Good morning, Reading.

The Schuylkill County Fair – now in its 41st year – will run from July 28 to August 2 at Summit Station and feature new track events, live performances including Jimmy Holmes and Southern Steel, daily antique tractor parades and a tribute day for Fern 'Nana' Schaeffer.

Fair president Paul Kennedy said the event unites local residents as a cherished homecoming with fresh competitions on the way.

Berks Weekly has launched its VIP Club to offer readers early access to feature articles, monthly mail rewards (such as photo prints and free items), and exclusive invites to local events to support independent journalism.

Subscribers can cancel any time and will get VIP content by email as well as first notices for special community events.

Police seized drugs from a Reading home after an investigation that began in May following reports of illegal drug sales — the probe is part of ongoing efforts to address drug activity in the area.

Police charged Jean M.

Ridge, a 54-year-old personal care assistant from Spring Township, with identity theft, forgery, access device fraud, and financial exploitation after she used a master key to enter a room at a Cumru Township assisted living facility and steal a credit card from a 69-year-old resident — surveillance footage confirmed she used it at Sheetz and Giant and attempted ATM withdrawals at Citizens Bank.

The Berks County Arts Fund has awarded $50,000 in grants to six local groups to support visual arts projects — including a university mural program, a puppet-building show, a movie discount plan, and a community mural — that will bring new art experiences to local public spaces.

The grants will fund efforts by organizations to engage residents with creative projects in Reading.

Albright College cut operating costs by eliminating half its full-time staff, selling unused assets, and ending its fiscal year with a $10 million surplus to avoid closure, though experts say these one-time moves may not secure long-term stability.

The college will raise tuition and room and board this fall and add new academic and athletic programs to boost enrollment toward a goal of 1,600 full-time students.

Reading City Council will vote on Monday on an ordinance to decriminalize possession of under 30 grams of marijuana — the plan sets fines at $25 for first or second offenses and $30 for third or later offenses while directing juveniles to youth programs instead of criminal penalties. The measure, introduced by Councilman Jaime Baez Jr., has mayoral and police support but faces criticism from the district attorney over potential impacts on local policy and funding.

Berks County does not have a formal agreement with ICE but honors detainer requests that hold arrested people in jail up to 48 hours past their scheduled release—county officials made this change after learning they could lose about $290,000 in emergency service funds.

The county will not book individuals solely on detainer orders and will continue to follow federal guidelines.

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.

Back In Black and Electric Love Tribute Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Nightclub Reverb — $15 ADV | $20 DOS — Rock out to AC/DC and The Cult tribute bands in an electrifying night of classic rock.

Summer Concert Series with Vinyl Rush

6-8:30 p.m. — Jim Dietrich Park — Free entry — Experience a delightful evening of live music along the river with local food and drinks.

Toad the Wet Sprocket Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices may fluctuate — Experience the live music of Toad the Wet Sprocket in an intimate setting.

Nate Bargatze Live Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with renowned comedian Nate Bargatze.

RiverFest

11 AM – 10 PM — Jim Dietrich Park — Entry fee varies — Celebrate local music and culinary delights along the scenic Schuylkill River.