Philadelphia Union Set to Face Global Icon Lionel Messi in Leagues Cup Semifinal; Tickets Sell Out in 8 Minutes!

The highly anticipated game that Philadelphia Union supporters had been eagerly awaiting is now a reality.

The Philadelphia Union is set to battle it out against global football icon, Lionel Messi, and his team, Inter Miami, in the Leagues Cup semifinal. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Subaru Park in Chester.

After joining Miami in July, Messi, renowned for his historic career with Argentina and hailed by many as the sport's greatest male player, has rejuvenated Miami's performance and amplified the popularity of both the team and the Major League Soccer. Intriguingly, he hasn't yet debuted in an MLS match.

Seats for the game were in high demand, selling out within a mere eight minutes of their release, with the 18,500-capacity stadium being filled rapidly. By 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, ticket prices on the secondary market, SeatGeek, were averaging $430. The team is also offering a chance to win two tickets via a competition.

Jim Curtin, the Union's head coach, emphasized the match's significance and appealed to fans to retain their tickets rather than selling them to Miami enthusiasts. He said, “It's more than just a game, it's a chance to witness the best player ever, in a critical semifinal, vying for a trophy. We need our fans there."

Fans can watch the game streamed on Apple TV, though an additional MLS Season Pass subscription costing $14.99 a month is needed.

Previously, the Union clinched a victory against the Mexican team, Querétaro, with a score of 2-1, thanks to a crucial goal by Paoli-native Chris Donovan, which saved them from a penalty decider.

Berks County Municipalities Receive Funding for Traffic Signal Upgrades through PennDOT's 'Green Light-Go' Program

Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $35.5 million grant through PennDOT's "Green Light-Go" program to enhance traffic signals in 77 municipalities.

Boyertown and West Reading in Berks County will benefit, receiving $606,797.84 and $209,975.60, respectively, for signal equipment updates.

The funds aim to improve traffic efficiency and safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

Oddities and Curiosities Expo

For Lovers of the Strange, Unusual & Bizarre…

The Oddities & Curiosities Expo is a unique gathering that brings together vendors, artists, and small businesses from across the nation, all offering a range of peculiar items.

Visitors can explore a vast collection that includes taxidermy, preserved specimens, bespoke artwork, horror-inspired artifacts, vintage antiques, handcrafted oddities, eccentric medical instruments, intriguing apparel, unconventional jewelry, animal remains, and funeral mementos, to name a few. Rest assured, all products showcased are legally obtainable and responsibly sourced.

O&C Expo isn't just a marketplace; it's a haven for individuals looking to connect with a community that shares their affinity for the unusual. As a wholly self-managed event, our mainstay is the deep-rooted passion we hold for curating an environment where attendees not only discover new artists and artisans but also find camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts.

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!

FTX Founder Detained: Alleged Witness Manipulation Shakes Crypto World

Sam Bankman-Fried, the FTX founder, was detained after Judge Lewis A. Kaplan believed he tried to manipulate key witnesses. Despite being previously recognized as a crypto pioneer with celebrity endorsements, he's now facing legal scrutiny.

Kaplan cited evidence suggesting Bankman-Fried tried to sway trial narratives, especially by revealing personal writings of his ex-girlfriend, Caroline Ellison, to The New York Times.

Ellison, formerly of Alameda Research, has since pleaded guilty to a major fraud and is set to testify against him. Bankman-Fried's defense claims he's being unfairly targeted based on weak evidence. After the prosecutors' call for his imprisonment, a gag order was enforced on trial participants.

Berks County Woman Sentenced to 2-4 Years After Traffic Stop Uncovers Methamphetamine and Unlicensed Firearm

A woman from Berks County is set to serve between 2 to 4 years in prison following a Limerick Township traffic stop that led to the discovery of methamphetamine concealed in a deodorant stick and flashlight, as well as a handgun she was not permitted to carry.

32-year-old Cindy Marie Schaeffer-Fitzcharles of Amity Township, who provided a post office box address on Old Swede Road, admitted guilt to felony charges of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm without a license. This came after an incident in November 2020 in Limerick. She was sentenced by Montgomery County Court to serve her time in the State Correctional Institution at Muncy.

Judge Thomas P. Rogers, overseeing the case, additionally mandated that Schaeffer-Fitzcharles undergo mental health treatment during her prison term.

The prosecuting attorneys were Gabrielle Hughes and William Highland III, while defense attorney Andrew Levin represented Schaeffer-Fitzcharles.

Limerick Township police officers began their investigation at approximately 2:06 a.m. on November 18, 2020, when they pulled over a Subaru Impreza sedan driven by Schaeffer-Fitzcharles on the North Lewis Road on-ramp to Route 422. The officers found that her driver's license had been suspended. With her consent, they searched her vehicle.

The officers discovered drug paraphernalia, including a straw with white powder residue, inside the driver side door pocket. Officer Shane Johnston noted that such straws are often used for drug ingestion.

Further search revealed a ChapStick container hiding prescription pills of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine in the center console. In the same vicinity, police found a Speed Stick deodorant container inside a purse. Upon inspecting the container, two bags filled with a substance resembling methamphetamine were found. Officer Johnston also noted the presence of extra empty plastic bags typically used for packaging drugs.

Within the purse, an inspection of a flashlight revealed two more bags suspected to contain methamphetamine. Officer Johnston mentioned that these bags seemed to be packaged for potential sale.

Hidden compartments in the trunk housed two cans — one resembling a food can and another a tire cleaner. These cans contained eight smaller containers filled with a substance believed to be marijuana.

A digital scale with traces of suspected methamphetamine and marijuana was also retrieved by the police. This scale is believed to be used for weighing drugs for sale.

Furthermore, a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun was found on the back seat floor, easily accessible to Schaeffer-Fitzcharles. A subsequent check revealed she had no permit to conceal this weapon.

As part of a plea deal, other charges against Schaeffer-Fitzcharles, including possession of drug paraphernalia, controlled substances, and driving under suspension, were dropped.

St. Paul's Peach Festival

When: AUGUST 19TH, 3 PM – 8 PM
Where: 1979 Weavertown Rd, Douglassville, PA 19518

St. Paul's UCC of Amityville's 40th Annual Peach Festival featuring live entertainment from 3:00 to 8:00.

Peaches, Ice Cream, Peach Cobbler, Pies, Cakes, Variety of Food and Drinks, Games for All Ages, and White Elephant Sale beginning at 8:00 am.

Upcoming Local Events

• Daniel Boone Rod and Gun Club - Monthly Meeting - AUGUST 14th, 7 PM – 8 PM

• Trivia Tuesday's at Gatsby's Pub - AUGUST 15TH, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Line Dancing at SunnyBrook Ballroom - AUGUST 15TH, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM

• Paint and Sip with Brandon Pizzola - SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook - AUGUST 16TH, 7 PM – 9 PM

• North End Swim Team Comedy Fundraiser at SoulJoel's - SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook - AUGUST 17TH, 7 PM

• Trivia Night - Iron Gate Biergarten - AUGUST 17,TH, 7 PM – 9 PM

• A Night of Music from Ursula The Pipe Organ - The SunnyBrook Ballroom - AUGUST 17TH, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Bonnie McFarlane returns to headline at SoulJoel's Comedy Dome - AUGUST 18TH, 7 PM

• Butterfly Festival 2023 at Colonial Gardens - AUGUST 19th, 9 AM – 5 PM

• Los Gios @ Manatawny Creek Winery - AUGUST 19TH, 1 PM – 5 PM

• St. Paul's Peach Festival - AUGUST 19TH, 3 PM – 8 PM

• Philadelphia Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2023 - AUGUST 19TH, 10 AM

• Dave Attell Returns to SoulJoel's Comedy Dome @ SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook - AUGUST 19TH, 6 PM

• Designer Bag Bingo supporting Trilogy BMX Park - State Street Entertainment Hall - AUGUST 19TH, 6:30 PM

• Food Truck Festival - Bear Creek Mountain - AUGUST 20TH, 12 PM – 5 PM

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click Here to Let us Know About Your Upcoming Event

EAGLES

Eagles Reflect on Highs and Lows After Narrow Preseason Loss to Ravens

Eagles vs. Ravens Preseason Match Highlights and Takeaways

The Baltimore Ravens extended their NFL-record streak by securing their 24th consecutive preseason victory with a 20-19 win over the Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. While Ravens' coach John Harbaugh celebrated, Eagles' coach Nick Sirianni evaluated his team's performance, identifying both strengths and areas needing improvement.

