Good morning, Reading.

Reading’s annual groundhog event features Patty Pagoda who will appear at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb.

2 in front of the Reading Pagoda sign on Penn Street due to concerns over road conditions and wind chill. The public is invited to attend.

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance is accepting nominations for its 2026 Business Excellence Awards until March 9 for GRCA members meeting revenue criteria.

Award winners will be recognized with a video tribute at the annual dinner on May 13.

Alvernia University announced a new transfer pathway that lets associate degree holders finish bachelor’s programs faster by counting general education credits and providing flexible support.

The program partners with local community colleges and offers evening and online course options for adult learners.

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan toured shuttered Olivet Boys & Girls Clubs at Mulberry and Walnut Streets on Thursday to review plans for $1 million in renovations; officials say the clubs will reopen by the start of the new school year to serve local kids with safe programs.

State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick is hosting Outreach Days in Boyertown to help residents complete state property tax/rent rebate applications.

Sessions run every Thursday from Feb. 12 through April 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Boyertown Area Multi-Service (200 Spring St.), and appointments must be scheduled before June 30.

Federal protections for Haitian workers will end Feb.

3, a change causing staffing problems at local clinics as about 15 caregivers lost work permits, raising economic and community concerns in Berks.

Pennsylvania DEP announced a $4,125,923 investment to help food banks, pantries and soup kitchens store, transport and prepare recovered food to reduce waste and fight hunger.

Grants up to $50,000 were awarded across multiple counties — including Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton — through the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Program.

Animal Rescue League of Berks County extended Reading’s Code Blue, requiring dog owners to keep pets indoors until at least Feb.

4 as cold temperatures persist. Violation fines range from $350 to $1,000 and anyone seeing an unsupervised dog between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. should call the ARL.

Developers from Abrams Realty and Development plan to purchase Berkshire Mall in Wyomissing in mid-May and will demolish all but Boscov’s—adding new stores and restaurants funded partly by tax increment financing.

On Friday, Reading High won 55-51 in overtime at Wilson High School when Cameron Jones hit two free throws with 4.3 seconds left (on Senior Night, boosting their record to 15-5).

They will face Berks Catholic for the Division 1 title on Saturday.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs Reading Royals

7-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Stream the thrilling ice hockey matchup between the Swamp Rabbits and Royals.

Old School Hip Hop Sunday Funday

3-5 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticketed event — Celebrate the classic era of hip hop with performances from legends like Big Daddy Kane and more.

Good Thyme for Life Dining Week

Good Thyme For Life is an annual dining event in Berks County for Co-County Wellness Services, raising money for their mission of public health. This year’s event runs from March 2nd-8th and features 7 local restaurants each night, generously donating a portion of the evening revenue to support our work in education and advocacy.