Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
Good morning, West Chester.
Local food organizations, including a West Chester ACTNow food pantry (10 W.
Barnard Street), are preparing for a surge in need as SNAP benefits freeze on Nov. 1 due to a potential federal funding shortfall. Residents across the region can visit food pantries, mutual aid groups and community fridges for free groceries and meals during this challenging time.
Galera Therapeutics said it made a deal with Biossil—based in Toronto—to sell its dismutase mimetics portfolio for $108.5 million, giving the company $3.5 million now and up to $105 million later if milestones are met.
The sale shifts Galera’s focus to its nitric oxide inhibitor study to treat breast cancer—its trial has expanded to more centers.
Malvern-based LifeScan received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Oct 27 for its reorganization plan — which erased 75 percent of its debt by converting part of it into equity.
Canyon Partners and Brigade Capital Management now lead a group of lenders and LifeScan will emerge from bankruptcy before year-end.
A grand jury report found that smoke shops in Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester County were selling THC-laced snacks that mimic popular treats, which led to several hospitalizations of children and prompted recommendations for stricter regulations—such as raising the purchase age and improving packaging standards—to curb these sales.
Residents in Chester County have shopped at estate sales and auctions in the Brandywine Valley to find unique antiques (such as art, carpets, and antique furniture) from estates affected by death, divorce, or downsizing.
Auctioneers reported that sellers post items online ahead of the sale and buyers use both in-person and online methods to seek rare finds (a growing trend among collectors).
Lionville Elementary in the Downingtown Area School District — along with St. Elizabeth Parish School in Chester Springs — earned the Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Schools designation for strong academics and closing achievement gaps on October 30.
The award is one of 13 recognitions granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education statewide.
PECO warns customers that devices left plugged in drain power and may use up to 10 percent of a home's energy use.
The utility advises unplugging chargers and using power strips — steps that cut wasted energy — as Halloween approaches.
More than 5,300 Chester County households may qualify for water and wastewater bill relief through Pennsylvania American Water’s H2O Help to Others program.
The program offers discounts of 30 to 90% on monthly bills and arrearage forgiveness (a $240 past-due balance can be cleared with eight monthly payments) for eligible customers who apply by contacting Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-6816.
Dietitian Shanna Shultz from The Giant Company and Eve Russo showed healthy food options that helped cut candy overload on Halloween Friday.
They offered fun dinner ideas and recipes on Thursday morning for families celebrating the holiday—using fresh produce and creative meals.
Local craft breweries in Chester County offer residents a chance to enjoy tasty beer through dine-in or retail service.
Animated Brewing in Coatesville serves a mix of beers while Artillery Brewing in West Chester, Braeloch Brewing in Kennett Square, and East Branch Brewing in Downingtown also offer varied brews and paired menus — letting locals unwind with fresh flavors.
Fall Colors Hike for Kids
11 a.m. — Oakbourne Mansion & Park — $12 per child — Engage in a family-friendly adventure blending exploration and education for children ages 3-8.
West Chester Veteran's Day Parade 2025
2 p.m. — Downtown West Chester PA — Free entry — Celebrate and honor veterans with a festive parade through the heart of West Chester.
Throwdown Thursdays at Más
9-11:45 p.m. — Más Mexicali Cantina — $4 Miller Lites, $10 Marg Pitchers — Line dance the night away with Boot Scootin Becky and enjoy tasty drink specials.
Throwdown Thursdays at Más
9-11:45 p.m. — Más Mexicali Cantina — $4 Miller Lites and $10 Marg Pitchers — Kick up your heels with Boot Scootin Becky as you enjoy a lively line dancing night.
Chester County Craft Show
2-8 p.m. — Sturzebecker Health Science Center — Free entry — Browse through 200+ local vendors for unique holiday gifts and crafts.
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