Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
Good morning, Reading.
Reading Hospital is hosting a free Bike Smart Safety Fest on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Reading Area Community College in parking lots A and C near the Yocum Library (no registration is required) with helmet decorating, safety checks, a kids' bike course, and refreshments.
Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank collected nearly 82,000 lbs of non-perishables last Saturday from local letter carriers and postal drop-offs (volunteers sorted items) to help families facing food insecurity; additional donations will arrive this week.
A Memorial Day ceremony honoring fallen service members will be held on Monday, May 25 at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township.
The program will include veteran remarks, color posting by Boy Scout troops, music from Muhlenberg High, and a 1942 Jeep display + light refreshments afterward.
Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund awarded $73,000 in grants in May to eight organizations that support local girls and women in overcoming job and education barriers.
The women-led giving circle conducted site visits and approved awards for groups like Literacy Council and Planned Parenthood Keystone — bolstering community change.
Thirty-two judges from local business, government, nonprofits + academia spent many hours reviewing 229 applications and nomination letters to select finalists for the Berks’ Best awards, underscoring the community’s commitment to recognizing local excellence.
Tenants at Sencit Towne House Apartments met Thursday in Cumru Township to discuss repeated elevator outages where six residents were trapped for over an hour — they plan a town hall later this month and may escrow rent until repairs begin.
Titus Development Company and Go Energy Group announced plans to transform the former Titus Station in Cumru Township into an AI data center campus that will include 200 megawatts of energy.
Township officials said final plans will be submitted soon and must comply with the recently approved data center ordinance.
Fortune Feimster brings her 'Takin’ Care of Biscuits' comedy tour to Reading at the Santander Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. today; the comedian and actor (known for voicing Nibbles in Disney’s Zootopia movies and working on a show with Will Ferrell) promises a night of laughs with fresh stories.
Reading officials remind CRIZ businesses that they must file their tax reports for 2025 by June 15.
Mayor Eddie Moran says businesses may use free accounting help or file independently and warns that failure to report will result in a penalty — a measure aimed at supporting local growth.
The City of Reading's CRIZ Authority reminded businesses to submit their annual tax report for the 2025 tax year by June 15, 2026 (free accounting assistance is available via email or phone) to avoid penalties.
Eight Berks lacrosse teams have qualified for the District 3 playoffs, with Twin Valley girls clinching a BCIAA title and a top seed in 2A.
The tournaments start today, and teams like Wilson, Wyomissing, and Exeter have bye rounds into the quarterfinals.
PA Classics Reading and Reading United AC announced a multi-year partnership to create a clear pathway for youth and pre-professional soccer in Berks County.
The deal features youth team development and the debut of the Keystone Derby on May 30 at Alvernia University — kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.
BCIAA champion Wilson, seeded fourth in District 3 Class 6A, will begin its title quest today at Owls Field at 7 p.m. against Northeastern; eight local teams are in the tournament with Muhlenberg set to play a 4:30 p.m. game at Manheim Township.
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.
SatchVai Band
7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Not specified — Experience the virtuoso guitar performance of Joe Satriani, one of the world's most commercially successful solo artists.
Cody Tyler Live
7-10 p.m. — Bertie's Inn — Enjoy a night of music with Cody Tyler's band, offering a fusion of country and southern rock sounds.
Arizona Juggernauts vs Pennsylvania Benjamins
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy thrilling indoor arena football with live music and great food.
Mid-Atlantic Air Museum WWII Weekend
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Mid Atlantic Air Museum — Admission varies — Experience the thrill of history come to life with authentic reenactments of World War II battles.
6th Annual Paw Fest Block Party
12-5 p.m. — Reading Liederkranz — Food and activities available — Enjoy a day of fun supporting adoptable dogs with games, vendors, and raffles.
2026 Charity Golf Invitational
7 a.m. — Golden Oaks Golf Club — Lunch included — Hit the links for a good cause benefiting FairView Counseling and The Play Therapy Center.
Stammtisch German Speaking Group
6-7 p.m. — Reading Liederkranz — Free entry — Practice your German while enjoying a cozy atmosphere full of conversation and culture.
Ben Folds Concert
8-11 p.m. — Santander Arena — Cost info unavailable — Experience the genre-bending music of Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Ben Folds.
Berks Classic Pickleball Tournament
All day — West Reading Pickleball — Entry fee required — Showcase your skills in an exciting pickleball competition with friends.
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