Good morning, Reading.

Animal Rescue League of Berks County and No Nonsense Neutering are partnering with local municipalities to offer TNVR vouchers for community cats as kitten season nears.

Residents in participating boroughs and townships should contact local offices for program details (voucher terms vary by municipality).

Habitat Berks held its 10th annual Birdhouse Challenge at Reading Country Club in Exeter Township on Tuesday, April 21 — drawing about 250 attendees and raising over $50,000 to support affordable housing projects.

Local artisans submitted handcrafted entries that celebrated Reading’s heritage and fueled the nonprofit’s mission.

Alvernia University received $1,913 to create a grow room at Bog Turtle Creek Farm to boost fresh food production in Reading as part of state-funded urban agriculture grants — a move to help address local soil and land access challenges.

Shades of Green restaurant in Robeson Township has seen a drop in customer traffic after Route 724 closed for bridge repairs; owner Marsha Rhodes remains optimistic about her specials.

Township officials urge drivers to use the detour to Route 422 and avoid risky shortcuts (like Old River Road).

Industrial developer PNK Group acquired a 24-acre site in Reading to build the 220,000 sqft PNK Reading facility; construction will begin in the second quarter and the location offers direct access to major highways on Route 222—ensuring efficient transport for regional operations.

Berks County kicked off the 250th Anniversary celebration today at the Services Center, where county officials and families raised a white flag with the number 250 (a nod to America’s founding).

The event signals the start of celebrations that will include a parade and live music.

Sixty-eight high school students earned 15 to 18 college credits at KU’s Early College Academy ceremony on Wednesday in Schaeffer Auditorium; Gov. Shapiro allocated an extra $7 million in grants+ the program will be free for all 97 students enrolled in 2026-27.

Tomorrow 8 a.m. to noon, East Penn Manufacturing at 95 W.

State Ave. in Lyons will host a drive-thru battery recycling event with double reimbursement. Chuck’s Auto Parts Solutions at 6867 Boyertown Pike in Amity Township will collect automotive waste & donate $20 per battery to a local nonprofit.

Carmen Albrecht, a 58-year-old who has been sober for 21 years, now works as a bilingual community outreach coordinator at Peace and Harmony House (Berks County), helping others overcome addiction and stigma.

Her journey from substance use to service shows that recovery is possible with support and compassion.

On Wednesday, Exeter rallied from a 3-0 deficit as a winning single by Jake Franek & strong pitching by Mason Goodhart propelled the Eagles to a 4-3 victory over Governor Mifflin in a BCIAA Division 1 baseball game.

Nick Dawkins (Parkland grad) and Nick Singleton (Governor Mifflin alum) were among local talents projected to be picked in the NFL Draft that began Thursday night, with analysts suggesting the team may use its 23rd pick to strengthen its offensive line.

Wilson sophomore Alivia Noecker placed 10th in the girls shot put at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia on Thursday.

She missed the finals by one spot with a best throw of 39-11¼ and set a season-best of 49-0 at the Coatesville Invitational on April 11.

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.

Peso Pluma Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique musical style of Peso Pluma, a trailblazing artist with millions of monthly listeners.

Sepultura Concert

6:30–8:00 p.m. — Nightclub Reverb — Tickets start at $78 — Experience the electrifying live performance of Sepultura in Reading, PA.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in a spectacular live show.