PagodaFest: Celebrating Reading's 275th Anniversary with Family-Friendly Fun and Excitement!

Reading's 275th anniversary celebration continues with PagodaFest, a family-friendly festival at the Pagoda.

The event features live entertainment, contests like a hot dog relay and Pagoda attire contest, and various activities. Attendees can enjoy face painting, chalk art, magic tricks, and more. The festival coincides with the Reading Gravity League's Skyline Drive race.

Access to the event can be via free shuttle, biking, or hiking. PagodaFest runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the music schedule includes performances by various bands. For more information and registration, visit the city's website or Facebook page.

Antietam School District Seeks Volunteers for Post-Flood Cleanup Ahead of New School Year

The Antietam School District is seeking volunteer support to recover from a flood that caused millions of dollars in damages at the middle senior high school.

With only three weeks until the start of the new school year, volunteers are needed to help clean up and reorganize classrooms at the elementary and primary centers, where students will be relocated.

The high school, which suffered approximately $22 million in damages, will remain closed.

The district's call for help will continue through at least August 10th, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of the community and its ability to rally in the face of adversity.

You’re Invited To Join the Pottstown Local Scoop - Official Community Discussion Group on Facebook

We’re so glad you’ve joined the Pottstown Local Scoop - Official Community Discussion Group! This group was created as a place for residents to come together and discuss everything happening in our great town.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just moved to Pottstown, we’re excited to have you as part of this community forum. Here are a few things we hope you’ll use this group for:

• Share local news and events - help your neighbors stay in the know!

• Recommend your favorite local businesses - help support our local economy

• Ask questions and get advice about the area

• Join or organize community groups and meetings

• Stay up to date on town issues and developments

• Connect with fellow residents who share your interests

• And more! Everything Pottstown-related is welcome.

This group is for residents to discuss news, events, businesses, issues, and anything else related to our town. Let’s keep the conversations friendly, relevant, and productive.

We can’t wait to see members sharing local insights, tips, and perspectives.

Introduce yourself in the comments!

• What brought you to Pottstown?

• What do you love about the town?

• What would you like to see happen here in the future?

Thanks for being part of this community forum. We’re looking forward to the great discussions ahead!

Suspected Chester County Homicide Perpetrator, Quinzell Mickey, in Police Custody

Authorities have confirmed that the individual suspected of a homicide in Chester County is now in police custody.

Quinzell Mickey, a 41-year-old resident of Spring City in Chester County, surrendered to the police on Tuesday.

Mickey was sought by law enforcement for the murder of 32-year-old William Stafford, who was fatally shot multiple times in East Vincent Township on April 15.

The charges against Mickey include first-degree murder, robbery, and other related offenses.

After being denied bail, Mickey is currently being held in Chester County Prison.

An arrest warrant encompassing charges of first-degree murder, robbery, and related offenses had previously been issued for Quinzell Chucky Mickey, 41.

Fitch Downgrades US Credit Rating, Citing 'Deterioration in Standards of Governance'

On Tuesday, Fitch, a leading credit rating agency, reduced the US's long-term credit rating, referring to a "steady deterioration in standards of governance." This downgrade comes two months after the most recent clash over the debt ceiling, which was narrowly avoided by a bipartisan agreement. Despite the debt limit being suspended until 2025, Fitch voiced concerns about potential future fiscal disasters.

Fitch expressed that governance standards, especially on fiscal and debt matters, have been on a continuous decline for the past two decades. The frequent political standoffs over the debt limit and last-minute resolutions have undermined confidence in fiscal management. The agency also mentioned growing government deficits and ongoing worries about the longevity of programs like Social Security and Medicare as reasons for downgrading the US from AAA to AA+.

This move mirrors S&P's action in 2011, when it lowered US credit following a different debt ceiling disagreement. The potential financial impacts of Fitch's decision remain uncertain.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen strongly disagreed with Fitch's decision, labeling it as arbitrary and based on outdated data. She highlighted near-record low unemployment and strong GDP as indications of the country's robust economy.

This downgrade follows a lengthy dispute over the debt ceiling, which was narrowly circumvented through a bipartisan deal. Early in June, Democrats and Republicans agreed on legislation to suspend the debt limit until 2025, with Democrats partially conceding to a reduction in government spending.

Fitch's assessment occurred after the latest agreement, which ensures debt ceiling relief through the next presidential election. The House Ways and Means Committee Democrats blamed the downgrade on the Republicans' artificially created default crisis. They claimed that the GOP's continuous risk-taking with the nation's full faith and credit has resulted in the second downgrade of our credit rating.

Pentagon to Withdraw 1,100 Troops from U.S.-Mexico Border as Asylum Restrictions End

The Pentagon plans to withdraw 1,100 active-duty troops deployed earlier this year at the U.S.-Mexico border, as the US government anticipated the end of pandemic-related asylum restrictions. Initially, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized a 90-day surge of 1,500 troops in May amid concerns about increasing illegal border crossings. Contrary to expectations, the numbers have since declined.

By August 8, the mission of the 1,100 troops will end, while the remaining 400 will extend their stay until August 31, according to an anonymous defense official. The active-duty troops were tasked with supporting roles such as data entry and warehouse work, with the aim of enabling Customs and Border Protection personnel to focus on fieldwork.

These troops were assisting border officials in handling the expiration of Title 42, a rule that enabled the rapid expulsion of thousands of migrants to curb the spread of COVID-19. Following the rule's end, daily migrant encounters fell dramatically and have remained low.

