Good morning, Reading.

Berks County Parks & Recreation, local libraries and cultural centers host free January events such as an owl prowl on Jan.

10 at the Heritage Center, a Mystery Book Club on Jan. 8 at Wyomissing Public Library and an art exhibition at WCR Center for the Arts—registration required.

Discovery Federal Credit Union helped direct part of the $8.394 million Home4Good funding to local groups in 2025 to support housing stability.

Groups including PA 211 East (receiving $50,000) and New Journey Community Outreach will use the funds to prevent homelessness, and Discovery will continue its support in 2026.

Local Venezuelans in Berks County expressed deep emotion after news broke that President Maduro faces federal drug trafficking charges in the United States; residents like José Parra recalled personal losses and ongoing hardships in Venezuela.

Their reaction shows how the story connects with local experiences.

Reading's famous Pagoda is set to reopen incrementally with a grand opening target of April 21.

Major repairs have been completed and scaffolding removed so the landmark can offer a fresh start for our community this spring.

Fire crews from Berks and Lehigh Counties rescued a cat and dog and recovered two deceased cats from a burning home at 19 Colt Drive in Longswamp Township Saturday — damage totaled over $300,000 as investigators examined the cause.

United Way of Berks County is accepting applications from Jan.

12 through Feb. 15 for summer learning grants up to $5,000 to support literacy programs for pre-K through third graders in Berks — awards will be announced by Mar. 27 and distributed in April. Applicants must submit proposals online.

United Way of Berks County opened applications yesterday for summer learning grants offering up to $5,000 to support literacy programs for pre-K to third-grade students across Berks (official details available on the website).

Applicants should review eligibility requirements promptly.

Leanne Eckenrode at Reading High School was named School Administrator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of School Social Work Personnel today.

The award honors her strong leadership in supporting students, families & staff across the district.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike has installed equipment for an open-road tolling system between the Reading and Lebanon-Lancaster interchanges at milepost 276.2 and at milepost 250.3, with more work planned west to the Ohio border as the system will launch in 2027 (official).

Wilson Bulldogs hold a 10-2 record in non-league play as they prepare for conference games and the District 3 Class 6A tournament in February; several other Berks teams are also aiming for playoff berths.

If the season ended today, ten Berks boys basketball teams would make the District 3 tournament, with Berks Catholic (8-2) and Wilson (9-3) among the top-ranked teams; Tuesday’s key game is Antietam at Daniel Boone.

Reading High defeated Gov. Mifflin 66-57 in a BCIAA Division 1 boys basketball game Monday night & Jay Merriweather led with 22 points and four 3-pointers as Jostin DeCastro and Weshly Rosario each added 16.

In Division 3, Fleetwood edged Wyomissing 40-38 to tie for first place.

Gary Owen Live Comedy Show

8-10 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets required — Experience two decades of sharp observational humor and fearless storytelling from comedian Gary Owen.

Greensboro Gargoyles vs. Reading Royals Hockey Game

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Watch on FloHockey — Cheer for your favorite team in this exciting hockey matchup.

Annual Schnitzelfest

6-8 p.m. — Reading Liederkranz — $40 members, $50 guests, $12 for children 5-12 — Indulge in a delicious variety of schnitzel toppings while voting for your favorite to earn a spot on the permanent menu.