Good morning, Reading.

Alarm Tech (a Reading security company) announced the Safe Home, Safe Families initiative that will soon give free smoke detectors to Robeson Township residents, working with local fire companies after two fires in April claimed five lives.

RobotLAB opened its Eastern Pennsylvania branch on May 6th to offer robotics solutions to local companies in healthcare, logistics, manufacturing and retail—led by Kripa and Jagriti Dawar, the branch provides sales, integration, programming, local technical support and onsite repairs including a trial program.

Kutztown University received a state grant of $946,951 to expand its Early College Academy for Education and address the ongoing teacher shortage in Pennsylvania—39 current students will be joined by 60 next school year with an additional 30 students in a rural district cluster later.

BARTA buses will waive the regular fare for riders with bicycles from May 12 to 16 during National Bike to Work Week—buses allow two bikes on the front racks—and rides with scooters will require the normal fare.

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Bern Township celebrated National Nurses Week by honoring nurses with the DAISY Award and Golden PAW Award for exceptional care and swift emergency responses—recognizing teamwork and commitment to professional growth.

Tower Health honors its nurses during National Nurses Week as Reading Hospital works to earn a third Magnet designation, celebrating the care provided in many specialties — a move that highlights their essential role in patient health.

The initiative also supports efforts to guide future nurses toward a rewarding career in health care.

Spotlight PA answered community questions on Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis by gathering input from families, experts, and officials at forums statewide.

The report shows how opioid settlement funds—estimated at $2 billion—and tougher penalties may shape future recovery and support efforts across the state.

Reading Hospital chaplain David Troxler trained staff at Nazarene General Hospital in Papua New Guinea on stress management techniques to help them cope with tragic events.

The mission trip from March 1 to March 14 allowed chaplains, nurses and administrators to learn critical incident support skills — training that may benefit other care teams in the future.

Exeter junior Marley Weller scored eight goals on Monday to become the 12th player in Berks girls lacrosse history to reach 200 goals during a 16-8 win over South Western.

She now stands third on the Eagles’ all-time scoring list with 201 goals—Hailey Leister leads with 249.

The Wyomissing Spartans remain the top ranked girls 2A lacrosse team as they prepare to face rival Wilson tonight at 7 p.m. They hold a 16-0 record in class AA—after a 7-3 win over Twin Valley on April 22—and aim to keep their lead in the PA State Lacrosse Rankings.

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.

Ride the Helldiver Experience

9 AM – 5 PM — Mid Atlantic Air Museum — Admission fee required — Take an unforgettable ride in one of the only flying SB2C Helldivers in the world during WWII Weekend.