Good morning, Reading.

Israel Mendoza, a former Reading man who was a fugitive for 25 years, was held on charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the 1998 drive-by killing of Michele Lutz—he was apprehended in Mexico in August and now remains at Berks County Jail.

Police arrested Lakisha Porter, 46, on one count of neglect for failing to care for her care-dependent elderly mother, whose open wounds and severe weight loss led to her death; she is now held in Berks County Jail on $100,000 bail.

On August 12, the Reading Bomb Squad demonstrated its robot at Camp Cadet in Earl Township where cadets aged 12 to 15 watched the device operate under supervision—this event was part of a seven-day police camp run by Pennsylvania State Police Troop L.

Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt visited the Berks County Services Center to mark National Poll Worker Recruitment Day and urge eligible citizens to join the poll worker team—45,000 workers are needed across more than 9,000 polling places.

Local poll worker Jamie Kyle shared her busy Election Day experience and commitment to keeping elections safe and fair.

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has reactivated the Berks County Advisory Council to give local residents a voice in fighting discrimination and promoting fairness.

The council will meet virtually on the third Monday of each month, with its next meeting set for Aug. 18 + Tom Herman has been named chair.

City Council discussed how to fill the empty City Charter Board by either merging it with the ethics board or removing the rule that stops people from serving on both—voter approval for a referendum will occur in November 2026.

G.N.A Ristorante closed its Penn Avenue location before July 4 and now has its 10,569-square-foot property for sale at $2.5 million; the building—built in 1939—is available for use by a single tenant or divided among multiple businesses.

The Daniel Boone Blazers are set to break a four-year losing streak as Coach Okuniewski works hard on cleaning up fundamentals like tackling, blocking and ball security with senior quarterback Haydn Moyer expected to lead a breakout season+ the team will face tough Section 4 opponents and aims to improve on last year's record.

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County swim team finished 23rd out of 95 teams at the YMCA National Long Course Championships held in Ocala, Florida from July 28 to August 3.

Standout swimmer Ava Knopsnyder scored a team-high 34 points while Jack Martin also had a strong finish, and the team celebrated the college plans for several athletes.

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.

Anuel AA Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices starting from $128 — Experience the vibrant performance of Anuel AA live in Reading, PA.

Nurse Blake

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Santander Performing Arts Center — Tickets from $53 — Enjoy a night of laughter with Nurse Blake's hilarious performance.