Good morning, Reading.

The Albright College community mourns the loss of community leader Chris Kraras, a Reading High School and Albright College alumnus who made a lasting impact on Berks County.

A gala to celebrate his life will be held on April 16.

Beth Garrigan, CEO of Safe Berks, won the annual United Way shopping spree event at Redner's in Wyomissing on Wednesday evening.

The three-minute dash rewarded donors who pledged a minimum of $4 a week and provided over $1,000 in groceries, supporting community programs.

Guitarist Stanley Jordan will perform music from the Grateful Dead with his quartet at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading as part of Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, showcasing his signature tap style (a fresh tribute to the classic sound).

Caterpillar awarded a $1.04 million grant to Alvernia University to expand STEM education among Berks County school districts over two years.

The pilot will equip educators with new tools to build a talent pipeline * aligning classroom learning with industry needs.

Berks County’s Aaa bond rating was reaffirmed by Moody’s on Thursday, the commissioners announced to highlight strong fiscal management led by CFO Laura Jones and Commissioner Christian Y.

Leinbach. The rating helps secure low interest rates on up to $40 million in new debt for capital projects.

High school baseball games on Wednesday ended with Wilson defeating Exeter 14-5 as Ben Kulp went 3 for 4, hitting a home run and striking out nine as the winning pitcher — Oley Valley edged Hamburg 5-4 while Fleetwood, Kutztown and Berks Catholic also recorded wins.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, Visit PA, and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 announced that Reading, Pittsburgh, and Scranton will serve as official Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones to welcome fans before FIFA World Cup 2026 begins in Philadelphia + local officials say more details will be shared soon.

Zack Wheeler will pitch Saturday at 4:35 p.m. at Coca-Cola Park as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs kick off their 2026 season, following their debut game on Friday.

Manager Anthony Contreras said Wheeler will throw three innings while recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).

Berks Sinfonietta: Gershwin Comes Alive

6-9 p.m. — Miller Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Experience Gershwin's magic brought to life with the Berks Sinfonietta and Lars Potteiger, plus a performance by the Berks High School All-Star Jazz Band.

Norfolk Admirals vs. Reading Royals

3-4 p.m. — Santander Arena — Cost info not specified — Watch an exciting hockey game as the Norfolk Admirals take on the Reading Royals.

Romeo Santos & Prince Royce Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Santander Arena — Cost varies — Enjoy an evening of captivating Latin music from two of the genre's biggest stars.

MTB Try-it Day!

6-7:30 p.m. — The Nature Place at Angelica Park — Free event — Perfect for students to discover mountain biking, regardless of experience level.

Wheeling Nailers vs. Reading Royals

7-8 p.m. — Santander Arena — Stream available — Watch an exciting hockey clash as the Nailers take on the Royals live.

Wheeling Nailers vs. Reading Royals

7-10 p.m. — Santander Arena — Watch the game live on FloHockey with replays available for subscribers.

Lamb Of God Concert

6-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket information available online — Experience an electrifying evening with Lamb Of God as they rock Reading with an unforgettable performance.