Good morning, Reading.

Reading’s Pagoda will have its power turned off today so repair crews can upgrade its aging electrical system—an effort to stabilize the 116-year-old landmark.

Fulton Bank received the 3-Star Employer Award from VETS Indexes for its work hiring and supporting veterans—its programs include a military internship that helps veterans move to civilian jobs.

The bank has more than 200 branch locations across the region.

On May 2, the Yocum Institute for Arts Education hosted the Dancing with the Reading Stars event at Stokesay Castle and raised over $78,000 to support youth theater, scholarships, and outreach programs.

The 90th anniversary fundraiser crowned Team Michael and The Blue Diamonds as winners — local businesses competed in dance routines and live entertainment to back arts education.

Quinn Wagner is a teen from Muhlenberg Senior High in Reading who was awarded a $10K Lighthouse Guild scholarship that will let him study environmental engineering at Cornell this fall—he earned the honor for his work on using green algae to make biofuel and hopes to boost STEM access for students with disabilities.

Residents in eastern Berks sheltered in place after an ammonia leak was reported at Allentown Refrigerated Terminals in Colebrookdale Township shortly before 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Berks County hazmat team stopped the leak after one resident shut off the valves—crews then flushed a storm drain and monitored pH levels.

Berks County officials turned over three complaints alleging campaign finance law violations to law enforcement after reviewing five complaints from the May 20 primary.

Officials said the cases involve candidates not properly disclosing who paid for campaign materials and sending unapproved messages during the election silence period — actions they believe could influence voters.

Brandywine Heights beat Linville Hill in a five-set match on Thursday night to advance to the state tournament in District 3 Class 2A boys volleyball— the Bullets will open PIAA play Tuesday against the District 6 or District 9 winner.

District 3 champions Gov. Mifflin—25–1 and Berks Catholic—18–7 begin play in the PIAA baseball tournament Monday on their home fields while Class 4A Fleetwood—15–7 travels to Philadelphia.

Gov. Mifflin hosts Perkiomen Valley at 4 p.m. with its winner advancing to quarterfinals on Thursday, and Berks Catholic hosts Hughesville at 4 p.m. Monday as Fleetwood faces Archbishop Ryan at 4:30 p.m.

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.

Fireflies: Nature’s Fireworks

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Angora Fruit Farm, Berks County Parks & Recreation — $ — Explore the magic of fireflies and learn about Pennsylvania's state insect in a picturesque setting.

Berks Celtic Fest 2025

11 AM – 5 PM — Reading Liederkranz — Free for RLK members — Celebrate Celtic culture with food, music, and festivities.