Good morning, Reading.

Flames engulfed a barn on Schubert Road in Bethel Township early Friday morning — firefighters arrived at 5:30 a.m. and a photo showed thick dark smoke rising into the air.

The Exeter Township Police Department announced that police in Berks County began a DUI enforcement program on May 2 and it will continue until June 22.

The program uses sobriety checkpoints — roving patrols and shop operations — to catch underage drinkers and drivers impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs.

German exchange students and teachers visited Reading City Hall for an American lunch and a roundtable with city leaders to learn about local culture — part of an ongoing sister city program with Reutlingen — and they plan trips to D.C. and New York.

The Reading Public Museum celebrated 100 years at 500 Museum Road as over 100 locals gathered to honor its legacy with the dedication of a time capsule — marking the museum founder Dr. Levi Mengel's vision.

Attendees also witnessed the planting of a Moon Tree from NASA’s Artemis 1 mission that traveled over 270,000 miles and now takes root in the museum’s arboretum.

On May 2, career and technology students from Berks and Reading-Muhlenberg Centers were honored at a ceremony at Reading Area Community College’s Miller Center for the Arts—students shared plans to work, attend college or join the military.

Organizers praised the event as a key step in preparing for life after high school.

At a community dinner at the WCR Center for the Arts, nonprofit Building Justice in Berks unveiled its Walk With Us study—showing that excessive jail detention for nonviolent charges strains county resources and often keeps people incarcerated longer than necessary.

County officials said they are reviewing the recommendations and may adopt alternatives to building a larger jail.

Travelers in Pennsylvania must have a Real ID, passport, or military ID by May 7 to fly, Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll said (3 million have obtained their Real IDs so far).

Getting a Real ID is optional, but those planning to fly should visit a driver license center promptly (PennDOT will process IDs even after May 7 for non-flyers).

In high school boys' volleyball on Thursday, Reading High rallied from a 0-2 start to clinch a 3-2 win over Daniel Boone — Michael Betancourt and Albert Beliard led the team.

Other matches saw Exeter, Brandywine Heights, Berks Catholic, Schuylkill Valley, and Gov. Mifflin win their games by 3-0 set scores.

Oley Valley scored six runs in the sixth inning—tying the game—and one run in the seventh inning to beat Tulpehocken 11-10 on Thursday.

Fleetwood defeated Exeter 8-1, Twin Valley beat Penn Manor 12-1, Muhlenberg edged Warwick 8-5, and Kutztown won 8-1 over New Oxford.

Vince Gill Concert

7-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the musical talents of Vince Gill live in Reading, PA.

Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2025

4-8 p.m. — Shiloh Hills Park — Entry fees vary — A fun and engaging running series encouraging kids to embrace an active lifestyle.

Schuylkill Navigation Bicentennial

10 AM – 4 PM — Berks County Heritage Center — Free displays, fee for lectures — Explore canal history through engaging lectures and historic artifacts at the heritage center.

Fightin Phils vs. Erie Sea Wolves

2:45 PM — FirstEnergy Stadium — Affordable tickets available — Experience the thrill of Double-A baseball as the Fightin Phils take on their rivals in a family-friendly atmosphere.