However, the permanency of these declines is uncertain, especially given the increase in people crossing the Darien Gap, a major route for migrants traveling from South America to the US. This withdrawal of active-duty military troops is taking place as various elements of the Biden administration's immigration policies face legal challenges.

Austin has been advocating for the Department of Homeland Security to fully take over border protection duties to reduce reliance on military troops. The withdrawal of these troops does not affect the 2,300 National Guard troops still at the border, but when their deployments end, other units will replace them. The Pentagon mentioned in a statement that the DHS has devised a plan to enhance personnel and technology resources to handle future surges.

SoulJoel Presents: Comedy Fundraiser Night at SoulJoel's inside Sunnybrook

Headlined by Julian McCullough

Thursday August 3rd @ 7pm : Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm

General admission only $20

VIP tickets only $30

50 Sunnybrook Road Pottstown, PA 19464

Proceeds from ticket purchases will benefit each cause.

Purchase tickets to help pay the medical bills for Shiela Leonard:

https://www.souljoels.com/shop/tickets/sheilaleonard/

Purchase tickets benefit Super T's Mast Cell Foundation:

https://www.souljoels.com/shop/tickets/supert/

Who is Super T's Mast Cell Foundation?

Super T's Mast Cell Foundation was created by Taylor Nearon, who passed away at the age of 20 from complications of a mast cell disease.

Taylor's vision was to provide financial and emotional support to patients living with mast cell diseases so they never felt alone. As the only nonprofit providing financial support to offset living and medical expenses, our foundation is committed to providing financial and emotional support to patients living with mast cell diseases.

Despite being unrecognized, and currently incurable, mast cell diseases can significantly impair patients' quality of life and require specialized diagnosis and treatment. Super T's strives to help patients overcome these challenges by providing funding and connection to resources that guide patients in receiving a diagnosis and treatment.

Upcoming Local Events

• A Night with Spirit at SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook- Wednesday, AUG 2nd - 7 PM – 9 PM

• Comedy Fundraiser Night at SoulJoel's inside Sunnybrook - THURSDAY, AUGUST 3rd · 7:00 PM EDT

• Stephanie Grace Live at Island Pizza - THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023 AT 6 PM

• Free 3v3 Teen Basketball Tournament @ Pottstown YMCA - Thursday, AUGUST 3, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Trivia Night at Iron Gate Biergarten - THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Tara Cannistraci debuts at SoulJoel's Comedy Dome - FRIDAY, AUGUST 4th · 8:00 PM EDT

• Craig Shoemaker at SoulJoel's Comedy Dome - SATURDAY, AUGUST 5th · 7:00 PM EDT

• Island Pizza presents Kricket Comedy - SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2023 AT 7:30 PM

• 1st Sunday Swing Dance Party w/ The Sounds of SunnyBrook

  SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook - SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 2023 AT 4 PM

• 4th Annual Southeastern Pennsylvania Halloween Flea Market at Leesport Farmers Market - SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 2023 AT 7 AM

• Doc's 2nd Annual Jeep Jam at Doc's Irish Pub - SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 3 PM – 8 PM

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click Here to Let us Know About Your Upcoming Event

PHILLIES

Taijuan Walker Leads Phillies to 4-2 Win over Marlins, Becomes First Pitcher with 12 Wins

Nick Castellanos hit a decisive two-run homer in the ninth inning, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-1 victory over the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night. Despite struggling in the second half of the season, Castellanos broke his 8-for-68 slump with a left-center field hit off Marlins' closer David Robertson.

Earlier in the ninth inning, Kyle Schwarber drew a leadoff walk from Robertson (4-3) who had relieved starter Sandy Alcantara. This was followed by an opposite-field double by Bryce Harper, which enabled pinch-runner Jake Cave to score from first.

Alcantara had held the Phillies to just four hits over eight scoreless innings, with a single walk and five strikeouts. Garrett Cooper and Jean Segura, originally on Miami's starting lineup, were traded before the game to San Diego and Cleveland respectively.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia acquired All-Star right-hander Michael Lorenzen from the Detroit Tigers, who manager Rob Thomson plans to start in the series finale on Thursday.

Gregory Soto (3-4) of the Phillies pitched a scoreless eighth, with Seranthony Dominguez sealing a perfect ninth for his first save. Miami took an early lead with Avisaíl Garcia's RBI double in the third, driving in Luis Arraez. Despite this, the Marlins left 11 runners stranded and only scored 2 out of 13 with runners in scoring position.

Phillies starter Ranger Súarez exited after 6 1/3 innings, after allowing 10 hits, two walks and striking out three.

In roster moves, the Marlins recalled Garrett Hampson from Triple-A Jacksonville and optioned Edward Cabrera to the same club, while also reinstating Andrew Nardi from the injured list. The Phillies designated Josh Harrison for assignment.

EAGLES

Undrafted Safety Reed Blankenship Aims for Starting Role with Philadelphia Eagles in 2023

Reed Blankenship, a safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, is aiming to secure a starting position in the team's secondary for the 2023 season.

After the departure of players CJ Gardner Johnson and Marcus Epps in the offseason, Blankenship is stepping up, having taken most of the first team reps during the start of training camp.

Blankenship, who was undrafted, is on track to become a starter in just two seasons. He credits his growth as a player to his fellow team members, citing increased confidence and a better understanding of the game. He will continue to work throughout training camp to secure his starting spot on defense.

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