Good morning, Reading.

A motorcyclist swerved through traffic after speeding illegally in Mount Penn near the Perkiomen Ave and Route 562 intersection and crashed into an SUV at 6th and Franklin in downtown Reading; the 19-year-old, who had no license plate or registration, is seriously injured and will face charges + police worked to clear the scene.

Two men were sentenced to 5 to 20 years and 4.5 to 20 years after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the 2023 murder of Eric Ferrer in downtown Reading, where police said 10 shots were fired into his vehicle (300 block of Washington Street) in January while the sentencing for the third man is set for June 17.

An 18-year-old man from Philadelphia was arrested late Friday in Spring Township after entering a home and stealing a bag of rare coins—valued at about $1,000—that were passed down from a deceased relative.

Ivy Matthews, a volunteer at Conrad Weiser Homestead in Heidelberg Township, was honored in May by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (one of 32 volunteers recognized statewide) for her work running tours and maintaining themed gardens and a springhouse at the 26-acre site. Her long-term service with the Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead has helped preserve local history.

City Council recognized Haitian Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month, both celebrated in May.

Alex Civil accepted a proclamation during a ceremony with members of Reading’s Haitian community + allies.

City officials announced that gaps found in the Pagoda’s stone foundation during recent restoration will be fixed using lime-based grout injection—project architect Aaron Booth said this method matches the original mortar and is the most cost-effective solution to avoid a full rebuild. Funds will be redirected from other projects to cover the $161,000 repair while the building undergoes its $4.7 million makeover.

The Berks County Industrial Development Authority is planning to redevelop two long-vacant industrial sites in Reading at 1853 N.

Third St. and 212 S. Eighth St. The authority is cleaning up the sites and finalizing design plans, with the Glidden site design expected by late 2025 and transit-oriented development planned for the Penn Optical property.

Spotlight PA asks local readers to suggest hidden gems for a summer bucket list that covers secret beaches, remote campsites and quirky festivals in Pennsylvania.

Winners will earn local prizes + lifetime bragging rights and the final list will be shared + guiding summer adventures.

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.