Reading
Morning News
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ United Way of Berks County raised $11.1 million at its annual Celebrate United event on Tuesday at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading. The funds will support over 80 local programs as new campaign co-chairs for 2026 — Brad and Tanya Stephenson — are announced. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Six local nonprofits and neighbors will receive $25,000 in FARO grants to support long-term community projects in Reading, announced by the Wyomissing Foundation and Barrio Alegría — a program that empowers grassroots ideas. Berks Weekly
- ➤ The Reading Senior Expo will be held Thursday, May 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel at 701 Penn St from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. It is a free event where seniors and caregivers can access health screenings, prize drawings and giveaways. Reading Eagle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Banshee, a new play by a local playwright, will run through Sunday at the WCR Center for the Arts and brings Irish history and modern family life to the stage—reporter Gary S. Wegman says the engaging production offers strong music, choreography and acting. Reading Eagle
- ➤ The Apple Dumpling Festival returns to Sinking Spring today at Willow Glen Park (73rd year) featuring rides, games, bands, and the Little Miss Apple Dumpling Pageant. Organizers expect thousands of visitors to enjoy this local tradition built on food and family. WFMZ-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Fleetwood Middle School educator Jenna Anzelmo was named one of 12 finalists for the 2027 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Award by the state Department of Education on Wednesday — her recognition highlights her strong classroom impact. The winner will be announced at a state awards ceremony in December. Reading Eagle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Exeter Township PD held a two-week pedestrian enforcement effort following a fatal crash and other incidents, using a trained pedestrian decoy to warn drivers for not yielding and to remind both motorists and pedestrians to follow crosswalk laws (especially with more people outdoors in warmer weather). Berks Weekly
- ➤ Melanie Serrano became the new chief financial officer of the Berks County Intermediate Unit effective May 4 after a unanimous board vote on Oct. 16, 2025+ she began her CFO-Elect transition on Feb. 2, 2026. Berks Weekly
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ On Poplar Street, a 125-year-old rowhome collapsed early in 2026, displacing four residents and costing about $100,000 in demolition. City officials say unclear ownership—exacerbated by LLCs and inconsistent records—hinders efforts to fix blighted properties and boost housing and tax recovery. Berks Weekly
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Wilson posted a 13-3 win against Kutztown in the BCIAA baseball quarterfinals on Thursday at Muhlenberg High School — they now will face fourth-seeded Exeter today at 4 p.m. at Owl’s Field. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Exeter beat Berks Catholic 7-5 in a BCIAA playoff quarterfinal on Thursday, May 7 at Muhlenberg High School and advanced to Friday’s semifinals after a dramatic seventh inning when Berks Catholic scored four runs. Reading Eagle
- ➤ BCIAA officials moved the semifinal baseball doubleheader from Saturday to today at Owl's Field due to forecast concerns; winners of the quarterfinal games will play at 4 p.m. today, and the championship is set for Monday at 6:05 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading. Reading Eagle
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Sepultura Concert
6:30–8:00 p.m. — Nightclub Reverb — Tickets start at $78 — Experience the electrifying live performance of Sepultura in Reading, PA.
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Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire
12:30-2:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in a spectacular live show.
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SatchVai Band
7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Not specified — Experience the virtuoso guitar performance of Joe Satriani, one of the world's most commercially successful solo artists.
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Cody Tyler Live
7-10 p.m. — Bertie's Inn — Enjoy a night of music with Cody Tyler's band, offering a fusion of country and southern rock sounds.
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Arizona Juggernauts vs Pennsylvania Benjamins
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy thrilling indoor arena football with live music and great food.
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Mid-Atlantic Air Museum WWII Weekend
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Mid Atlantic Air Museum — Admission varies — Experience the thrill of history come to life with authentic reenactments of World War II battles.
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6th Annual Paw Fest Block Party
12-5 p.m. — Reading Liederkranz — Food and activities available — Enjoy a day of fun supporting adoptable dogs with games, vendors, and raffles.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
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
Welcome to the Reading Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Reading, Pennsylvania community. If you like the Reading Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Reading.
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