West Chester
Morning News
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, West Chester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. VISTA Today
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. VISTA Today
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. VISTA Today
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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). VISTA Today
- ➤ 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. VISTA Today
- ➤ 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. MyChesCo
- ➤ 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. MyChesCo
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. VISTA Today
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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). VISTA Today
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. MyChesCo
- ➤ 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. WFMZ-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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. MyChesCo
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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