Good morning, Reading.

UGI Energy Services employees in Wyomissing assembled new bicycles and helmets donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County on Wednesday.

The work is part of a nationwide initiative tied to AmeriGas’s title sponsorship of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic set for Aug. 30.

Demolition began on the 70-year-old Topton Memorial Pool on Monday, June 22 and continued on Thursday, June 25 as borough officials prepare to fill the area with soil and plant grass to create an open space for community use in Topton Community Park.

Various counties are hosting Fourth of July celebrations to mark America’s 250th birthday (including fireworks, live music and family activities).

Berks County opens its fair at noon with fireworks set for 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Free America 250 series offers local history lectures and interactive programs from July 1-5 at Old Morlatton Village (White Horse Inn) and on July 4 at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.

Free programs include brewing history, ironmaking, patriotic readings and living history demonstrations to engage the community.

Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 will roll into the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad Station in Muhlenberg Township at 1:30 p.m. on July 2 & will depart at 2:15 p.m., with another chance to pass through Reading on July 7.

Three Catholic schools in Berks County received safety grants to fund security upgrades, mental health resources, and wellness programs; the diocese announced the awards Thursday from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, with funds to St. Ignatius Loyola Regional, Berks Catholic, and Sacred Heart (improving doors, cameras, and lighting).

Camp Cadet concluded Saturday with a graduation ceremony, celebrating a week of discipline and teamwork at Camp Manatawny (Douglassville).

Youth from Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties engaged in physical training, law enforcement demonstrations and team competitions designed to inspire respect and future public safety careers.

Gov. Shapiro announced SBA low-interest loans and state aid are available for those affected by the June 11 fire at Oak Forest Apartments in Muhlenberg Township; a Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open Monday at Chabad-Lubavitch of Berks County (2320 Hampden Blvd) until July 16.

Boyertown Children’s Center still lacks full enrollment and welcomed PA Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh amid state budget talks to boost child care worker bonuses.

Director Angie Miller said the proposed 2026-27 budget extra $10 million for recruitment will help hire needed staff for working families.

Western Berks EMS has lost nearly $1 million over five years as insurance checks sent directly to patients leave funds scarce.

The CEO says pending state bills may soon help shift payments directly to EMS providers.

The Reading Planning Commission approved plans to transform a long-vacant industrial property at Sixth and Chestnut Streets into 46 senior apartments.

Developers House Development Corporation MidAtlantic and Landis Quality Living are starting demolition now and expect construction to begin by year’s end — preserving key historic features.

Berks swimmer Kylah Schlott won gold in the 200-yard freestyle and bronze in the 100-yard medley at the Special Olympics in Minnesota, and her hometown will honor her with a procession today at 3 p.m. starting at the Penn Street Bridge (route includes Penn and North Fifth Streets).

The Winner Stands Alone Book Discussion

6-8 p.m. — Craft 2700 — Free entry — Gather with fellow readers, enjoy good food, and discuss this month's book over drinks.

Reading Fightin Phils vs New Hampshire Fisher Cats

7-8 p.m. — Reading Fightin Phils — Check event page for details — Enjoy a night of baseball with a special Princess Tribute theme and exclusive merchandise.

World Cup 2026 Fan Zone Celebration

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Santander Arena — Free entry — Experience the excitement of the World Cup with live match broadcasts, entertainment, and a vibrant block party atmosphere.

Upcycled! Rugmaking Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Berks County Heritage Center — $10 per person — Create a unique hand-made rug using traditional techniques and modern materials from scrap fabric.

Pretzel History and Tales

7-8 p.m. — Berks County Heritage Center — Free entry — Discover how the pretzel lived through Prohibition and other fascinating stories.

Altoona Curve at Reading Fightin Phils

6:45-7:45 p.m. — Reading Fightin Phils — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the excitement of minor league baseball and the spectacular Carpenter MEGA BLAST FIREWORKS show!

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Watch Party

2-6 p.m. — Santander Arena — Free entry — Experience the World Cup excitement with live broadcasts and a festive atmosphere for fans of all ages.

Super Chevy Showdown

All day — Maple Grove Raceway — Check website for entry fees — A weekend filled with thrilling races, classic car shows, and all things Chevy.