What To Do: Hello, Summer, Memorial Day fun opens season

Longwood Gardens By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Memorial Day Weekend is a time for mini-vacations, barbecues and traditional events. Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) will have an eagerly-anticipated special event this weekend. “Summer of Spectacle” will open on May 27 and run through September 30.

‘Sucker Punch’ suspect now wanted on unrelated warrants

Barry Baker The hits just keep on coming for Barry Baker, the former East Fallowfield man accused of sucker punching a disabled man in front of a West Chester 7-11 earlier this month: now he’s wanted for alleged violation of his probation/parole on a previous theft charge as well other warrants. To add to the misery for Baker, who quickly has gotten infamy around the world after video of...

The crossroads of hate and politics

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times In this very special edition of Politics As Unusual — a few days early to allow for copious time sitting by the pool and ingesting adult beverages — we’re going to take a look at how politics drives behavior (and the other way around), bad endorsements, chaos, dirty money and more! First, if you’ve been on the Web, watched TV or been exposed to virtually...

Two recovery counselors found dead of apparent OD

The nightstand of one of the two overdoese victims, including apparent baggies of heroin. Two recovery counselors at a West Brandywine addiction recovery group home were found unresponsive and ultimately died from an apparent overdose of heroin and fentanyl, Sunday. “If anybody is wondering how bad the opioid epidemic has become, this case is a frightening example,” Chester County District...

On Stage: Shadows of Knight moves beyond Gloria

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The Shadows of Knight are one of those bands that most people know. They may not recognize the band’s name but they’re very familiar with the band’s greatest hit. In 1966, the Chicago-based quintet formed by Jimy Sohns and friends had a Top 10 with their version of “Gloria,” a song originally recorded by the U.K. band Them. Sohns has kept the Shadows...

George announces run for 16th Congressional seat

Dr. John George Dr. John George, a Lancaster County Democrat and an advocate for public education, announced his candidacy Wednesday for Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District. George is currently the executive director of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. He previously served as the superintendent of the Warwick School District and the executive director of the Berks County Intermediate...

Art Watch: Reflections and hanging out this weekend with art and wine

By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times After last weekend’s whirlwind art adventure on The Chester County Studio Tour, this week offers some calmer, interesting, compelling discussions about creating and selling art here in Chester County. After looking at so much art all weekend, now is a great week to reflect on it all. Share in captivating art discussions Wednesday and Thursday, and enjoy...

On Stage (Bonus): Ottmar Liebert is as international as it gets

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Ottmar Liebert A project by Ottmar Liebert can be as international as a United Nations committee meeting. Liebert, who will be performing with his band Luna Negra on May 24 at the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com), has been multi-national since he was born. The talented musician grew up in Köln, Germany...

On Your Table: Get the most from local farmers’ markets

By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times One of the joys of shopping at farmers markets is picking out your own produce. As farmers market season kicks off again I am excited to reconnect with the farmers whose produce graces my summer dinners. A trip to one of these markets can yield nearly all that’s needed to make a spring dinner – fresh vegetables, local meats, tender herbs...

Man charged with taunting, punching disabled man in W. Chester

An East Fallowfield man is charged with punching a disabled man in front of a West Chester 7-11. The Times has blurred the image of the victim’s face to protect his identity. Updated, 5/23, 2:30 p.m.: Corrects suspect’s town of residence, based on new information from his arraignment, Tuesday. WEST CHESTER — A Delaware man faces charges that he taunted and then sucker punched a...