Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local small farms depend on winter markets to cover costs; West Reading Farmers Market meets bi-weekly Sundays through April in the West Reading Shopping Center parking lot from 10 a.m. to noon — offering storage crops, mushrooms, winter greens, and baked goods that support community resilience. Reading Eagle
- ➤ LV Polar Plunge raised $211,000 to support Special Olympics PA athletes, including over 10 set to represent Team Pennsylvania at the nationals. The funds will help athletes play for free. WFMZ-TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local businesses can apply for PIDA loans that offer low-interest financing for land, equipment, and working capital via Greater Berks Development Fund. The program is open to manufacturing, industrial, agriculture, and select service enterprises and offers rates 1 to 2 percent below industry standard. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Brian Malloy—currently president and chief operating officer—will become Carpenter Technology’s CEO effective July 1; Tony Thene will remain as executive chairman to guide the company’s strategy. Reading Eagle
- ➤ American Crane & Equipment Corporation was named the top partner in the 2025 MHI Inspires Fund, underscoring its strong role in local education and workforce development. The 2026 fund will soon open for applications, inviting MHI members to boost community skills. WFMZ-TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Construction started last month on a new $30 million substation near Reading Regional Airport and a nearly four-mile transmission line in Bern Township. It is expected to be in service before year end to reduce outages for over 6,000 FirstEnergy customers & support local economic growth. Reading Eagle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Arborists warn that beech leaf disease, spread by a tiny worm (nematode) from Ohio, has been detected in our area near Wernersville. Symptoms will remain hidden in winter but appear as striped leaves in spring, and trees may eventually die if untreated. WFMZ-TV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Metropolitan Development Group plans more than 230 one- and two-bedroom apartments at the former Promenade property at 3925 Perkiomen Ave in Exeter Township. Township supervisors reviewed the proposal Monday night, and MDG expects to break ground in about two years (pending regulatory reviews). WFMZ-TV
- ➤ Heavy snow and ice are causing roof damage with leaks and costly repairs, and roofing expert Josh Weber of East Penn Roofing said his team has received hundreds of calls in (Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh, and Berks counties) as they warn homeowners to clear snow and clean gutters to prevent ice dams. WFMZ-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno talked about his training in Berks County (he credited longtime trainer John Schaeffer for inspiring his gold medal success) and praised the local community’s genuine spirit that unites people through sports. WFMZ-TV
- ➤ Berks Catholic won the District 3 Class 4A semifinals on Tuesday night by beating Schuylkill Valley 62 to 35 and advanced to the championship game — the Saints will face the winner of Bishop McDevitt-Big Spring on Friday. Reading Eagle
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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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Phil Wickham Concert
7-8 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience uplifting worship music with Phil Wickham live in Reading.
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Gerald Veasley's Unscripted Jam
3:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading — Buy ticket — Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Berks Jazz Fest with a night of unscripted jazz featuring renowned artists.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Reading Morning News
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