Good morning, Reading.

On June 3, Northern Berks medics & firefighters led free hands-on CPR training for Maidencreek township residents during the first day of National CPR & AED Awareness Week.

American Crane & Equipment Corporation won 1st Place at the 2025 Greater Reading Business Excellence Awards—an honor given by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance for strong business performance in Category 1—and they jumped from a 9th Place finish in 2024, showing their ongoing work in the community through the Hoist Up! Outreach Initiative.

Early Monday, police rushed to a Pike Township home on Landis Store Road after a sibling stabbed his sister nine times — her injuries are life-threatening while the 25-year-old attacker is held without bail at Berks County Jail.

Albright College graduate Journee Haynes, whose internship at Berks County Jail confirmed her passion for helping people, has chosen to pursue nursing after graduation.

She plans to select a nursing school this fall and dreams of running a hospital in twenty-five years — aiming to fix flaws in health care.

Perla Alvarado-Rueda—a senior at Exeter Township Senior High School—earned a full four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania through the QuestBridge National College Match program after completing a difficult, multi-hour application process.

Her award covers tuition, housing, food, books, supplies, and travel while she plans to study astronomy and speak at graduation.

Lori Lilley of Lower Alsace Township rescued 33 turtles from the Crystal Lake reconstruction site at Carsonia Park in March—she worked with Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center and got permission from the Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority to rescue the reptiles, which will be released when the project is completed in late spring or summer. The effort is part of ongoing work to help local wildlife survive the construction changes.

Reading City Council unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by Councilman Jaime Baez Jr. urging the state Senate to pass House Bill 1150 to raise the hourly minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 starting January 1 — council members also asked local residents to contact their state senators for support.

Berks teams will compete in Thursday's PIAA quarterfinal baseball games—Gov. Mifflin faces Liberty at 11 a.m. at DeSales University in Center Valley, Fleetwood plays Montoursville at 11 a.m. at Central Columbia High School in Bloomsburg, and Berks Catholic meets Notre Dame-Green Pond at 4 p.m. at Methacton High School in Eagleville.

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.