Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of June.
Good morning, Reading.
A late spring freeze cut blossoms and will reduce fruit yields, so shoppers may find fewer peaches, cherries and other fruits available at local farmers markets (West Reading Farmers Market is open Sundays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
Harvest Moon Aquaponics’ closed-loop garden on Lancaster Avenue has seen success growing Salvaterra’s Sweet Peppers with yields thriving since February — donations now benefit groups like Opportunity House.
Kring and his team will harvest seeds for a third generation while tours remain available for sustainable indoor farming.
Starting July 1, the Meals on Wheels program will deliver flash frozen meals two days a week instead of ready-to-eat meals five days to 650 seniors in Reading (meals are prepared at Helping Harvest’s Community Kitchen) so volunteers can also offer daily wellness calls.
Karen Norheim was named Entrepreneur of the Year for her leadership at American Crane Equipment Corp (in Amity Township); the award honors her team’s innovative growth in the Greater Philadelphia area.
The Reading Public Museum — located at 500 Museum Road — has launched Butterfly Odyssey, an interactive exhibit that lets visitors role-play a butterfly’s life and learn about rainforest conservation.
It remains open until Aug. 30 during regular museum hours.
Pennsylvania State Police Troop L is running Camp Cadet at Camp Manatawny in Earl Township this week — the seven-day summer camp invites cadets aged 12 to 15 to experience law enforcement demonstrations, including K9, aviation, mounted unit and bomb squad presentations.
Antietam School Board approved a $29.68 million budget for 2026-27 with a 4.87% tax hike—raising rates to 53.8 mills for Mount Penn and Lower Alsace Township—while officials say the district remains underfunded by about $3 million.
Reading City Council voted Monday night on zoning amendments to create a Transit-Oriented Overlay District downtown that supports the return of passenger rail and aims to boost redevelopment.
The plan offers incentives + reduced parking requirements and expanded building heights to energize mixed-use projects.
Starting July 1, the Berks County Area Agency on Aging will switch its daily meal deliveries to frozen meals twice a week to boost flexibility and safety for older adults.
Partners include Berks Encore, Boyertown Area Multi-Service, and Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, and meals will meet dietary standards.
BCAAA will switch its home-delivered meals program for older adults to offer frozen meals twice each week starting July 1, serving Berks County residents with enhanced flexibility and ongoing support from local partners (Berks Encore, Boyertown Area Multi-Service, and Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank).
Reading Hospital posted online that the area faces a critical blood shortage, especially for Type-O blood, and officials are asking eligible donors to visit Miller Keystone Blood Center in Bern Township.
The shortage is linked to summer breaks and vacations.
Barry Manilow Live in Concert
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Santander Arena — Starting at $39.50 — Experience the legendary Barry Manilow perform hits from over five decades of music history.
The Winner Stands Alone Book Discussion
6-8 p.m. — Craft 2700 — Free entry — Gather with fellow readers, enjoy good food, and discuss this month's book over drinks.
Reading Fightin Phils vs New Hampshire Fisher Cats
7-8 p.m. — Reading Fightin Phils — Check event page for details — Enjoy a night of baseball with a special Princess Tribute theme and exclusive merchandise.
World Cup 2026 Fan Zone Celebration
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Santander Arena — Free entry — Experience the excitement of the World Cup with live match broadcasts, entertainment, and a vibrant block party atmosphere.
Upcycled! Rugmaking Workshop
1-3 p.m. — Berks County Heritage Center — $10 per person — Create a unique hand-made rug using traditional techniques and modern materials from scrap fabric.
Pretzel History and Tales
7-8 p.m. — Berks County Heritage Center — Free entry — Discover how the pretzel lived through Prohibition and other fascinating stories.
Altoona Curve at Reading Fightin Phils
6:45-7:45 p.m. — Reading Fightin Phils — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the excitement of minor league baseball and the spectacular Carpenter MEGA BLAST FIREWORKS show!
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Watch Party
2-6 p.m. — Santander Arena — Free entry — Experience the World Cup excitement with live broadcasts and a festive atmosphere for fans of all ages.
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