Reading Morning News Logo Reading Morning News

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025

SHARE

Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of September.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Reading’s trusted arson K—9 Gracie retires after nearly a decade of service with the Reading Fire Department—Lt—Trent Zulick said she has helped find evidence by sniffing out accelerants and will continue as his pet as Reading City Council honors her work.  WFMZ-TV
  • The IM ABLE Foundation hosted its 2nd Annual IM ABLE Games on September 20 at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, with 184 participants and over 40 volunteers competing in races, a fitness challenge, and a hot wing contest—funds raised will support adaptive equipment grants, including an adaptive bike for Steve McLaughlin.  Berks Weekly

ACCIDENTS NEWS

  • Thomas A. Derr, 94—a longtime face at West Lawn Beverage and a pioneer in local recycling—died after his pickup truck crashed near his home on Sept. 16 at Mohns Hill and Chapel Hill roads when it hit a sedan and a tree, and he was airlifted to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he died on Sept. 18.  Reading Eagle

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Berks County’s first ramen restaurant rebranded as West Brew Izakaya on Sept. 12 and moved to 424 Penn Avenue in West Reading—its new menu adds craft beers and Japanese pub dishes to meet customer demand.  Reading Eagle

CULTURE NEWS

  • Reading Buccaneers, a drum and bugle corps of 131 members, asked the city at a recent council meeting for help in finding an indoor rehearsal space for winter and a turf field for summer. City officials said they will meet with school boards or colleges to secure the needed venue — a move that could bring the group back home — after losing its long-time rehearsal site in 2017.  WFMZ-TV

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Antietam School District is investigating mold found in four modular classrooms that delayed the start of classes for kindergarten through third grade in Lower Alsace Township. The district spent $79,896 to clean the rooms and install dehumidifiers and is working with contractors to prevent future issues while planning a new elementary school near Antietam Creek.  Berks Weekly
  • The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks announced it will move its main office from West Lawn to Tec Centro at 450 S. Sixth St. in Reading in January to lower overhead costs and improve community access. Proceeds from the sale of its current building will fund the relocation & help sustain its literacy programs.  Reading Eagle
  • The Yocum Institute for Arts Education and Youth Volunteer Corps launched a student-led play—At Some Point, We Have to Talk—that addresses mental health by highlighting issues such as suicide awareness and stigma. Schools and community groups can book the 30-minute performance with a 45-minute talk-back session to encourage open discussion and peer support.  Berks Weekly

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Reading City Council held a required public hearing Monday night on a proposed zoning amendment to regulate short-term rentals in designated zones—permits will require operating licenses and fees yet to be set. Council will vote on the ordinance on Oct. 13 or Oct. 27.  WFMZ-TV
  • The South Central Transit Authority announced route and schedule changes for BARTA set to start January 5—changes that aim to boost on-time service and safety. Customer comments shaped the plan, and a 30-day period for public feedback is open.  WFMZ-TV
  • Reading City Council voted Monday night to appoint Virna Quinones and Scott Lindsey to the inactive Charter Board that had no members. The council also approved a $100,000 annual benefits contract, allowed the Reading Film Festival to install banners on Penn Street Bridge, and proposed a noise ordinance change—each step aimed at advancing city operations.  WFMZ-TV
  • The Exeter Township Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance on Monday night to borrow up to $12 million for a new fire and emergency services center — the bond sale is set to borrow $10 million with a planned 5% coupon over 25 years and bonds to be priced by mid-October so funds will be available by the end of the year. The board also conditionally approved the final land development plan for the Martin Appliance project on Perkiomen Ave and set dates for upcoming budget workshops and trick-or-treat night in October.  WFMZ-TV

SPORTS NEWS

  • Griff McGarry ended his 2025 season last week with the IronPigs by pitching five strong innings, allowing one home run in the first inning and striking out eight batters—he said he is ready to work hard in the offseason to build muscle and shed fat for 2026.  Reading Eagle

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Beethoven Symphony No. 9

    7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, a powerful celebration of unity and the human spirit.

    Sat, 9/27/25

    View event
  • Treaty Oak Revival Concert

    8-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Event rate parking available — Experience the energetic blend of Red Dirt country and punk rock with Treaty Oak Revival.

    Fri, 10/3/25

    View event
  • Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert

    7:00-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets required — Experience the epic journey of Avatar: The Last Airbender through a live orchestra performance of its beloved score.

    Sat, 10/4/25

    View event
  • Times Past, Time's Passed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Robert Seabourne

    You are invited to the reception for an art show of paintings by Robert Seabourne that pay tribute to the beauty & history of the Oley Valley. The show runs from October 1-25, at The Crossroads Guitar & Art in Gilbertsville.

    Sun, 10/5/25

    View event
  • The Music Of Hans Zimmer and Others

    8-9:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the epic scores of Hans Zimmer and more in a captivating live performance.

    Tue, 10/7/25

    View event
  • Aaron Lewis Concert

    3:30-9 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with the Grammy nominated former Staind frontman as he promotes his new solo album.

    Fri, 10/10/25

    View event
  • Aeros and Autos Car Show

    9 AM – 2 PM — Reading Regional Airport — Kids 8 and Under Free — Experience a unique showcase of classic cars and aircraft at this community-oriented event.

    Sat, 10/11/25

    View event
  • X Revolucion Salsera Live

    9 p.m. — El Primo Bar & Grill — Ticket prices vary — Dance the night away with X Revolucion Salsera and enjoy drink specials.

    Sun, 10/12/25

    View event
  • Yellow Brick Joel: Face To Face Tribute

    7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Event rate parking available — Celebrate the legendary hits of Billy Joel and Elton John performed live.

    Sat, 10/18/25

    View event
  • Reading Hospital Road Run

    12:00 – 3:30 PM — 420 S 6th Ave, West Reading, PA — Check registration for fees — Participate in the 1/2 marathon, 5K, or fun run to support the community.

    Sun, 10/19/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Don't look for happiness. Look for meaning.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
About 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.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Reading and across Pennsylvania. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Reading Morning News

A free Reading community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here