Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A local Reading bar distributed 15 holiday meal boxes and 35 gift cards to families in need today after inviting those with urgent requests on Facebook (including one single mother of four). Owner Chris Fisher said the effort began at his family's Thanksgiving table and marks a new tradition. WFMZ-TV
- ➤ Oley Valley American Legion Post #878 delivered 23 turkeys donated by Weis and Legion members to Veterans Making a Difference in Reading in time for Christmas. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Goodwill Keystone held 'Gift of Joy' events at five stores in Reading and Robesonia where selected families received holiday shopping sprees and $200 grocery gift cards to fill reusable tote bags with essentials or gifts. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Last Thursday, law enforcement officers hosted their 18th Shop with a Cop at Boscov’s North in Muhlenberg Township, helping 25 children meet Santa, get a $125 gift card, wrap gifts, and enjoy a catered dinner (with support from Boscov’s and officers). Reading Eagle
- ➤ Reading will host its 29th Annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 — a family-friendly event featuring a synchronized musical broadcast by WEEU 830 AM. City officials urge everyone to celebrate responsibly by maintaining a safe distance from structures. Berks Weekly
- ➤ The Greater Berks Development Fund secured $750,000 in LSA grant funding to boost two local projects. It allocated $600,000 to redevelop GoggleWorks Arts Park into a cultural food hub and $150,000 to launch Building a Better Boyertown’s Secret Valley Trail Initiative in downtown areas. Berks Weekly
- ➤ Local charity Operation Holiday is set to support families with food and holiday gifts this Christmas by providing grocery and gift cards donated by readers. Families referred through 21 partner agencies in three counties, including a duo of sisters with 11 children in a small home, will have a festive meal and presents on Christmas morning (supported by generous contributions). Reading Eagle
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ AAA predicts 122.4 million people will travel 50+ miles this holiday season, with nearly 110 million driving; Matos Towing in Reading and PennDOT warn drivers to slow down as winter weather may increase risks (operators stress staying alert and buckled up). WFMZ-TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bollman Hat Company is revamping its Maker's Collection to help return its Adamstown factory to profitability after years of losses due to declining hat demand and rising costs. CEO Don Rongione says the initiative honors long-serving employees (including retired Steve Jacobs) and supports future growth. Reading Eagle
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Berks County law enforcement urges drivers to plan ahead this holiday season to avoid drinking & driving, warning that officers will actively enforce impaired driving laws to keep roads safe. Reading Eagle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jimmy and the Parrots visited 69 News at Sunrise in Salisbury Township as they prepare for a holiday show on Friday, Dec. 26 at Musikfest Cafe (tickets range from $19.25 to $34.25). WFMZ-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two Governor Mifflin High School seniors, Seth Toal and Nox Clemmens, learned on Dec. 1 they earned full scholarships to Ivy League colleges through QuestBridge (Cornell and Yale) and will be the first in their families to attend college. They joined a group selected from more than 25,000 applicants. Berks Weekly
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Berks County public health officials advise residents on handling suspected rabid animals, including feral cats and pets. They say to seek immediate medical attention and use local animal control resources or state labs for testing if bitten or scratched. Berks Weekly
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World Ballet Company's The Nutcracker
1:00 – 2:30 PM — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices may vary — Experience a magical ballet performance this holiday season.
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Norfolk Admirals vs. Reading Royals
4-5:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Group tickets starting at $10 — Catch the thrilling action as the Admirals take on the Royals in this exciting hockey matchup.
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Gary Owen Live Comedy Show
8-10 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets required — Experience two decades of sharp observational humor and fearless storytelling from comedian Gary Owen.
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Greensboro Gargoyles vs. Reading Royals Hockey Game
7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Watch on FloHockey — Cheer for your favorite team in this exciting hockey matchup.
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