Good morning, Reading.

The final Reading Roots Market offered fresh fruits and vegetables at GoggleWorks after rebranding from the Penn Street Market, and organizers said the season was a success while planning a return next year.

Tails of Valor in Springfield Twp is receiving a new HVAC system today thanks to a donation from Lennox and Comfort Generation Heating and Cooling Innovation via the Feel The Love program, which will help support its service dog programs for veterans, first responders, and local law enforcement.

On Thursday, business owners in Reading met with state Rep. Manuel Guzman at the Reverb Club to discuss Pennsylvania’s upcoming October 13 deadline for removing skill game machines.

Local groups warned that losing this revenue may force price hikes and cut community support, urging vendors to act before enforcement begins.

Reading Theater Project is hosting The Terror Project 2026, a free four-day series of spooky playwriting workshops and performances at Holy Cross United Methodist Church from Oct.

15–18, plus a fundraiser Spooky Stacks Story Slam on Oct. 21 at The Velvet Spine Bookstore that supports its upcoming season.

City of Reading will host the statewide Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Annual Conference from Oct.

14 to Oct. 15 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, where environmental leaders, officials, and community advocates will discuss strategies to create cleaner, greener communities and share ideas through keynote presentations, workshops, and a local art walk.

State Rep. Manuel Guzman announced Oct.

7 that nearly $700,000 in state grants was awarded to five conservation projects across Berks to support trail, park, stream, and urban forestry improvements. One project, Wyomissing Creek Restoration (with $250,000), upgrades a local park while others serve Reading and nearby towns.

Reading public works crews will start curbside leaf collection on Oct.

12 — residents must keep loose leaves off the curb until then and use biodegradable paper bags on regular bagged leaf days (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays) as the service may extend beyond Dec. 4 if leaves fall later than expected.

Reading will start its curbside loose-leaf collection on Monday, Oct.

12, with Public Works crews serving neighborhoods including the 18th Ward — residents should only place leaves at the curb during scheduled trips and use biodegradable paper bags for yard waste on regular days until Dec. 4.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are reviewing a bill that would let registered retailers sell natural-leaf kratom to adults 21+ while banning synthetic products with over 0.5% 7-OH.

The measure comes amid rising poison center reports and federal actions targeting potent kratom derivatives.

Berks County Commissioners recognized Reading Regional Airport director Zackary J.

Tempesco on Thursday for earning accreditation as an airport executive and for reporting on the ongoing Aviation Council of Pennsylvania Annual Conference in Reading. Tempesco said the event is drawing 1,500 visitors — a first for the conference host.

State health officials reported 1,078 measles cases in Pennsylvania, including six in Berks as of Wednesday’s update; 207 hospitalizations and five deaths have been noted statewide, and more than 9,000 MMR doses were given this year with several pop-up vaccine clinics scheduled soon.

Crews broke ground on the new Broadcast District in Spring Township featuring 441 homes and a 120,000 sqft retail center anchored by a Whole Foods.

Sales and six model home tours will begin this winter—supported by green spaces, fitness areas, a dog park, and a one-mile walking trail.

Freshman duo Juliet Perkins and Natalie Nelson won the Berks County doubles championship on Wednesday at Gov. Mifflin High School by beating Wyomissing’s Peyton Carlson and Bella Karchevsky 6-0, 4-6, 6-2 + Perkins completed her sweep of county singles and doubles titles, marking Conrad Weiser tennis’ 50th overall title.

Berks Catholic shut out Kutztown 57-0 on Thursday, Oct.

8 at Forino Sports Complex as its special teams blocked punts to force turnovers that set up multiple touchdowns. The Saints now enjoy extra time during the long weekend before their next game.