Former Reading Police Chief Richard Tornielli Appointed as West Reading's New Police Chief, Takes Office on Sept. 5

Richard Tornielli, the recently retired Reading police chief, has been appointed as the new chief of the West Reading Police Department, effective from September 5.

Tornielli, who brings over 22 years of service experience, served in various roles within the Reading Police Department, including as the Bomb Squad commander for over a decade. During his tenure in Reading, Tornielli managed a $37 million annual budget and oversaw 168 officers and 34 civilian employees.

His approach to policing emphasizes community partnerships, crime prevention, and proactive responses to challenges. Tornielli's appointment follows a nationwide search and multiple rounds of interviews. He will be sworn in on September 5 at West Reading Borough Hall in a public ceremony.

Starbucks Ordered to Pay Former Employee an Additional $2.7M in Wrongful Termination Suit, Bringing Total to $28.3M

A New Jersey federal judge has ordered Starbucks to pay an additional $2.7 million in damages to a former regional director, Shannon Phillips, who was awarded $25.6 million in a wrongful termination lawsuit.

Phillips sued Starbucks in 2019, claiming she was fired due to her race after an incident involving the arrests of two Black men at a Starbucks store in 2018, which led to nationwide protests and racial bias training at Starbucks stores.

Phillips, who had been with Starbucks for nearly 13 years, maintained she was not at the store on the day of the arrests and had no involvement in the incident. She claims she had worked on crisis management efforts and had ensured her retail locations were welcoming to all customers.

The additional damages awarded by Judge Joel Slomsky cover back pay, front pay, and tax gross. Starbucks has yet to comment on the ruling. The two Black men involved in the 2018 incident, Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson, reached private settlements with Starbucks and the city of Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania's Cheddar Wiz from ‘Pottstown’ Wins Best Mullet in the Nation, Raising Over $6,000 for Wounded Warriors Foundation

Cheddar Wiz, a proud Pennsylvanian from Pottstown, has clinched the title of the best mullet in the nation, giving the state a reason to celebrate. His victory was even more commendable as the competition managed to raise over $6,000 for the Homes for Wounded Warriors foundation, garnering more than 16,000 votes.

Cheddar Wiz, whose real name is Rory, stood out from the crowd by sporting a vibrant Jalen Hurts Kelly Green jersey, which perfectly complemented his impressive mullet.

This victory adds Cheddar Wiz to an elite list of Philadelphia's iconic mullet enthusiasts, including Mitch Williams, Jason Kelce, John Kruk, Mike Gminski, Gardner Minshew, Rod Brind'amour, Spencer Hawes, Darren Daulton, Jim McMahon, and Jaromir Jagr.

As the champion of the competition, Cheddar Wiz will be awarded $5,000. He may use the prize money to make his dream of owning an alpaca come true. Hats off to Cheddar Wiz for showcasing the country's finest mullet!

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!

Reading Woman Charged with Stabbing Ex-Boyfriend, Leaving Him with Life-Threatening Wound

Destiny M. Reeder, a 31-year-old Reading woman, has been accused of stabbing her ex-boyfriend in a life-threatening incident.

The attack occurred on August 1 after an argument between the two.

The victim, who managed to drive back to his apartment and call 911, was found collapsed in the stairwell by responding officers. Reeder, charged with aggravated and simple assault, reckless endangerment, and possession of an instrument of crime, was arraigned before District Judge Andrea J. Book. She was not located until 13 days after the incident.

Reading, PA Small Businesses to Benefit from $2 Million in American Rescue Plan Grants

Small business owners in Reading, Pennsylvania, including the longstanding Penn Street favorite Russo's Pizza, are eagerly preparing to apply for grants through the American Rescue Plan.

Owner Carlos Salguero sees it as an opportunity to make much-needed improvements to attract more customers, especially as business slows down during the summer.

The grant program, which started on August 1st, offers up to $50,000 for businesses on Penn Street or those planning to relocate there, as well as funds for other businesses across the city.

Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, who officially announced the program at a news conference, revealed that the city has already received over 20 applications in just 16 days. The city plans to distribute a total of $2 million in American Rescue funding to support small businesses in Reading.

North End Swim Team Comedy Fundraiser at SoulJoel's

SoulJoel Presents: North End Swim Team Comedy Fundraiser at SoulJoel's

Proceeds will benefit the North End Swim Team

Thursday August 17th @ 7pm

Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm

General admission only $20

VIP tickets only $30

Where: 50 Sunnybrook Road Pottstown, PA 19464

Get tickets here:

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

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

• 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

PHILLIES

Harper's Twin Homers Propel Phillies to 9-4 Victory Over Blue Jays, Snapping Four-Game Skid

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 9-4 on Wednesday night, ending a four-game losing streak.

Bryce Harper starred for the Phillies with two solo home runs, contributing to his 25th career multi-homer game. Aaron Nola pitched five innings, ending his four-start winless streak despite giving up four runs and four hits, including a two-run homer by Daulton Varsho.

Nola struck out seven but walked four. Jake Cave added a solo homer for the Phillies, while Nick Castellanos had two hits and an RBI. Despite trailing early, the Phillies broke out of a slump with an 11-hit effort against the Blue Jays. Relievers Matt Strahm, Craig Kimbrel, and Gregory Soto provided solid support from the bullpen. On the Blue Jays side, Kevin Gausman allowed seven runs in 5 1/3 innings.

We could use your help

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