Good morning, Reading.

William R. Wright—a Berks man from Kutztown—was sentenced to four to 15 years in state prison and a concurrent 12-year probation after admitting to selling the drugs that caused the accidental death of 62-year-old Steven Newhart in Bucks County in 2022—he pleaded guilty as part of a negotiated plea.

The Shapiro Administration announced over $21 million in federal grants for 77 farms and food manufacturers — including several near Reading.

The grants will help upgrade equipment, improve safety, and modernize facilities — boosting local food systems in counties such as Berks, Bucks, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Schuylkill.

City officials celebrated a grand re-opening of Berks Barber School as former student Samuel De La Cruz took over, carrying on the legacy taught by mentor Charlie G.

Haynes (the first minority business owner in Reading). De La Cruz said the new start will offer students the skills they need to succeed in barbering.

Mayor Eddie Morán announced on Friday that David Barr has been appointed as Reading's new Community Development Director during a City Council meeting.

Barr will begin his role July 1 with decades of planning & development experience that will help drive the city's revitalization.

Mayor Eddie Moran spoke on Thursday morning in a live press conference to back the renewed juvenile curfew that keeps minors off the streets from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and announced a new working group—made up of city departments and local leaders—designed to boost youth safety.

Reading City Council voted unanimously on Friday to appoint David Barr as the new community development director; he will start on July 1.

Barr is a Reading native with extensive U.S. Department of State experience — he looks forward to working with local and federal partners to improve our city.

Ryan Adams Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch Ryan Adams live and enjoy an evening of incredible music.

Intro to D&D with the Park Rangers

6-8 p.m. — Berks County Heritage Center — Free entry — Explore the world of Dungeons and Dragons through guided one-shot adventures.

Jorge Medina and Josi Cuen - JUNTOS

8-10 p.m. — Santander Arena — Last-minute concert tickets available — Experience a vibrant performance by Jorge Medina and Josi Cuen in Reading, PA.

Michael Blaustein Live Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an entertaining evening with comedian Michael Blaustein, famous from MTV and Comedy Central.