Good morning, Reading.

Berks LaunchBox held its Lifestyle Business Pitch Night in June and awarded prizes to local entrepreneurs.

Jessica King’s ElderCARE Collaborative won $1,000 — Tom and Kim Chilton’s Garden Infuzions secured $600, and Annette Faust’s A Box of Berks and Beyond won $400 to support their growing startups.

Reading Public Museum will host Sensory Inclusive Fireworks today at 5:30 and 7 p.m. in its Neag Planetarium, featuring a dome display with adapted visuals, crafts, and activities (registration required).

Through Darkness to Light is open at Reading Public Museum—this photography exhibit curated by Jeanine Michna-Bales features dramatic images and narratives of the Underground Railroad in the Meinig Family Gallery and Works on Paper Gallery until Aug.

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Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy train will roll through Berks County today with a stop at Muhlenberg Township between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The historic locomotive (celebrating America’s 250th anniversary) will return next Tuesday as it continues its journey through nearby communities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry released May jobs data showing Berks County’s unemployment rate held at 4.4 as the Reading MSA added 100 nonfarm jobs, an increase of 200 from last year.

The report also outlined broader regional employment trends.

Robert C. Farina was appointed as Director of the Office of Professional Learning effective July 1 by the BCIU Board after a comprehensive search — he will work with Dr. Dan Richards, who retires August 3, to maintain services for local schools.

The U.S. Army Corps issued an advisory for Blue Marsh Lake after tests detected moderate blue-green algae, warning visitors to avoid discolored water—especially children and pets.

Weekly testing found no toxins at the swim beach but conditions can change quickly.

With temperatures reaching 90 degrees, some Reading neighborhoods become 15 to 20 degrees warmer than tree-covered areas because dark concrete and asphalt hold heat.

Reading’s sustainability manager, Bethany Ayers, urged residents without air conditioning to use fans & sleep on lower floors to lower heat risks.

Reading welcomed its newest fire chief, Robert Leonard II (41), who was sworn in on Monday while two veteran officers were promoted to first deputy chiefs.

Leonard said he plans to earn firefighters' trust and lead the department with integrity.

State and local officials are increasing DUI patrols on roads and waterways at Blue Marsh Lake and nearby recreation areas this holiday weekend to curb impaired driving — including alcohol, drugs, and medications — and promote safety.

The U.S. Army Corps upgraded Blue Marsh Lake's harmful algal bloom status to an advisory on Wednesday, July 1, urging visitors to avoid water with foam, scum or mats (tests at the swim beach have not found toxins) and check conditions before swimming, boating or allowing pets into the water.

Boyertown swept Kutztown in two games on Tuesday, winning 3-2 and 7-2; the Bears will play the Topton and Oley Patriots in their final regular season game.

Teams in the Berks County, Bux-Mont, and Greater Norristown Leagues also showed strong play ahead of the playoffs (raising their season standings).

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.

The Hindley Street Country Club Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of re-imagined covers performed by a talented group of Adelaide musicians.