Good morning, Reading.

On Thursday morning, local, state, and community leaders broke ground in Spring Township for the Broadcasting District, a $350 million mixed-use development on a 100-acre former farmland along Paper Mill Road—this project will add new shops, dining options, housing units, and a 110-room hotel while about 85% of the retail space is already leased and it received $2.1 million in transportation grants.

Reading Recreation Commission is hosting its Halloween Hayride and Haunted House at Schlegel Park today and on October 18 at 100 E.

Wyomissing Blvd. Families can enjoy a non-scary hayride — offering scenic views and fall treats like a bounce house, face painting, s'more making and hot chocolate.

Keystone Villa at Fleetwood honored Reading High School alumni by hosting a nostalgic tour led by dining services director Chris Rodriguez — an event that united residents from the Classes of 1945 to 1990 as they shared memories and celebrated lasting Red Knight pride.

The tour also highlighted updated school features and reinforced the strong community connection among alumni.

Weis Markets unveiled its remodeled Maxatawny Township store on the 1500 block of Kutztown Road—store officials said the update brings more variety in all departments and featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday with donations to three local non-profits.

Today, the Yocum Institute for Arts Education opens The Folk Show at the Holleran Gallery—displaying regional folk art like hex signs, redware pottery, and wood carvings—and the free exhibit runs through November 29 with an opening reception on October 19 from 1–3 p.m. Visitors can also explore a craft bazaar offering handmade folk crafts.

A new Senate bill co-sponsored by State Senator Tracy Pennycuick seeks to ban cellphone use during the school day in Pennsylvania to help students focus on learning.

The bill—if passed—allows exemptions for students who need phones for translation or medical reasons and lets each school decide the rules.

Developers in Spring Township broke ground on the Broadcast District—an innovative mixed-use development that will feature 770 homes, Whole Foods, Sephora, Shake Shack, and other shops along Paper Mill and Broadcasting roads.

The project will add pedestrian trails to link Penn State Berks with the new community, and Whole Foods is set to hold its ribbon cutting in fall.

Store owners at Berkshire Mall say they received little news about the sale and worry about the future of their businesses.

Montgomery County-based Abrams Realty and Development is set to complete the purchase in March and plans to tear down most of the mall — leaving only Boscov’s active.

On Oct. 16th, Conrad Weiser won the BCIAA boys soccer title in double overtime with a 2-1 win over Wilson at Gov. Mifflin High School—senior Abu Barrie scored both goals to end an 18-year county title drought and keep the team undefeated.

Exeter won its first BCIAA girls' soccer championship by beating Wilson 2-1 in Shillington on Oct.

16. Junior Mairead Dolan scored both goals and the team fought back from a first-half deficit — showing their strong effort to claim the title.

After beating Wyomissing 28-6 last Saturday, the Twin Valley Raiders remain undefeated—today they host Lampeter-Strasburg at 7 p.m. to secure the Section 4 title.

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.

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.

How AI is Changing Photography

7-9 p.m. — Berks Photographic Society — $10 donation — Explore the transformative impact of AI on photography and enhance your creative potential.

Fall 2025 Job Fair

1-5 p.m. — Redner's Event Center — Free entry — Connect with local employers and explore exciting job opportunities on your career journey.

Halloween Bash

12-2 p.m. — Bernville Area Community Library — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with crafts, snacks, and a live concert by the Reading Philharmonic Orchestra.

Michael Jackson Tribute by Who's Bad

7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience a power-packed tribute to the King of Pop with the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band.

Reading Royals vs. Trois-Rivières Lions

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Santander Arena — Group Tickets from $10 — Enjoy an exciting hockey matchup with affordable group outings available.

Dustin Lynch & Scotty McCreery Concert

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Event rate parking available — Enjoy an evening of hit country music with top artists Dustin Lynch and Scotty McCreery.

Reading Symphony Orchestra - Mozart and More

7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Enjoy a night of classical elegance featuring Mozart’s beloved compositions alongside Elgar and Brahms.

Reading Royals vs. Wheeling Nailers

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Santander Arena — Group tickets starting at $10 — Catch an exciting hockey showdown with affordable group options.