Good morning, West Chester.

Three Chester County high schools earned top ten spots in the Philadelphia region based on U.S. News metrics—one of the schools also ranked among the nation's top 25.

Downingtown STEM Academy, Unionville High School, and Conestoga High School showed strong performance in graduation rates and college readiness.

SEPTA will cut 45 percent of service and raise fares by 20 percent effective Aug.

24 after it failed to secure extra state funding by mid-August. Ambassadors helped riders plan ahead on Aug. 18 — city officials are adding staff to manage key corridors for commuters.

Pennsylvania’s state budget has been more than seven weeks delayed and agencies such as libraries and foster care groups are cutting programs as funds are postponed, with Chester County libraries planning to cancel a key subscription—waiting for a budget deal.

Marsh Creek State Park in Downingtown spans 1,700 acres and offers 11.5 miles of horseback riding trails—Hope Springs Farm in the park provides lessons for new riders.

Sheeder Mill Farm in Spring City offers riding lessons and guided rides starting at $40 so both new and experienced riders can enjoy the scenic trails.

An analysis by LendingTree showed that new construction homes in Pennsylvania cost over twice as much as existing ones, with median prices of $659,468 and $297,831—strong buyer demand driving costs—and factors like limited land, a labor shortage, and regulations also raising prices. Rising market pressures mean these trends are expected to continue.

Three pairs of East Brandywine homeowners were awarded $3.25 million by a Chester County jury after ruling that Southdown Homes' faulty stucco and windows caused water damage to their houses—residents at Estates at Hideaway Farms remain part of an ongoing legal battle with over 20 families facing similar issues.

90’s Rockfest

7:30-11 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic sound of the 90’s with tribute bands for Stone Temple Pilots, Alanis Morissette, and Weezer.

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025

3:30-4:30 p.m. — East Goshen Township Park — Registration fees apply — A community running program promoting fitness for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade.