🗳️🤝 Local Leaders Call for Unity as Nation Mourns Death of Charlie Kirk

Downingtown Local Pulse Issue Sept 11th, 2025

Author

Chesco Sean
11 Sep

In partnership with

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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

Political Leaders Unite in Condemnation after Charlie Kirk’s Killing

WEST CHESTER, PA — In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, political leaders from across the spectrum have expressed grief and urged unity, condemning political violence as antithetical to democratic norms.

Charlie Kirk, 31, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, which Governor Spencer Cox described as a “political assassination.”

Democratic Representative Chrissy Houlahan said that political violence has no place in American life, and she commended the prompt response of first responders.

Republican Eric M. Roe, a Chester County Commissioner, asked for prayers for Kirk’s family, and called for the sort of open dialogue and understanding that he said Kirk himself had encouraged.

Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, calling for a better path forward and hopes for Kirk’s recovery.

Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the necessity for moral clarity, denouncing the incident as horrifying and warning against a rising tide of violence.

Senator Dave McCormick, a Republican, called Kirk’s death an outrage, saying that violence can never settle political differences. He also noted Kirk’s personal qualities and urged compassion for those affected.

Across party lines, these responses reflect a rare moment of consensus: political violence is intolerable, leaders said, and the country must find ways to engage without resorting to harm.

Two New Ways for Local Businesses to Shine in the Downingtown Local Pulse

Downingtown is built on the strength of its small businesses — the shops, restaurants, services, and makers that give our community its unique character. Now, there are two new ways for those businesses to get in front of thousands of engaged local readers through the Downingtown Local Pulse.

We’re introducing two promotional programs designed to give businesses year-round visibility and meaningful connections with our audience:

1. Partner Program

This package gives businesses a featured listing in our Local Business Directory, making it easy for residents to find and support you. Partners also receive:

  • A monthly Business Spotlight article that tells your story.

  • A pinned article on our website for maximum visibility.

  • Exposure to our massive Facebook audience, with each feature shared across our highly engaged social channels.

2. Patron Program

For businesses ready to take their visibility to the next level, the Patron Program includes everything in the Partner Program plus:

  • A top-level ad placement one issue a month, ensuring your brand stays front and center.

Both programs are built to keep your business in the local conversation month after month — not just as an ad, but as a valued part of the community’s story.

Whether you’re a family-run shop, a growing startup, or a well-established local favorite, these programs offer an affordable way to boost your visibility while supporting the Downingtown Local Pulse’s mission to celebrate the people and businesses that make our town special.

Building Business by Building Trust: Free Trade Networking’s Local Impact

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — In this episode, Jenny Leigh sits down with Pat Dicola, the visionary behind Free Trade Networking. Launched during the pandemic, Free Trade has grown from a small Zoom group into more than 30 in-person chapters across the region, including Downingtown. Unlike traditional networking groups, Free Trade emphasizes collaboration over quotas, one-member-per-category chapters, and strong ties to local nonprofits. The result is a community of small business owners who not only support each other but also give back—making Free Trade a fast-growing hub for both business and service in Chester County.

Upcoming local events…

🍩 Cars and Coffee and Donuts (Downingtown) - Sept 13, 9am-11am

Kids’ Day in the Park (Bell Tavern Park) - Sept 13, 10am

Chesco Air Fest and Valley Day (Chester County Airport) - Sept 13, 11am-6pm

Corn Hole Benefit for Vets (Downingtown) - Sept 13, 1pm

Moondawgs Band at Shamona Creek Park (Uwchlan) - Sept 13, 5pm

Downingtown Library Horror Trivia Night (Downingtown) - Sept 19, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Chester County Art Walk (East Goshen Park) - Sept 27, 10am-4pm

Oktoberfest 2025 (West Chester) - Sept 27, 11am-5pm

VFW First Annual Fall Fest (Downingtown) - Sept 27, 2pm (ticketed)

Drive Out Hunger (Downingtown) - Sept 28, 11am-3pm

Kidz Town Fall Fest (CFC Downingtown) - Sept 28, 9:30am-11am

Road to LionCage (Downingtown) - Sept 30, 4pm-7pm

Household Hazardous Waste Collection (Downingtown) - Oct 5, 8:30am-2pm

Jeeps and Java! (West Chester) - Oct 5, 8am-12pm

Downingtown Fall Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 5, 11am-4pm

October Cruse for the Troops (Exton) - Oct 11, 5pm

Exton Park Fall Fest (Exton) - Oct 18, 11am-3pm


House Cleaning

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