Good morning, Reading.

Singer Taylor Swift and NFL tight end Travis Kelce donated $1 million to Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank to support food assistance in Berks and Schuylkill counties.

The donation comes as the bank has distributed a record 5.3 million pounds of food in the first five months of 2026.

The Berks Coalition to End Homelessness is planning to move its office this fall and is looking for a new downtown space between 2,500 and 3,500 sqft near a bus stop — parking is also a bonus.

Big Boy No. 4014 steam engine made its stop at the Outer Station in Muhlenberg Township on Thursday, July 2 as fans cheered despite the heat.

The last operational Big Boy — on a coast-to-coast trip for the US 250th anniversary — marked its first appearance east of the Mississippi.

Marissa Guidara, a youth services consultant at Reading District Libraries, was named to the 2027 Caldecott Committee to help choose the next winner of the prestigious Caldecott Medal.

The 15-member panel will review over 800 picture books before announcing the winner in January.

A team of Berks County 4-H members won first place at the statewide 4-H judging contest held at Penn State University Park.

The senior dairy team (Wyatt Lehner, Alexis Servin, and Connor Servin) showcased their livestock evaluation skills to boost their local youth development program.

Berks County Commissioners said Independence Day is about the Declaration’s legacy, not just patriotism.

The county will host a ceremony on July 8 at noon in front of the County Services Center where they will ring the historic Liberty Bell & hear a reading by descendants of Sheriff Henry Vanderslice.

Gina Curran of Stewart Abstract explains that a property title search by reviewing deeds, mortgages, and court filings helps uncover liens, errors, or competing claims before closing on a sale, ensuring a smoother process for buyers in Reading.

Soccer fans will gather Friday at Santander Arena for FIFA World Cup watch parties in Reading.

The event offers a live viewing experience for local fans.

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.