• Reading Local Scoop
  • Posts
  • Reading’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Pagoda Make a Dazzling Comeback

Reading’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Pagoda Make a Dazzling Comeback

Issue #040

December 27th, 2023

In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆 Lots of Events This Coming Week!

 🎆 Reading’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Pagoda Make a Dazzling Comeback

🚘 PennDOT Announces Holiday Closures for Driver License and Photo Centers

 🚜 Shapiro Administration Secures Future of Pennsylvania Agriculture with Land Preservation Initiative

⌚️ US Import Ban on Select Apple Watch Models Takes Effect

 🏈 Eagles maintain mastery over N.Y. Giants with 33-25 victory

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

December 27th

December 28th

December 29th

December 30th

December 31st

Reading’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Pagoda Dazzling Comeback

Reading is set to light up the night sky with its New Year’s Eve fireworks display over the iconic Pagoda, as announced by Mayor Eddie Moran and city officials. This marks the return of the beloved tradition after a hiatus last year, embodying the resilience and unity of the Reading community.

The fireworks, a staple of Reading's New Year's celebrations for over 25 years, will have a family-friendly start time at 10 p.m. This shift from the usual midnight display is aimed at enhancing inclusivity, allowing families to enjoy the festivities together.

Mayor Moran expressed excitement about collaborating with Berks Festivals Inc. to revive this cherished tradition. The event is not just about the dazzling pyrotechnics; it's a showcase of the city’s vibrant community and diverse landmarks.

William Koch Sr., President of Berks Festivals, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the display as a symbol of hope and a vibrant start to the new year. To further enrich the experience, local radio station 830AM WEEU or 830WEEU.com will offer a specially curated musical accompaniment to the fireworks.

As the city prepares to bid farewell to one year and welcome another filled with potential and new beginnings, Mayor Moran invites the community to come together for this celebratory event. However, city officials remind everyone to adhere to safety regulations, highlighting that setting off unpermitted fireworks within 150 feet of structures is both illegal and hazardous.

🚘 PennDOT Announces Holiday Closures for Driver License and

Photo Centers

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that all its driver license and photo centers across the state will be closed for the New Year's holiday. This closure includes Saturday, December 30, Sunday, December 31, and Monday, January 1. The announcement, made last week, also specified that the full-service center in Harrisburg will not be operational during these three days.

However, PennDOT assures that customers seeking various driver and vehicle services can still access them through the PennDOT website. This online provision allows for uninterrupted access to essential services during the holiday period.

🚜 Shapiro Administration Secures Future of Pennsylvania Agriculture

with Land Preservation Initiative

Dynamic Sky

The Shapiro Administration in Pennsylvania has permanently preserved over 2,500 acres of farmland across 21 counties, preventing future development and securing agricultural land. This is part of an ongoing effort, with nearly $46.3 million invested in 2023 to preserve farmland. The state leads the nation in farmland preservation, with significant investments in programs supporting farmers and conservation.

⌚️ US Import Ban on Select Apple Watch Models Takes Effect

The Biden administration has allowed a US import ban on certain Apple smartwatch models to go into effect Tuesday, following a decision by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) on patent infringement issues. The ITC had ruled in October to ban Apple Watch models that incorporate a patented technology for detecting blood-oxygen levels.

Apple, which disagrees with the ITC's findings, had already halted sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US last week. This suspension was implemented on the online Apple Store from December 21 and in retail locations from December 24, just before the holiday season.

This action originated from a complaint by Masimo Corp, a medical device maker, in mid-2021. Masimo accused Apple of infringing on its patented "light-based oximetry functionality" and alleged that Apple had hired its employees to gain access to this technology.

Despite the option for a presidential veto on import bans, such interventions are rare. Ambassador Katherine Tai, after thorough consultations, chose not to overturn the ITC's decision, which became final on December 26, 2023.

Apple has been enhancing the fitness and health features of its smartwatches, a category it leads. The company expressed strong disagreement with the USITC's decision and is seeking ways to resume sales of the affected Apple Watch models in the US.

Masimo, in turn, claims to have invented the disputed technology and has received clearance from US regulators for its own wrist-worn product. Apple has criticized Masimo's use of litigation, suggesting it is a strategy to introduce its own smartwatch products, similar to Apple's designs. The legal battle saw a mistrial in May due to a jury deadlock and has escalated with Apple filing patent infringement lawsuits against Masimo.

Reading Local Scoop - Sports

🏈 Eagles maintain mastery over N.Y. Giants with 33-25 victory

Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles reasserted their dominance in the NFC East with a 33-25 victory over the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday Night Football. The win was a much-needed boost for the Eagles (11-4), who had been reeling from a three-game losing streak that dampened their hopes for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was a standout performer, setting an NFL record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season with his 15th score. He achieved this feat with a 1-yard "tush push" in the first quarter, breaking Cam Newton's previous record of 14 set in 2011. Hurts also contributed a 36-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith, contributing to his season total of 35 touchdowns.

Despite trailing 20-3 at halftime, the Giants (5-10) fought back in the second half. Adoree’ Jackson's 76-yard interception return for a touchdown and a subsequent 2-point conversion by Saquon Barkley narrowed the gap. However, the Eagles maintained their lead with decisive running plays, responding to their fans' chants to focus on the ground game.

The Giants attempted a late surge when Tyrod Taylor, replacing Tommy DeVito in the second half, connected with Darius Slayton for a 69-yard touchdown. But a final drive interception by Kelee Ringo in the end zone sealed the Eagles' victory.

The win keeps the Eagles' hopes for a second consecutive division title alive. To secure the NFC East crown, they need to overcome Arizona next week and once again defeat the Giants in the season finale.

The Eagles' improved performance, scoring their highest first-half point total of the season, marked a turnaround from their recent struggles. They remain unbeaten against the Giants at the Linc since 2014, extending their home winning streak to 11-0.

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.