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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

⛓️‍💥 Community Gathers for Workshops and March Honoring Dr. King

🛍️ Exton Square Mall Macy’s Among Dozens Closing Nationwide

🚨 High-Value Business Theft in Birmingham Township

🦅🧀 Eagles Beat Packers, Advance in NFC Playoffs

🏀 76ers Abandon $1.3B Center City Project

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🏡 Just Listed Real Estate Listings

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Coatesville Community Gathers for Workshops and March Honoring Dr. King

COATESVILLE, PA — Coatesville will commemorate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events aimed at fostering unity, education, and civic spirit. The festivities begin with an evening reception at the Community Youth & Women’s Alliance (CYWA), where community leaders and sponsors will gather to discuss shared goals. On the following day, interactive workshops and a panel discussion—also held at the CYWA—will explore practical strategies for empowerment and advocacy.

Music takes center stage later in the afternoon with a gospel extravaganza, highlighting a joint choir composed of church congregations and colleges from the region. Organizers see this musical showcase as a celebration of faith and cooperation among community members. On Monday, the commemoration concludes with a reenactment of a historic march, beginning at Gateway Park and ending at New Life in Christ Fellowship. Residents of all ages will participate, and a communal meal will follow, providing space for ongoing dialogue and reflection on Dr. King’s enduring message.

Exton Square Mall Macy’s Among Dozens Closing Nationwide

EXTON, PA — Chester County is set to lose two prominent retail anchors as Kohl’s and Macy’s each announced nationwide closures. Kohl’s, which will discontinue operations at 27 stores by April, included its branch at The Shoppes at Coventry in North Coventry Township on the closure list. Employees at affected locations have been offered severance packages or the option to seek positions elsewhere within the company.

Macy’s revealed the closure of 66 locations, part of a larger plan to shutter approximately 150 underperforming stores over three years in hopes of fostering profitability and focusing on more successful sites. One of the Pennsylvania stores slated to close is at Exton Square Mall, joining three other locations in the state, including a prominent site in Center City Philadelphia.

Birmingham Township Police Investigate High-Value Business Theft

BIRMINGHAM TWP — Birmingham Township authorities are investigating the early Tuesday theft of a roofing trailer containing an estimated $50,000 in tools. Surveillance footage shows two people approaching a property on Brintons Bridge Road around 3 a.m. and leaving with the stolen trailer.

Police are pursuing leads and ask anyone with information to call (610) 793-3333. The owner is offering a reward and suggests neighbors consider extra security measures such as fencing and cameras.

Eagles Beat Packers, Advance in NFC Playoffs

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Eagles advanced to the NFC divisional round after defeating the Packers 22-10 in the wild-card opener. Philadelphia forced four turnovers and built an early lead with a touchdown following a kickoff fumble. Despite a valiant defensive effort, Green Bay could not overcome three interceptions or a series of injuries that sidelined several starters. The Eagles, led by a strong running attack and efficient quarterback play, will face the lowest remaining NFC seed next week.

Change of Course: 76ers Abandon $1.3B Center City Project

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The 76ers have unexpectedly canceled a plan to construct a $1.3 billion downtown arena, opting instead to remain in Philadelphia’s sports stadium district. Their decision comes just weeks after the city council granted approval for the downtown project, which had been under consideration for two years. Community debate centered on the arena’s proposed location near Chinatown, where residents raised alarms about possible rent increases and traffic congestion.

The original project would have included an 18,500-seat arena intended to revitalize a struggling retail corridor. Advocates viewed the development as a critical driver for economic activity, noting that the basketball team’s ownership pledged not to request direct municipal funding. Opponents argued that it posed too great a threat to an area already dealing with multiple redevelopment efforts over several decades.

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