Community News
Local news about your town and neighbors
Reading pauses to remember
The morning started overcast as Reading’s Memorial Day parade made its way through town, grey skies but dry, with a thin dedicated crowd lining the route.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Six awkward spelling champions take the stage in this Tony Award-winning musical comedy, where the stakes of the local spelling bee become unexpectedly profound.
Day 1 of Division 3 State Championships
The first day of the Division 3 State track and field championships is in the books, and already Reading has a state champion and a new school record.
RPD Open House canceled due to weather, reschedule coming soon
The Reading Police Department’s 2026 Open House, originally scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, May 30, has been canceled due to the anticipated weather forecast.
Reading Troop 702 Scouts train for 9-day trek through New Mexico Wilderness
Two crews from Reading Scout Troop 702 and their adult advisors spent Memorial Day weekend backpacking in southern New Hampshire in preparation for their 9-day trek in Cimarron, New Mexico, this summer.
Reading Girls and Boys Track Teams Finish Fourth in Middlesex League Championships
On the second-hottest day of the year, Reading’s track teams battled both the heat and the competition in the Middlesex League Championships on May 20, 2026.
From casts to clearance: Levi Emmanuel’s road to the track
Most high jumpers spend years training before their first competition. Levi Emmanuel has been doing it for a little over a month.
Reading Track Aims High in the Division 3 State Championships
The Reading girls’ and boys’ track teams are down to their final meet of the season, the Division 3 State Championships held at Merrimack College in North Andover.
Open Letter to the Residents of the Town of Reading
On behalf of the Reading Veterans Service Office and our entire veterans community, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to everyone who participated in and supported this year’s Memorial Day parade and ceremonies.
Representative Jones supports blue envelope bill
House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) recently supported legislation designed to create a safe environment whenever a police officer conducts a traffic stop involving an individual with autism by codifying the blue envelope program into statute.
Representative Jones supports legislation expanding access to EpiPens
House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) recently supported legislation to increase the availability of life-saving epinephrine autoinjectors, more commonly known as EpiPens.
Celebrate Freedom at Reading’s Annual Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 20 from 1:00-5:00pm
On Saturday, June 20, join us in commemorating Juneteenth, a day of reflection, celebration, and community.
Reading Is Revolutionary: RPL’s 2026 Summer Reading Program kicks off June 22
This summer, the Reading Public Library is inviting kids, teens, and adults to pick up a book and join the revolution.
Reminder: deadline approaching to volunteer for a Reading board or committee
The Town of Reading is calling on residents to step up and volunteer for a local board, committee, or commission, and the deadline is just a few days away.
Celebrate the opening of the Reading Public Library Terrace on June 4
The Reading Public Library invites the community to celebrate the official opening of its new Library Terrace on Wednesday, June 4, at 7:00 pm.
Chute Street temporarily closed for High Street Improvement Project
The Town of Reading is advising abutters, residents, businesses, and travelers that Chute Street will be temporarily closed as part of ongoing construction associated with the High Street Improvement Project.
Poetry by Richard Perry: Violence…Why?
Our creative community is strongest when many voices are heard. If you feel inspired, please consider submitting your own work to The Reading Observer.
The Underground to Host Second Annual ASL-Friendly Live Music Event at Free Play Bar & Arcade
Local cover band The Underground will hold its second annual ASL-friendly live music event on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Free Play Bar & Arcade in Worcester, MA from 8:30 p.m. until midnight.
Overnight ramp closures at I-95/I-93 interchange starting May 27
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced overnight alternating ramp closures at the I-95/I-93 interchange beginning Wednesday, May 27.
Poetry by Richard Perry: Memorial Day
Our creative community is strongest when many voices are heard. If you feel inspired, please consider submitting your own work to The Reading Observer.