Key Points:

The Highs:

• The Eagles' opening drive was promising, leading to a 45-yard field goal by Jake Elliott. Marcus Mariota, the backup quarterback, played a crucial role, converting a critical third-and-13 and a fourth-and-one.

• D’Andre Swift exhibited his agility and speed on a 22-yard run during the first drive.

• First-round draft pick Jalen Carter displayed promise, pressuring the Ravens’ back-up quarterback, Josh Johnson, in the initial defensive series.

• Standout plays included Mariota's 14-yard completion to Greg Ward and defensive contributions from rookie Sydney Brown and rookie linebacker Ben VanSumeren.

• Eli Ricks scored with a 31-yard pick six, despite a subsequent taunting incident.

 The Lows:

• Rookie offensive lineman Tyler Steen struggled during his debut, notably giving up a sack.

• Communication problems led to a timeout and a delay penalty during the Eagles' opening drives.

• Elliott missed a 46-yard field goal attempt during the second possession.

• Carter, after impressing early on, lost his edge on Justice Hill's 37-yard run that resulted in the Ravens' first touchdown.

 Concerning Moments:

• Guard Sua Opeta's false start drew attention for the wrong reasons.

• The team received four penalties in the first quarter, accumulating 20 yards in setbacks.

• Kelee Ringo had a notable setback on Johnson's seven-yard TD pass to Duvernay.

• Shaun Bradley's potential leg injury is a significant concern. His possible season-ending injury could weaken an already vulnerable defensive position for the Eagles.

• Kennedy Brooks, an undrafted free-agent rookie signing in 2022, fumbled during a pivotal fourth-quarter moment, potentially jeopardizing his place with the team.

The preseason match provided an invaluable glimpse of the Eagles' strengths and areas for improvement. As the regular season approaches, it's evident that some adjustments are needed for the team to reach its full potential.

Eagles' Linebacker Shaun Bradley Sidelined for Season Following Achilles Injury

Eagles' linebacker Shaun Bradley is out for the season due to an Achilles injury sustained during Saturday's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, as reported by ESPN.

On Sunday, Bradley took to Instagram, stating, "Not how I envisioned my season, but I believe God reserves the toughest challenges for his mightiest warriors."

During the third quarter of the Eagles' 20-19 defeat, Bradley fell while on punt coverage. His teammates gathered around him for support before he was escorted off the field.

The 26-year-old has been pivotal for the Eagles' special teams, covering 69% of their special teams plays in 2022. Over three seasons, he began one game as a linebacker and has achieved 45 tackles in total.

With the recent exits of last season's starting linebackers, T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White, the Eagles' linebacker spot remains unpredictable. Nakobe Dean is anticipated to fill one of these positions, while Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss have been taking turns with the primary squad.

In their hunt for experienced players, the Eagles recently inked one-year contracts with Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham.

Bradley, a graduate of Temple University, was drafted by the Eagles in 2020's sixth round. He will be entering free agency post this season.

PHILLIES

Contentious Umpire Decisions and Thielbar's Clutch Performance Lead Twins to 3-0 Victory Over Phillies

Alec Bohm of the Phillies expressed frustration over a contentious strike three call in a game against the Twins, leading to his ejection and soon after, his manager's. Twins' reliever Caleb Thielbar's crucial performance ensured the Twins a 3-0 victory over the Phillies.

Sonny Gray of the Twins showcased impressive skill, pitching a two-hit ball over six scoreless innings. The game had its contentious moments, notably with umpire Alex MacKay's decisions.

The Phillies ended their 10-game homestand with a 6-4 record, but their back-to-back losses overshadowed several notable achievements. Meanwhile, the Twins finished their road trip 3-4.

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