Good morning, Reading.

Five Berks nonprofits will receive nearly $185,000 in grants to fight hunger as the DEP announced funding for food banks, pantries and soup kitchens today; the awards are expected to help improve safe storage and transportation of fresh food.

On Jan. 29, 2026, community members at the WCR Center for the Arts offered creative ideas including murals + musical railings for the 400-foot Reading Gateway Bridge.

The session hosted by the Schuylkill River Greenways Association and Barrio Alegria will guide redesign plans.

On Monday morning, the 21st annual Patty Pagoda Groundhog Day celebration moved to the READING Pagoda sign (in the 800 block of Penn Street) due to road concerns, drawing community members despite 15-degree temperatures.

Patty Pagoda saw her shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter.

Alvernia University schedules Black History Month events for campus and community from Feb.

4 to Feb. 26. Activities include Chef Spotlight, Chalk the Walk, and Calypso Night — plus public programs like Just Mercy and an Expressions of Excellence celebration with book and podcast recommendations from the library.

On March 8 from noon to 4 p.m., Daniel Boone Homestead in Exeter Township will celebrate Pennsylvania’s Birthday with living history demonstrations of the 18th century — children and families can enjoy colonial trades and games at the open house, which is free with no pet or smoking policy.

Schuylkill Valley High School senior Oliver Messner earned all 142 Scouts BSA merit badges, including a retired badge, joining fewer than 700 scouts nationwide; he gained skills from scuba diving to observing courtroom sessions at Berks County Courthouse.

Alvernia University partnered with Jay Sidhu & YPO PA to launch the Never Ever Ever Give Up Boot Camp, a two-week summer program for up to 50 students aged 14-19 that teaches leadership and ethics at its Reading campus from June 14-26.

On Saturday, the Miss Berks County Scholarship Organization held its annual competition at Oley Valley Middle School, awarding six women $500 scholarships and two teens $335 dance awards.

Winners will represent the region in future contests including Miss Pennsylvania and a New York City dance convention.

Reading City Council reviewed a report on traffic calming Monday night – the plan calls for improvements on 15 accident-prone streets with measures like raised crosswalks and speed humps.

The administration will decide in three to six months while forming a local traffic advisory committee.

About 100 firefighters and emergency responders attended an autism training at Penn-Bernville Elementary School in Penn Township on Tue, Jan.

20, where they learned techniques to adjust communication and deescalate emergencies involving individuals with autism. The session was co-led by paramedic Jackie Ginther and Capt. Zach Kirsch.

Boyertown (District 1 champion) wrestles Wilson-West Lawn today at 7 p.m. at Scranton High in the first round of the PIAA Class 3A Team Dual.

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.