Good morning, Reading.

A Berks man and two others were charged for submitting fraudulent rental assistance applications to a state program helping people impacted by the opioid epidemic in a $14,000 fraud scheme.

A recent study by Building Justice in Berks shared personal stories from locals like Maya Missonis, Jose Arroyo, and Darnell Coad who struggled with addiction and other challenges that led them into jail—showing that incarceration is often used instead of support for tough social issues. Their accounts, drawn from jail data and over 100 listening tours, highlighted the need for more effective prevention and treatment programs in our community.

The Reading Public Museum will soon offer free Wi-Fi in all public areas thanks to a $125,000 grant — part of the National Neighborhood Promise program — aimed at improving digital access for students, teachers and visitors.

Kat Ketter ’05, a healthcare executive and local alum, will receive the 2025 Bernardine Legacy Award for her leadership in women's advocacy at an Alvernia Women’s Council luncheon on Tuesday, June 11 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.—the event is open to the public.

Officials broke ground Thursday morning at Pioneer Grove Park in Muhlenberg Township to start a $90,500 boat launch project that will improve river access and help first responders.

The project, partly funded by a ($45,205) grant, will begin construction in fall and be finished by spring.

Berks County Commissioners expressed disappointment after a 17% turnout in Tuesday's Primary Election, noting that 46,857 ballots were cast and 189 provisional ballots remain under review.

Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach said low local engagement (rather than federal or state focus) played a key role in the low turnout.

Reading Fightin Phils swept the Portland Sea Dogs in a doubleheader after Parkland High graduate Gabe Mosser pitched six strong innings—allowing just one run on three hits in the first game.

The team held the Sea Dogs to two runs over 14 innings and will return home on May 27 to face the Erie SeaWolves.

Today, the Gov. Mifflin-Ephrata District 3 Class 6A semifinal game has been postponed to Friday at 12:15 p.m. with the top-seeded Mustangs hosting after Gov. Mifflin (5-1) and Ephrata (6-4) advanced in the quarterfinals; another semifinal is set for 4:30 p.m. and the championship is scheduled for Monday at Penn Medicine Field in Lancaster.

Berks high school tennis players begin their historic season wrap-up today at the PIAA Tennis Championships at Hershey Racquet Club after a strong district tourney.

Key players — Chase Gerloff and Parth Khachane — will compete in singles and doubles with first matches starting at 8 a.m. and noon — quarterfinals scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and the tournament concluding Saturday.

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.

Victor Manuelle Concert

8:00-10:00 p.m. — Santander Arena — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Victor Manuelle live in Reading, PA.

Run For The Ages Trail Race

8:30 a.m. — Nolde Forest, Reading, PA — $30-$35 entry fee — Experience a scenic 10K trail through beautiful Nolde Forest with age-graded starts for a fair competition.

Travel Photography Near and Far

7-9 PM — Berks Photographic Society — $10 donation for non-members — Discover the art of travel photography through engaging stories and stunning visuals.

Sommerfest Saturday June 21 Gates open at 3 Music 4-7

The Ultimate German celebration of Summer in Berks County's best kept secret. Live music by the Alpenlanders, with food and beverage available. $10 for non members $5 for members

5th Annual Pawfest Block Party

12-5 p.m. — Reading Liederkranz — Family-friendly fun — Celebrate with a day of activities honoring our furry friends and German culture.