Community Corner

🌱 Who dumped oil into the Schuylkill River in Reading?

Spotted on the Reading calendar: Oktoberfest 2026

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In today's newsletter:

  • Who dumped oil into the Schuylkill River in Reading?
  • DUI homicide charges filed after 133 mph crash on Hampden Boulevard.
  • What development changes is Reading's Planning Commission putting on the fast track?

Also on today's calendar: Oktoberfest 2026 and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a one-legged Big Foot? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Variable cloudiness, with a high of 72 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Cloudy, temps: high: 75, low: 58.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 82 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Police: Oil Dumped Into Schuylkill River (iheart.com) — Oil was discovered dumped into the Schuylkill River in Reading, prompting a local investigation and cleanup effort after officials estimated 15 to 20 gallons entered through a storm drain. City leaders are asking anyone with information to come forward, while the report also briefly connects this local spill to broader global oil market tensions and environmental concerns.
   

2. DUI Homicide Charges Filed In Deadly Crash (iheart.com) — Prosecutors in Reading have charged a 37-year-old driver with DUI homicide after an April crash on Hampden Boulevard, where police say he was traveling about 133 miles per hour before hitting a building. His passenger, a 38-year-old woman, died in the wreck, and the community now awaits an October court appearance that will determine the next steps in the case.
   

3. Reading Planning Commission backs streamlined reviews (readingeagle.com) — Reading's Planning Commission is backing a shift to mostly electronic development-plan submissions, which could speed up reviews for new projects across the city. Members also delayed several major proposals, including North Reading Plaza and a Penn Street lot change tied to CRIZ financing, while recommending new parking rules, paving work, and data center setbacks that could shape future neighborhood development.
   

4. ReadingFilmFEST 2026 (November 6-8) (bctv.org) — A major fall arts highlight is coming to downtown Reading as filmmakers and actors gather for ReadingFilmFEST from November 6–8. A recent BCTV program, produced in Reading, features producer Tracy Schott and several directors discussing their films, the festival's offerings, and how local residents can get involved with community media.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Edit- we have our 2 black cats left, 1 male and 1 female.
    Both are fixed and ready for homes! They are the most spoiled strays I have ever met! We have 3 kittens, born in April that are in need of loving… (Nextdoor North Shillington)
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Shift Leader in Reading. Apply here.
  • Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Cook in Reading. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Reading here.

Ok Reading! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Hop Squatch! (Thank you Terri R. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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