Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Rudden Family Foundation is turning empty houses into homes by delivering donated furniture and essentials to families leaving homelessness. Joseph and Kevin Rudden asked City Council for support to expand services locally and secure grants to cover delivery costs. Reading Eagle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Daniel Boone Homestead hosts an open house on Sunday, March 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. in Exeter Township to celebrate Pennsylvania’s Birthday with 18th-century demonstrations, trades and hands-on activities in the historic Boone House and surrounding buildings. Reading Eagle
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new transmission substation and nearly four-mile power line in Bern Township will boost grid reliability for over 6,000 FirstEnergy customers in Berks County. The $30 million project started in January and will be in service before year-end to support local economic growth. WFMZ-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ PSU Berks students will participate in a 46-hour THON dance marathon today at 6:00 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center to raise funds for pediatric cancer support + the total raised will be announced on Sunday. WFMZ-TV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Masano Auto Park will host a free guided tour on March 4 from noon to 2 p.m. at 841 E. Wyomissing Blvd — the event will showcase adaptive reuse and sustainable design, with John and Megan Masano discussing the facility's community benefits. Reading Eagle
- ➤ The Reading Area Water Authority is asking customers today to reduce water use by 10% to 15% as most of Berks is in a severe drought; residents should stop nonessential water use like watering lawns and washing vehicles. WFMZ-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Longtime public servant Stratton (Strat) Marmarou died this morning at 92. He served as Reading’s 4th District councilmember from 2006 to 2022 and worked in law enforcement while supporting community projects like the new fire station. WFMZ-TV
- ➤ Water main breaks on Birch Street and Snyder Street were fixed in Reading, but a boil water advisory remains for 32 homes and 14 connections + officials will test water samples over three days before lifting the advisory, warning that similar breaks may occur this winter. WFMZ-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Berks County man celebrated one year since his life-saving heart procedure by returning today to Reading Hospital to thank his medical team. He now enjoys healthier habits and cruises with his wife after recovering from an ICU stay. WFMZ-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Wilson girls basketball team (fourth seed Bulldogs) defeated Mechanicsburg 50-33 in District 3 quarterfinals last night at West Lawn. They will face top-seeded Red Lion on Monday at Red Lion with contributions from Laila Jones and Laura Crocona. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Exeter's Eagles won a 73-59 game against Elco on Feb. 19 at Reiffton (Aidan Dauble and Dylan Donate each scored 19). They will face Greencastle Antrim Tuesday at 7 p.m. and must win that game and the ninth-place game on Feb. 26 to qualify for the PIAA tournament. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Exeter swept the BCIAA team bowling championships on Thursday at Hiesters Lanes in Reading. The girls outscored Daniel Boone (2,699-2,154) while the boys edged Gov. Mifflin (3,094-3,037), with standout series from Haley Schwenk and Joe Vazquez. Reading Eagle
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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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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.
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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.
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Reading Anime-Fest
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading — Free entry for kids — A family-friendly event featuring voice actors, vendors, attractions, and a huge cosplay contest.
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Worcester Railers at Reading Royals
3-4 p.m. — Santander Arena — Cost varies — Catch an exciting hockey matchup with the Worcester Railers taking on the Reading Royals.
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Gary Gulman Live Comedy Show
3:30-6:30 p.m. — Miller Center for the Arts — Tickets starting at $68 — Experience a night of laughter with Gary Gulman’s comedic energy.
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