Reading
Morning News
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Holiday Toy Run returns Sunday, Oct. 19 to launch CHOR Youth and Family Services’ 2025 Holiday Gift Drive at Meadowbrook Country Club on 1153 Rick Road in Reading – hundreds of motorcycles, cars, and supporters will check in from 10:30 a.m. to noon before riding at 12:30 p.m., with participants asked to bring a toy, gift card, or donation. This event marks the 35th year of a tradition that helps fulfill holiday wishes for local children and teens. Berks Weekly
- ➤ On Thursday, 44 dogs were rescued from a recreational vehicle traveling through Reading after a good Samaritan noticed unsanitary conditions. The Animal Rescue League transferred 38 dogs to PSPCA while the remaining six went into foster care — the shelter now asks for volunteers, donations, and support as it works to care for all the animals. WFMZ-TV
- ➤ The 5th annual Good Food Fest will champion local farmers and producers by featuring food trucks and local beer—organizers say it will showcase a unique taste of the local food movement. Reading Eagle
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Smokies Tobacco Shop opened its second cigar lounge in downtown Reading at 35 N. Sixth St. inside the restored historic Berks County Trust Building— the lounge features a walk-in humidor, recliners, an 86-inch television, shuffle board, pool tables and a coffee bar with Italian espresso drinks. Reading Eagle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Reading Public Museum hosts Museum After Dark and gives adults a chance to enjoy its art with spooky attractions such as monster mud sculptures, creature portraits, oracle readings, a photo spot, and food options—wine, pizza, and kettle corn. The event, a departure from the museum's usual kids programs, will be followed by a Holiday Cheer Night Out in December. WFMZ-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alvernia University celebrated its biggest fundraising success at the President’s Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading — the Partners in Progress Campaign reached $71.5 million while the event honored alumni, community leaders, and local organizations with awards. More funds will support students, programs, and downtown development. Alvernia University
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Reading has modernized four park fieldhouses with upgrades that improve heating, cooling, lighting and insulation while preserving historic structures (located at Baer, Keffer, Pendora and Schlegel parks) as part of a $17.9 million project. The final open house will be held Oct. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Keffer Park (the city expects to save $13.3 million over 20 years) as it works toward renewable energy goals. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Parking problems in Reading continue as the Parking Authority runs an amnesty program until November 30 that waives late fees and offers a 25% discount on fines for tickets of $45 or more+ local drivers and business owners say the limited parking supply remains a challenge. WFMZ-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Baja Beach Wellness will donate a free membership to each local breast cancer survivor when a new member signs up this month in support of survivors— the salon will host open houses at all four Berks County locations this weekend and double its donations on those days. WFMZ-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Matthew Lackman became Alvernia’s first national wrestling champion after he scored a winning takedown during the title bout. His brother Nathan, a two-time champion who returned as a teammate, supported him during the match — both brothers leaving a lasting legacy for the program. Alvernia University
- ➤ Wilson won the BCIAA girls volleyball championship with a 25-12, 25-17, 25-17 win over Exeter on Thursday at Gov. Mifflin—improving to 20-0 and moving into the District 3 Class 4A tournament starting Oct. 22. At 7 p.m. today, top-seeded Oley Valley will face Wilson in the BCIAA field hockey championship at Alvernia University. Reading Eagle
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The longer you wait to do something, the more likely you are to find a reason not to do it.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout 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.
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
Sitemap: https://readingmorningnews.com/sitemap