• Reading Local Scoop
  • Posts
  • Reading Women Arrested for Alleged $777 Theft at Exeter Township Walmart

Reading Women Arrested for Alleged $777 Theft at Exeter Township Walmart

Issue #019

November 16th, 2023

In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆. Lots of Events This Coming Week!

 🗳️ Berks County Investigates Two Potential Election Violations

🛣️ PennDOT Charts Electric Future: $171.5M for Statewide EV Charging Network

 ⚖️ Twin Valley School District Sued Over Refusal to Recognize Mascot Change Club

👮🏼‍♂️  Reading Women Arrested for Alleged $777 Theft at Exeter Township Walmart

 🏒 Carter Hart's Stellar Return Powers Flyers Past Hurricanes

 🏀 Celtics Overcome 76ers 117-107, White and Tatum Lead Charge

Interested in submitting News or an Event?

Reading Local Scoop Wants to Hear From You!

EVENTS

 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

Thursday - November 16th

Friday - November 17th

Saturday - November 18th

Berks County Investigates Two Potential Election Violations

Berks County election officials are probing two incidents of alleged election code violations from the recent elections. The first issue involves an unauthorized sign placed outside a polling station in Robesonia Borough, advocating against a candidate without the necessary funding disclosure. Security footage identified the individuals responsible for this violation. The second incident concerns a voter's attempt to cast a second ballot in person after already voting by mail, although no additional vote was cast. Both cases have been forwarded to the district attorney for further examination. These incidents have led to discussions on enhancing poll operations and the seriousness of adhering to election regulations.

PennDOT Charts Electric Future: $171.5M for Statewide
EV Charging Network

PennDOT is investing $171.5 million in federal funds to develop a state-wide network of high-speed EV charging stations, as discussed in a recent meeting in Reading. With only 80,000 EVs registered in Pennsylvania, this initiative aims to boost EV adoption by ensuring accessible charging infrastructure.

The plan, part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, will focus on building fast-charging stations along 15 major highways, including routes through Berks County. Private and public sector entities can apply for grants to build these stations, with several projects already approved. While PennDOT will not own or operate these stations, they are allocating additional funds to support charging access in rural and low-income areas. The department also addressed common EV concerns, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing Pennsylvania's EV infrastructure.

Twin Valley School District Sued
Over Refusal to Recognize
Mascot Change Club

The Twin Valley School District is being sued for allegedly failing to recognize a student club aimed at changing the district's mascot. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU on behalf of a student, argues that the district's actions violate the student’s First Amendment rights and the Equal Access Act.

The "Retire the Raider" club, led by Wolfe and other students, seeks to end the use of a mascot they deem a stereotypical depiction of indigenous people. Despite efforts over three years, the district has not granted the club official status, reportedly due to the inability to find a teacher advisor, which the lawsuit attributes to administrative discouragement. The ACLU asserts that the district's refusal to recognize the club is illegal, as it recognizes other non-curricular clubs.

The district has yet to comment on the lawsuit.

CRIME

Reading Women Arrested for Alleged $777 Theft at Exeter Township Walmart

Two Reading women, Franches Rodriguez Diaz and Karina I. Contreras, were arrested by Exeter Township police following a retail theft at a Walmart store.

The incident involved the pair allegedly taking a television and groceries, valued at $777, without paying. The police apprehended them after Walmart security reported the theft and provided a description of their vehicle. Diaz admitted to the crime upon being stopped by the police. Both women, who live together, were identified by store security and have been charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property. They are currently free pending a hearing.

Reading Local Scoop - Sports

Carter Hart's Stellar Return Powers Flyers Past Hurricanes

Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers secured a 3-1 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes, marking their third straight road win. Carter Hart, returning as goalie after health issues, made 31 saves, contributing significantly to the win.

The Flyers' offensive strategy paid off early, with goals from Owen Tippett, Travis Konecny, and Ryan Poehling in the first and second periods.

The Hurricanes' sole goal came from Stefan Noesen, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Flyers' lead. Philadelphia coach John Tortorella praised the team's composure after the Hurricanes scored.

The Flyers next face the Vegas Golden Knights, while the Hurricanes will play the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Celtics Overcome 76ers 117-107,
White and Tatum Lead Charge

The Boston Celtics, led by Derrick White and Jayson Tatum, defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 117-107 in a matchup of Eastern Conference leaders.

Despite missing Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics saw White score 27 points, with Tatum adding 29, and Jrue Holiday contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The 76ers, tired from a recent series of games, had Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey each scoring 20 points, below their usual performance. The Celtics capitalized on the 76ers' defensive struggles, with key plays in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics next play the Raptors, while the 76ers face the Hawks in the NBA In-Season Tournament.

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Reading Region and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Reading Local Scoop with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇

Reply

or to participate.