

1 week ago | wfmz.com | José Martínez

READING, Pa. - Officials in Reading are raising concerns about another historic building on Penn Street. Reading City Council discussed the condition of a building in the 400 block of Penn Street during the Committee of the Whole meeting last night. It's the building that's next to two other historic buildings that recently came down. Officials say the interior of the building has deteriorated and the HVAC system is falling in. The city has owned the building and those around it since 2015.