Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 22nd of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ More than a dozen local organizations and businesses are offering free Thanksgiving meals for residents from Sunday through Saturday—meal times and locations vary with events ranging from worship services at Trinity Lutheran Church to turkey distributions at Washington Towers. Reading Eagle
- ➤ At a festive tree-lighting event on Penn Square, Mayor Eddie Moran urged residents to share kindness all year—kicking off Reading's holiday season with music, dance, and community caroling. The celebration brought together about 200 locals and featured a lively K-Pop dance routine and caroling by the Reading Chorale Society. Reading Eagle
- ➤ The United Way of Berks County exceeded its $10.75M goal by raising $11,057,115 at a celebration held Thursday night at Redner’s Event Center in Reading—this money will support over 80 local programs in literacy, education, food security, health and workforce development, officials said. WFMZ-TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State announced that seven local startups received up to $2,000 each through the IMAGINE Your Business grant to help with ideas like prototyping and marketing. The winners include Wildcraft Landscapes, Alison Woo Designs, LumiVillage, On Brand Moments, Emotional Compass, Wolfe Counseling and Wellness and KimonoMono (applications for the next round are now open). Berks Weekly
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Reading’s Christmas on the Mountain at Hillside Playground on North 14th Street has dazzled visitors for 34 years as the nation’s largest free Christmas light display with over 5 million LED lights and many festive attractions; it will open Friday, November 28 at 5:00 p.m. Local organizers face city renovation plans that may force a smaller display and mark the event’s possible final season—efforts supported by the Mayor's Office, city departments, and local businesses. Berks Weekly
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Pennsylvania’s new state budget passed last week adds over $900 million for education funding, boosting Berks County schools by more than $42 million. Reading School District will receive over $29 million—most from a school adequacy funding increase that helps address months of delayed payments. Reading Eagle
- ➤ The Northwestern School Board voted 5-4 to continue renovations at Northwestern Senior High School’s sports complex; the final proposal will cost $7.75 million—down from an initial $12—15 million estimate. Some community members opposed the spending during the meeting on Nov. 17 while board members said the plan is best for taxpayers and users. WFMZ-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Heidelberg Township firefighters warned residents to cook turkey safely ahead of Thanksgiving. Deputy Chief Randy Metzger said thawing the bird 24 hours per five pounds, drying it thoroughly, and placing fryers at least 10 feet from homes—rather than on decks or in garages—can help prevent dangerous oil spills and fires. WFMZ-TV
- ➤ Berks officials unveiled a custom-designed bell at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 20—this fiberglass sculpture by artist Benjamin Hoffman, painted over two months with his students, marks America’s 250th birthday next year. The bell is sponsored by FirstEnergy and is part of a statewide art series that celebrates Pennsylvania’s history and heritage. Reading Eagle
- ➤ State Rep. Manny Guzman hosted his fifth annual Thanksgiving Resource Fair on Friday, November 21 in Reading at the parking lot of Concilio Pentecostal El Lugar De Refugio Inc. church, where 1,000 food items — including turkeys, pork shoulder and roasted half ducks — were distributed and local families received information on tax rebates, utility assistance and job opportunities. Reading Eagle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Pennsylvania legislature passed a bill that requires insurance companies to cover all advanced breast cancer diagnostic exams after an abnormal screening mammogram. The bill is now headed to Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk for approval+ if enacted, it will lower costly out-of-pocket expenses for patients needing follow-up tests+. WFMZ-TV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Weis Markets dietitians Lyndi Mies and Emily Santanna shared new holiday recipes — including roasted veggie casserole, Aussie lamb shoulder chops, and hot honey smoked salmon spread — with families, along with tips to save money on Thanksgiving meals. WFMZ-TV
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Reading Blues Fest Day Pass
1-5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading — Check website for ticket details — Experience the soulful sounds of blues legends Kevin Burt and The Three Kings.
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10th Annual Boyertown Turkey Trot
9 a.m.-1 p.m. — Boyertown Community Park — Cost not specified — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun 5k run in Boyertown's scenic community park.
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The Leaders of Humor and Love
7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with the acclaimed comedic duo Raymond & Miguel as they bring their celebrated tour to Reading.
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The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight
8-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Event rate parking available — Experience legendary rock and metal reimagined with classical elegance in a stunning gothic atmosphere.
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Reading Royals vs. Wheeling Nailers Hockey Game
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Group tickets starting at $10 with food add-ons — Experience an exciting night of hockey with affordable group options.
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Reading Royals vs. Worcester Railers
7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Group Tickets starting at $10 — Enjoy an exciting hockey match and tasty treats with your crew.
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Kuarantine - KISS Tribute with Chris Jericho
7-9:30 p.m. — Nightclub Reverb — $25 ADV | $30 DOS — Experience the world’s best non-makeup KISS cover band with a rock n roll party featuring Chris Jericho.
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A Charlie Brown Christmas
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a beloved holiday classic brought to life on stage in Reading.
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Champions of Magic
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets from $27 — Experience an enchanting evening filled with extraordinary magic performances.
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Adirondack Thunder vs. Reading Royals
7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets starting at $13 — Watch an exciting matchup in the AHL as Thunder take on the Royals.
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