Good morning, Reading.

Hundreds of Berks County residents gathered on Saturday between 12 and 1 p.m. at the intersection of 5th and Penn Streets in downtown Reading for a peaceful protest against federal cuts to programs affecting healthcare, Social Security and immigrant protections.

Local speakers including township supervisor Jesse Royer and advocate Bernice Hines Corbit urged national leaders to protect these essential services.

Reading residents joined nationwide protests—waving signs and blowing horns—to support rights and equality.

Speakers from groups for reproductive rights, veterans services and immigrant rights said every citizen deserves a say in our country.

Downtown Reading hosted the 34th Berks Jazz Fest this weekend — drawing many music fans to local events.

On Saturday, five-time Grammy Award winner Lalah Hathaway performed at 9:30 p.m. in the Double Tree Hotel’s grand ballroom — Gerald Veasley led a jam session in the Small Ballroom.

The Reading Public Museum has acquired a rare plasterwork frame to house its Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington — the frame replaces a worn one in the museum’s American Art Gallery.

The painting and frame are on display through August — offering a fresh look at a key work in the museum’s collection.

On Friday, seniors from the Brandywine Heights Area School District joined a hands-on luncheon at Kutztown University that taught them professional etiquette and money management — a collaboration with First Citizens Community Bank designed to build skills for college, careers, or military service.

Reading's construction crews will start work on the rear section of 431 Penn Street on Monday, April 7, which will lead to temporary closures on portions of Court Street between 4th and 5th Streets and Madison Avenue between the Washington Street parking lot and Court Street—local traffic will still have access through some areas.

Hundreds of fishermen filled creeks, streams and lakes in Berks County Saturday morning for the first day of trout season.

Berks Catholic defeated Wyomissing in a baseball game on April 4—showing a strong effort in the local sports roundup.

Open House at 203 Eric Ave

4:00-5:30 p.m. — 203 Eric Ave, Reading, PA — $299,777 — Discover a charming single-family home in the sought-after Governor Mifflin School District with modern renovations and abundant natural light.

Eslabon Armado Concert in Reading

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying evening with Eslabon Armado at Santander Arena.

Open House at 830 Grandell Ave

4-6 PM — 830 Grandell Ave, Reading, PA — Free entry — Explore this charming 4-bedroom home with a beautiful backyard in the heart of Muhlenberg Township.

The Thorn Performance

7-11 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience a stunning tale of love and sacrifice through captivating visual artistry.

Real Estate Investing Insights

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM — Platinum Cafe & Lounge — Free entry — Discover valuable strategies for real estate success and connect with industry experts.

Spring 2025 Job Fair

1-5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading — Free parking — Connect with employers hiring for various positions in Berks County.

Reading Symphony Orchestra - Let's Dance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Cost not listed — Experience a captivating blend of symphonic music and ballet featuring the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company.

Open House at 2622 Perkiomen Avenue

8-10 p.m. — 2622 Perkiomen Ave — $309,000 — Explore this spacious home featuring four bedrooms and a large backyard in Reading, Pennsylvania.