🗳️ Democrats divided | Morning Newsletter
And Charlie Kirk’s death mobilizes young voters.
The Morning Newsletter
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Morning, Philly.
District Attorney Larry Krasner is the latest progressive Democrat to face opposition from his own party in a general election. The trend isn’t happening on the right.
And young Republicans were already a growing bloc in Pennsylvania. Charlie Kirk’s death could be a galvanizing moment in this critical swing state.
Plus, kids’ Halloween costumes are expensive — as much as $90 at big retail stores. Here’s how some local parents get them for under $10.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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With the successful write-in campaign to get DA Larry Krasner’s primary challenger, former Municipal Court Judge Patrick Dugan, on the November ballot as a Republican, the Philadelphia GOP followed a playbook that has been employed across the country — but only on the left.
That playbook worked in Pittsburgh’s own DA race in 2023. A version of it is currently at work in the New York City mayoral race, where progressive Zohran Mamdani is being challenged by Andrew Cuomo, who lost to him in June and is now running as an independent.
So, why do some centrist Democrats appear more comfortable challenging the preferences of their own party’s primary voters than Republicans do?
In other fall election news: At the first debate in the New Jersey governor’s race, both candidates attacked each other and moderated their stances as they debated immigration, the state sales tax, and more.
In Pennsylvania, young conservatives have been gaining political steam in recent years. The assassination of Charlie Kirk, the controversial conservative activist who focused on mobilizing students, could push them further right.
By the numbers: President Donald Trump won Pennsylvania last November in part because of a marked shift to the right among Gen Z voters. Forty-four percent of voters under 30 supported him, up from just 26% in 2020.
On campus: As Kirk’s followers mourn him, they’re also getting organized. The right-wing, Christian youth-focused organization he founded, Turning Point USA, has reported a huge uptick in requests to start college and high school chapters in the aftermath of its founder’s death, prompting concern from those who denounce his anti-LGBTQ, anti-diversity views.
In their own words: “It makes you want to get in the fight more,” a Holy Family University freshman told The Inquirer at a vigil for Kirk in Northeast Philadelphia last week. “He has a legacy. You know, I feel it’s responsible for every young conservative to make sure it lives on.”
Politics reporters Julia Terruso and Aliya Schneider have the story.
P.S. ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show in the wake of criticism over his comments about Kirk’s killing, officials with the network said Monday.
What you should know today
Pennsylvania and Philadelphia play a prominent role in former Vice President Kamala Harris’ new book, out today, including her decision to pass on Gov. Josh Shapiro as her running mate.
Trump on Monday claimed there is a link between Tylenol and autism. A Drexel University scientist who studied the topic found none.
Gunshots were fired during a fight at the Erie Station on SEPTA’s Broad Street Line Monday, police said.
A Chester County judge on Monday sentenced a Phoenixville man to county jail for locking his grandmother in her basement while he siphoned her Social Security benefits.
Philly courts have extended a pause on cases involving the state Attorney General’s Office, as the agency continues to contend with the fallout from a cyberattack.
Hotel workers at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown have voted in favor of a strike, if their union calls for it.
South Philly shipyard owner Hanwha hired a former Trump security adviser as the Korean company seeks clarity on immigration and investment.
Several Center City office buildings have sold in recent months for under half their previous prices. Their plummeting value is costing the city millions.
Now that it’s officially fall, parents, look alive: You have five weeks to get your kids’ Halloween costumes together.
The good news is, it’s easier than ever to be frugal.
Parents around the region are hacking the holiday by scouring secondhand stores, repurposing sports uniforms, and above all, starting early. Planning in advance can save you a pricey trip to Spirit Halloween.
Consumer reporter Erin McCarthy shares more tips for costumes on a budget.
🧠 Trivia time
Tony B. Watlington Sr. will be Philly’s superintendent through 2030, with the school board poised to extend his contract at its Thursday meeting. What is his current salary?
A) $95,715
B) $160,800
C) $286,125
D) $367,710
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
👟 Saying goodbye to: The long-running AIDS Walk Philly fundraiser.
🦅 Still not over: Eagles fans’ reactions to Jordan Davis’ game-winning field goal block and touchdown.
🍎 Already missing: South Jersey’s Hill Creek Farms, closing after one final apple-picking season.
🏈 Going inside: The College Football Playoff selection process.
🎤 Considering: Bad Bunny’s concert message as a lifeline to Puerto Ricans and Dominicans here, too.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Philly _ _, which just celebrated its 20th year
ONE WEAKFISH
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Kathy Wersinger, who solved Monday’s anagram: Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. The new Philly Fed president, Anna Paulson, spoke to The Inquirer about the role of the central bank, regionally and nationally.
Photo of the day
As a city cyclist, oh boy, do I love to see a freshly painted bike lane. Travel safely, wherever you’re going today.
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