Good morning, Reading.

The Reading Public Library said its Main Library elevator will remain out of service until January 2027 due to mechanical issues, and it is working with the city on repairs.

Patrons can use fully accessible branch locations & request delivered materials while curbside service details are forthcoming.

Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials is expanding its Reading operation with an over $20 million investment to add a new facility and equipment and create 42 new jobs.

The project was announced on July 8 at 2120 Fairmont Ave to boost local advanced manufacturing.

Three Alvernia University mechanical engineering students developed Smart Stick, a reusable safety needle for nursing education that cuts costs & plastic waste.

Their innovation won first place and $10,000 at the tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition in northeastern Pennsylvania and secured a provisional patent.

The Berks Military History Museum in Mohnton dedicated its new Holocaust Museum and Education Center that spans nearly 5,000 sqft.

State Rep. Mark Gillen said the center preserves survivor stories and educates visitors while donation requests will fill empty display cases with community artifacts.

The Reading Science Center received a $10,000 grant from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to support its weekly Sisters in STEM program that offers hands-on science experiments for girls in grades four to six at 645 Penn St. It will boost collaborations with volunteers and STEM professionals.

Canadian wildfires brought haze and unhealthy air quality to Berks County on Thursday, July 16, reducing visibility and obscuring views from the Pagoda (a local landmark).

Berks County Community Foundation hired Alyssa N.

Wilkinson, CPA as its new Accounting and Finance Manager on Monday, June 15 (she now manages daily financial operations and works with COO/ CFO Franki Aitken on audit, tax, and fund administration procedures).

New law now regulates food processing waste on farms to protect farmland, drinking water, and air quality, according to state Rep. Paul Friel, whose bipartisan-backed bill ended the untracked use of FPR (food processing residuals) on farms.

The law replaces old oversight with clear rules for commercial food waste.

Pennsylvania American Water will raise bills starting Aug.

13 after the Public Utility Commission approved a $74.9 million revenue hike. Water operations will see a modest increase while wastewater costs jump, and final billing details will be shared soon.

The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) and Amtrak signed an agreement this week to plan rail service connecting Reading, Pottstown, and Phoenixville with Philadelphia and New York.

The memorandum outlines work steps such as ridership forecasts and cost estimates, and officials expect this planning to quicken later project phases.

The Pennsylvania DEP declared Code Red Air Quality on Thursday as wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota lowered local air quality; health experts advise everyone — especially those with respiratory issues — to stay indoors and use recirculated air as conditions may worsen over the weekend.

Food safety inspectors in Berks County conducted inspections from June 13 to June 26 during which several local restaurants in Reading and nearby areas were found with issues like dirt accumulation and labeling problems — many defects were promptly corrected to meet standards.

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.

Super Chevy Showdown

All day — Maple Grove Raceway — Check website for entry fees — A weekend filled with thrilling races, classic car shows, and all things Chevy.

The Hindley Street Country Club Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of re-imagined covers performed by a talented group of Adelaide musicians.

Brit Floyd Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band performing classic hits in an authentic style.