Reading
Morning News
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Amid extreme cold, Reading shelters are offering extra accommodations and daytime safety for vulnerable residents. Hope Rescue Mission has added sleeping areas and heaters in its chapel while Opportunity House and New Journey are repurposing spaces into warming centers with meals and gear distribution. WFMZ-TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Alpek Polyester USA will shutter its Reading site recycling facility (at 4030 Pottsville Pike in Muhlenberg Township) on March 15, affecting 100 workers. WFMZ-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Reading and the Green Building Alliance will host a free virtual session on Jan. 29 from 4 to 5 p.m. to discuss LEED and other green building credentials for sustainable career paths, and early career professionals, students, and construction workers can ask questions plus receive training guidance. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Orwigsburg Fire Department Capt. Zach Kirsch hosted autism awareness training for first responders last Tuesday at Penn-Bernville Elementary School in Penn Township. The session moved to a larger space to include over 145 attendees such as firefighters+ EMS crews, police, nurses, and teachers to better support individuals on the autism spectrum. WFMZ-TV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pennsylvania American Water is asking customers in 21 counties to cut nonessential water use by 10-15% amid the expanded drought watch declared by DEP. Residents & businesses can check the company’s conservation resources for water-saving tips. WFMZ-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials say fighting blight in Reading needs help from property owners, local investors and neighborhoods. The city removed 11 properties from its blight list last December and will add tech inspections and stricter code enforcement (after the redevelopment authority regained quorum) to keep improving. Reading Eagle
- ➤ The state is providing a $1.2 million grant to boost sidewalk connectivity in St. Lawrence with new sidewalks planned at Saint Lawrence Avenue and North Prospect Street. State Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock (D Berks) said the funding will improve pedestrian access and address long‑standing infrastructure needs. WFMZ-TV
- ➤ The state awarded $242,596 in grant funding for the Gerry Street Connector Project that will build a walking trail linking Gerry Street to Lancaster Avenue Plaza near the Ideal Food Basket shopping center — state Rep. Manny Guzman said the project will boost safety, accessibility and community connectivity. WFMZ-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At Berks Lanes on Tuesday, Wilson rallied to win a boys bowling match 2-1 against Daniel Boone with standout series from the Hattendorf brothers while Oley Valley, Reading High and Twin Valley also competed in local contests at Heisters and Jay Lanes. Reading Eagle
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Annual Schnitzelfest
6-8 p.m. — Reading Liederkranz — $40 members, $50 guests, $12 for children 5-12 — Indulge in a delicious variety of schnitzel toppings while voting for your favorite to earn a spot on the permanent menu.
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Shiver by the River 2026
10 AM – 4 PM — Jim Dietrich Park — Free entry — Participate in a fun-filled day with races and post-race snacks.
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Tropical Invasion Concert
8-11 p.m. — Santander Arena — All in prices available — Experience a night of vibrant Latin rhythms with Elvis Crespo and more.
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Harlem Globetrotters Show
7-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets starting at $36 — Experience the legendary antics and skills of the Harlem Globetrotters live in Reading.
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Reveal the authorAbout Reading Morning News
Welcome to the Reading Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Reading, Pennsylvania community. If you like the Reading Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Reading.
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