Good morning, West Chester.

Marlena Mays from The Arc of Chester County’s Agency With Choice program has been named a 2026 VISTA NextGen Superstar and will be honored at the Awards Reception - set for Thursday, Apr.

30 at Penn State Great Valley Conference Center in Malvern - with proceeds benefiting Chester County OIC.

PennDOT has unveiled a $10M safety plan for a section of MacDade Blvd. in Ridley Township, where a 17-year-old was killed in a hit-and-run, and the project will add new traffic signals, crosswalks and flashing beacons to improve safety.

Galera Therapeutics in Malvern will be acquired by Obsidian Therapeutics in an all-stock reverse merger that secured a $350 million private stock placement commitment.

The combined firm will trade as OBX on Nasdaq and be led by Obsidian CEO Dr. Madan Jagasia — with Galera shareholders receiving future milestone benefits.

Two Birds Café in West Chester earned a spot as No. 51 in Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat today.

This family-run scratch kitchen serves breakfast and lunch made with locally sourced ingredients and holds a five-star average from 110 reviews (Yelp’s list is based on real user feedback).

Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center in Pennsburg offers free admission and dynamic exhibits that share nearly 300 years of Pennsylvania German history with visitors.

The museum features an 1826 bank barn and a research library for genealogy and local history.

Nearly 500 student artworks are on display at Chester County Art Association until Saturday, Apr.

18. Some pieces are also competing in Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan’s national art competition that offers a chance to display work at the U.S. Capitol.

The 20th West Chester International Short Film Festival is set to run April 24 — 26, 2026 at Uptown!

Knauer Performing Arts Center and multiple downtown venues. The festival will feature a global lineup of films including local comedies and the popular Horror Block at Mayday Coffee and Shop.

Eight DCCC students were named to the 2026 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team at a banquet held on Apr.

7 at Harrisburg Area Community College, recognizing their academic achievement, leadership, and community service during Community College Month.

Local farmer Mervin Raudabaugh turned down a $15 million data center bid to preserve his 261 acres using taxpayer funds and a 2013 voter-approved referendum, with the land formally preserved on Dec.

30 in partnership with Lancaster Farmland Trust (a model for local environmental protection).

Traffic on U.S. 202 and Route 926 will face daytime lane closures from Monday, April 20 to Friday, April 24 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. due to traffic signal construction at the intersection in Thornbury and Westtown townships — drivers should plan extra time.

PECO withdrew its planned electric and natural gas rate hikes on Thursday after Governor Shapiro, who called the proposals 'pure greed,' pressured the utility.

The move prevents an estimated $20 and $14.50 rise for bills for Chester County customers starting in 2027 — as the company prioritizes safe, affordable service.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are addressing gaps in maternal care after testimony revealed that Mercedes Wells gave birth along a roadside following an early hospital discharge.

New legislation may soon require hospitals to improve care — via staff training and stricter accountability as part of PA Momnibus 2.0.

Running Home 5K Run / 1 Mile Walk

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Downtown West Chester PA — $25 – $30 — Family-friendly 5K event promoting community support for local single working parents.

Dueling Pianos Show

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the ultimate all-request dueling piano show with high energy and audience interaction.

Laugh Lounge Stand-Up Comedy

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — $31 – $36 — Enjoy three hilarious performers in a night of diverse comedic styles.

Willy Wonka Jr.

2-5 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — $18 – $27 — Enjoy a whimsical musical journey through Willy Wonka's chocolate factory filled with magic and music.

Moms & Mimosas Lunch and Floral Workshop

11 a.m. — West Chester Seafood Kitchen — Ticket info available — Celebrate Mother's Day with seafood, mimosas, and floral design in a warm atmosphere.

USPA Tested & Open Mother of All Meets

8 a.m. — Alpha Phlyte Fitness West Chester — Registration required — Compete in a powerlifting meet with both tested and non-tested divisions.