Good morning, Reading.

On Wednesday, 38 people from 10 countries became new U.S. citizens at the Berks County Courthouse in a ceremony organized by the Berks County Bar Association - the event marked new beginnings as residents embraced their heritage and opportunities.

VOiCEup Berks celebrated 10 years of service on July 24 at Reading Public Museum with over 225 guests honoring unsung leaders and youth achievers like Luca Mele and Athena Worley (501(c)(3)).

The nonprofit plans to expand civic programs across Berks County.

Employees at Reading Hospital are helping pack senior food boxes at Helping Harvest Food Bank in Spring Township.

They are volunteering for three straight days as part of the hospital’s workday program to support over 2,100 seniors during a slower summer period.

Comfort Keepers hosted a ribbon-cutting and reception on July 23 at its office (2209 Quarry Drive, Spring Township) to mark 25 years of in-home care for Berks seniors.

Owners thanked about 40 caregivers, clients and community members while emphasizing their interactive caregiving approach.

Carpenter Technology, with significant manufacturing assets in Reading, reported record operating income of $206.9m after the sudden passing of its new CEO.

Tony Thene, now serving as CEO & setting future targets, said the company aims to boost profits in fiscal years 2027 & 2029.

June data from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry showed regional unemployment rates declined for Berks and the Philadelphia MSA, with Berks dropping to 4.3% and nonfarm jobs in the Reading MSA remaining at 185,300.

Statewide, nonfarm jobs reached a record 6,209,600 as job growth rose across multiple industries.

Conservation, trail, and park projects in Berks County will move ahead with more than $39,000 in grants from the 2026 Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program, including a new stone staircase at Neversink Mountain Preserve and park upgrades at the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust.

On Thursday, July 30, Berks County officials heard anti-trafficking experts from North Star Initiative, the local task force, and ZOE explain how traffickers target vulnerable individuals online and urge neighbors to call the district attorney’s office if help is needed.

A new summer ranking from The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com named the Reading area the sixth-best housing market in the country; local investments (boosting housing demand and quality of life) help create opportunity for buyers and sellers while keeping homes appealing.

Brit Floyd Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band performing classic hits in an authentic style.