The morning after | Morning Newsletter
And what Pa. returns show.
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The Morning Newsletter
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Update: Donald Trump wins Pennsylvania, presidency in stunning political comeback
Morning Philly,
As I write this during Wednesday’s early hours, Pennsylvania has picked Donald Trump and the former president is closing in on a return to the White House. We’re still awaiting the final results of the presidential race and some other tight matchups, though. Trump’s win in Pennsylvania was fueled in part by growing support in rural and Rust Belt areas of the state.
For the latest election coverage, visit Inquirer.com throughout the day.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Trump has improved on his 2020 vote share in 42 of 43 Pennsylvania counties with 95% or more of the vote counted as of 1 a.m. Wednesday. His victory here significantly narrows the path for Vice President Kamala Harris, with votes still being counted in several key swing states. After the Pennsylvania call, Trump was at 267 Electoral Votes — just three shy of the 270 needed to win the Electoral College. He was also leading in the popular vote, though ballots were still being tabulated nationwide.
More scenes from the polls:
A series of bomb threats led to disruptions at polling places in key Pennsylvania counties. They appear to have been hoaxes.
Trump claimed to hear of “massive cheating” in Philadelphia, but city election officials disputed that there had been any abnormal disruptions to voting operations.
Equipment issues briefly delayed voting at a handful of Luzerne County polling locations early in the day — a bit of deja vu from the midterm elections two years ago.
The presidential race is far from the only competitive matchup in the region. But others were called last night, including Bucks County’s 1st Congressional District. Here’s a snapshot of where things stand as of early this morning:
🗳️ In Pennsylvania: Voters are waiting to learn the results of the tight U.S. Senate race, as well as the races for the Lehigh Valley’s 7th Congressional District and the 10th Congressional District, which includes Dauphin County. Democrats hope they can tie the state Senate for the first time in three decades, while Republicans hope to flip the state House.
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, won his fifth term in Congress; incumbent Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity retained her position; incumbent Republican Tim DeFoor defeated State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta in the auditor general race; and Republican Dave Sunday, York County’s district attorney, will be the state’s next attorney general.
🗳️ In New Jersey: Democratic Rep. Andy Kim beat Republican Curtis Bashaw to become the state’s first Asian American senator, and the first Korean American to serve in the U.S. Senate.
🗳️ In Delaware: U.S. Rep Lisa Blunt Rochester will make history as the state’s first Black female senator. State Sen. Sarah McBride is poised to become the first openly transgender member of Congress.
What you should know today
Members of Philadelphia’s Transport Workers local union are preparing for a strike against SEPTA that could happen as early as Friday morning.
One hundred people in Philly jails were released in recent weeks to reduce the city’s jail population amid an ongoing staffing shortage.
Expect a preliminary list of Philly school closings next fall. But some of those buildings might get new life as community hubs.
Camden schools made modest gains in state test scores, the district’s superintendent said Monday, but more challenges remain.
Campfires have been banned at Pennsylvania state parks and forests, and officials are asking residents to avoid burning fires at home, too, because of the prolonged drought.
The NBA has suspended Joel Embiid for three games after he struck and shoved Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes in the Sixers’ locker room.
The hot-chicken scene emerged in Philadelphia in 2022. There’s no sign of chill yet — and new players are flocking to Northeast Philly, in particular.
🧠 Trivia time
Which celebrity did not visit Philadelphia to campaign for a presidential candidate in recent weeks?
A) Robert De Niro
B) Zendaya
C) LeVar Burton
D) Kerry Washington
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
🤝 Meeting: Our neighborhood poll workers.
📽️ Looking forward to: The Delco Film Festival and three more coming to the Philly area this fall.
🦅 Visiting: This Portland Eagles bar that feels like a South Philly basement.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
The Chester County borough known for its busy Main Street and many festivals
Hint: 🐦 🔥
EVIL PHLOXINE
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Robert DuPlessis, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Sadie T. M. Alexander. Philadelphia will honor the pioneering civil rights lawyer and economist with a statue.
Photo of the day
👋 Paola has you covered tomorrow, and I’ll be back Friday. Until then, be well.
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