Good morning, Reading.

Berks County native Cole Werley, inspired by model rockets with his father, worked at NASA to capture launch moments for Artemis II on Wednesday at Kennedy Space Center.

He urges local kids to stay inspired as his journey from Douglassville to NASA connects our community with historic space exploration.

Volunteers planted hundreds of trees along Tulpehocken Creek in Wyomissing this morning to help stabilize the streambank after Bushong Dam was removed, meeting at Berks leisure area (about 30 volunteers present) to create a buffer between the creek and the land.

The Berks Coalition to End Homelessness released its annual count on Jan.

28 that found 734 people faced homelessness countywide, including 213 unsheltered (77% were first-time cases). The data, gathered to meet federal requirements, showed rising housing costs strained local support.

A Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission report found 2024 had the highest outages in 30 years with outages rising from 49 to 71 and affected customers reaching 2.8 million (PPL experienced a record 17 outages).

PPL will invest nearly $7 billion by 2028 as utilities work to boost reliability.

Berks County Commissioners recognized April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month on Thursday by presenting a proclamation to Barbara Jakubek — administrator of the county’s Children and Youth Services.

Commissioners called on residents to report suspected abuse or neglect to help safeguard local children.

Fifty Reading High track athletes received new running shoes and apparel through a partnership between Fleet Feet West Reading and Brooks Running on March 30.

Fleet Feet manager Adriane Hoke (a Reading alumna) coordinated with the school and coach Chris Yeshulas to support students selected based on need and commitment.

Tulpehocken defeated Lebanon 12-1 in a six-inning non-league softball game on Thursday.

Senior Aubrey Good recorded four RBIs and pitcher Aubrey Campbell struck out seven, pushing the Trojans to a 4-2 record.

Reading Fightin Phils kicked off their season with an away game at Akron on Thursday night and played a three-game series.

They will host their home opener Tuesday at FirstEnergy Stadium (with Baseballtown City Connect jersey and hat giveaways) as they continue their season.

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.

Ephrata Rhythm & Brews

12-5 p.m. — Thomas P. Grater Community Park — Cost varies — Celebrate local craft beverages and music while enjoying a variety of food trucks in a spring park setting.