Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Olde Crow Bake Shoppe offers handcrafted cookies by Jessica Flynn at West Reading Farmers Market on Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon at the West Reading Shopping Center parking lot (a community favorite), and she plans to introduce new seasonal treats soon. Reading Eagle
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ At M Family Garage in Cumru Township, owner Chris Lomas said winter brings more car battery calls as drivers struggle with starting issues. He advised checking battery age and condition to avoid problems when cold weather drains power (which requires extra energy to start vehicles). WFMZ-TV
- ➤ Penn State Berks will host its first AI in Manufacturing Summit on Friday, Feb. 6 at the Perkins Student Center multipurpose room. The event will provide keynote presentations, panel discussions and workshops for small- and medium manufacturers (registration requires a $30 fee covering lunch and networking). Reading Eagle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Reading will host the 21st annual Patty Pagoda Groundhog Day event on Monday, Feb. 2 at 7 a.m. in the Pagoda parking lot—her forecast is expected at sunrise while the building stays closed for renovations. Berks Weekly
- ➤ Seven music shows are set next week. The Naked Sun will debut its album Friday at The Fallser Club, Ndichu performs at 118 North, and Jimmie Allen offers an unplugged set Wednesday at Sellersville Theater 1894, with other acts at MilkBoy & The Met. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Reading native Danny Gardner stars as Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, touring Philadelphia’s Academy of Music from Feb. 11 to Feb. 22 (local groups including students will attend) as he follows the dance he began near City Park. WFMZ-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Susan Looney of Reading Area Community College has been named a finalist for the American Association of Community Colleges CEO of the Year Award, with the winner to be announced in April. She has led the college as its sixth president since July 2018. Reading Eagle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews worked overnight Wednesday to clear roads for emergency vehicles in Reading — city parking garages are free through Feb. 2 to help remove snow while shelters report full capacity amid the ongoing cold. WFMZ-TV
- ➤ Natural Lands has preserved nearly 60 acres in Union Township that will become part of William Penn State Forest. The land, now managed by the DCNR Bureau of Forestry, will be open to the public for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor recreation (including a historic stone tunnel crossing Hay Creek). Berks Weekly
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ UGI filed a request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to raise its delivery charge to cover a $468 million investment in system upgrades, which would increase a typical residential bill from $113.64 to $123.55 on March 29 (public review may delay the change until October). Reading Eagle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday night, Schuylkill Valley defeated Oley Valley 45–41 in a BCIAA game with strong scoring from Hannah West, Hannah Yobb, Elyssa Sellers, and Emma Houser—while Wyomissing won 53–38 over Hamburg in Division 3 play. Both contests highlighted competitive high school basketball across Berks. Reading Eagle
- ➤ BCIAA Division 1 boys basketball heats up as Berks Catholic leads with an 8-1 record while Muhlenberg, Reading High and Wilson remain in playoff contention. Key matchups include Muhlenberg at Berks Catholic today and Reading High at Wilson Friday, with teams vying for a tournament berth. 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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Sisqó Live in Concert
3-6 p.m. — Santander Arena — tickets available — Experience the smooth R&B vibes of Sisqó, the voice behind the iconic 'Thong Song.'
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Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs Reading Royals
7-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Stream the thrilling ice hockey matchup between the Swamp Rabbits and Royals.
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