In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆. Lots of Events This Coming Week!

 🎄 Reading Reschedules Christmas Tree Lighting Due to Rain

👷🏽 New STEM Academy in Reading Promises Education and Community Growth

📚 Reading Public Library Launches First StoryWalk in City Park

👮🏼‍♂️ Off-Duty Maryland Police Officer Arrested for Gun Incident in Local Bar

⚾️ Phillies Set to Surpass Luxury Tax Limits in 2024 Season

 🏈 Eagles Overcome Halftime Deficit to Defeat Chiefs 21-17

Interested in submitting News or an Event?

Reading Local Scoop Wants to Hear From You!

 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

November 21st

Joe Bonamassa Live - 8 PM –12 AM

November 22nd

Ice Nine Kills & In This Moment: Kiss of Death Tour - 6:15 – 10:15 PM

November 23rd

Boscov's Fairgrounds Farmers Market - 8 AM - 7 PM

PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing - 9 AM – 6 PM

Koziar's Christmas Village - 6-9 PM

November 24th

 PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing - 9 AM – 6 PM

 Gourmet Popcorn Flights At Setter Ridge Vineyards - 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

NEW! Mean and Green - 1 – 3 PM

November 25th

 Gourmet Popcorn Flights At Setter Ridge Vineyards - 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Pierce The Veil: The Jaws Of Life Tour 6:30 – 10:30 PM

November 26th

 Gourmet Popcorn Flights At Setter Ridge Vineyards - 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

🎄Reading Reschedules Christmas Tree Lighting Due to Rain

Officials in Reading have announced the postponement of their Christmas tree lighting ceremony, originally scheduled for Tuesday, due to expected rain. The event is now rescheduled for November 28 at 6 p.m., taking place at Fifth and Penn streets. The festivities in Penn Square are set to feature performances by the Reading High School Choir and Reading Vocal Society, as well as dances by members of the Olivet Boys & Girls Club.

New STEM Academy in Reading Promises Education and
Community Growth

The Reading School District celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking of a new STEM high school academy. The academy, to be located on N. 9th Street at the former Reading Outlet Center, is a project that has been in the works for over two years since the school board approved the purchase of the site. The new facility is expected to accommodate up to 1,000 students.

Local officials, including Mayor Eddie Moran, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its significance for the City of Reading. The academy is seen not just as an educational institution but also as a catalyst for employment opportunities and community safety. Mayor Moran emphasized the importance of the academy in preparing students for future technological advancements, marking it as a vital step towards progress in the community

Reading Public Library Launches
First StoryWalk in City Park

The Reading Public Library introduced an innovative approach to outdoor reading with its inaugural StoryWalk. Located at 11th and Walnut streets, near the entrance of Reading City Park, this project offers a unique blend of literature and nature. StoryWalk is designed to encourage families to spend quality time outdoors, walking through the city parks while fostering a love for reading and stimulating imagination.

The event featured the book "We Laugh Alike," which is written in both English and Spanish, offering an inclusive experience for a diverse audience. This initiative not only promotes literacy and physical activity but also enhances the communal atmosphere by providing a free and engaging activity for both children and adults.

Off-Duty Maryland Police Officer Arrested for Gun Incident in Local Bar

Matthew Malina, a 29-year-old Maryland police officer, was arrested after an altercation at Legends Sports Bar in Muhlenberg Township, where he brandished a gun and displayed his police badge. The incident occurred early Sunday morning. Charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct, and three counts of reckless endangerment, Malina was arraigned and released.

The Muhlenberg police, responding to reports of a fight and a man pointing a gun, identified Malina, a patrolman with the North East Police Department in Maryland, as the suspect. Witnesses at the bar reported that Malina, who was heavily intoxicated, engaged in physical altercations with patrons, including punching one individual multiple times. After displaying his badge and weapon, Malina was escorted out by security.

Police located Malina's vehicle in a nearby hotel parking lot, where he was staying. A search of his room yielded a handgun and a police badge. Following his arrest and interviews with witnesses, police confirmed his actions inside the bar. The North East Police Department, where Malina is listed as a patrolman first class, has not yet commented on the incident or his current status with the department.

Phillies Set to Surpass Luxury
Tax Limits in 2024 Season

The Philadelphia Phillies have significantly increased their financial commitment to building a winning team, crossing the competitive balance tax threshold for the first time in 2022 and exceeding the second tier in 2023. Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the team is poised to surpass both the first ($237 million) and likely the second ($257 million) luxury tax limits. This escalation in spending reflects the team's "win now" approach, heavily relying on free agency to bolster its roster.

Key signings like Nick Castellanos have pushed the payroll upwards. The Phillies also plan to acquire at least one high-profile starting pitcher, with top talents like Aaron Nola, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell potentially demanding upwards of $25 million annually. This strategy, while costly, has become more acceptable given the team's value and success.

The luxury tax, a mechanism to ensure competitive balance in Major League Baseball, impacts teams that exceed certain payroll thresholds. For 2024, the Phillies' guaranteed contracts amount to an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $175.57 million. Additionally, eight players are eligible for arbitration, with estimated salaries totaling around $20.4 million. The team's pre-arbitration commitments are projected at $11.1 million. Other financial considerations include player benefits, minor league salaries, and contributions to the league's pre-arbitration bonus pool.

The Phillies' total luxury tax payroll for 2024 is estimated at approximately $228.23 million, leaving them with some space under the first threshold but nearing the second. As repeat offenders, they face escalating surcharges on overages. The financial implications extend beyond immediate tax bills to potential draft pick penalties in the 2025 Draft for significant overages.

In essence, the Phillies' approach signals a strong commitment to securing top talent, despite the increasing financial implications under MLB's luxury tax system.

Eagles Overcome Halftime Deficit
to Defeat Chiefs 21-17

Jalen Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 21-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in a riveting Super Bowl rematch. The Eagles, standing strong at 9-1, rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit, shutting out Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the second half. This win marked their first victory against former coach Andy Reid since his move to Kansas City.

Hurts' remarkable performance, featuring two rushing touchdowns, was pivotal in the Eagles' comeback. While he threw for 150 yards with an interception, his crucial plays in the second half overshadowed these stats. The Eagles also benefited from the efforts of D'Andre Swift and DeVonta Smith, who contributed significantly to the offense.

The Chiefs, now 7-3, struggled with turnovers and penalties. Despite Mahomes' 177 yards passing and two touchdowns, red-zone turnovers, including a fumble by tight end Travis Kelce, hampered their efforts. Isiah Pacheco added 89 yards rushing for the Chiefs.

This game was a reversal of fortunes compared to the Super Bowl, where the Eagles had relinquished a 10-point lead. The Chiefs led 17-7 at halftime but couldn't maintain their momentum due to their second-half struggles. The Eagles capitalized on these opportunities, culminating in Hurts' game-winning touchdown run.

Injuries were also a factor, with Eagles' TE Grant Calcaterra and DT Fletcher Cox, and Chiefs' WR Mecole Hardman sustaining injuries during the game.

Looking forward, the Eagles face Buffalo, while the Chiefs will play against Las Vegas in their upcoming matches.