It’s Sunday. There’s a chance of rain in the afternoon, turning to snow later, with a slushy inch or two possible tonight.
In today’s main story, patrons and staff of a longtime Philadelphia bar come to terms with the decision to sell it.
Further on, get a dose of a uniquely Philly Valentine’s Day by way of wedding bells at a beloved location.
— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Bill and Bob Loughery brought life to Cherry Street Tavern, starting from their bartending days in the 1970s to their purchase of the old-world saloon in the ’90s.
The brothers transformed the taproom into a popular spot for locals and witnessed its survival into the 21st century. But like the neighborhood, business has faded.
After nearly five decades in the books, the Lougherys decided it’s officially “time take off the apron.”
But they won’t sell it to just anyone. They wanted a buyer to commit to keeping its spirit alive. They are now close to finalizing a deal.
Notable quote: “People treat it with reverence,” one bartender said. “When they come in, they understand it completely. They have a deep and profound respect for the place.”
Mike Newall gives us a glimpse into Cherry Street’s Prohibition-era roots, and what may lie ahead.
Reading Terminal Market turned real romantic on Valentine’s Day, with seven pairs of lucky lovers tying the knot at the quintessentially Philly location.
They were picked from a pool of 57 couples, according to the event promoter.
The weddings, which included decor and a violin player, were fully paid for by the market.
For one pair of newlyweds, the destination backdrop carries sentimental value. It was also a practical opportunity to save money.
Reporter Brett Sholtis has the story.
What you should know today
With federal lawmakers at an impasse, another partial government shutdown began Saturday, but this one is different. We explain what it means for affected agencies.
Cardiac arrest is “100% fatal” if no one intervenes. A wife’s fast response — and a calm 911 dispatcher — saved a Chester County man when his heart stopped. Here’s how to help if you’re a bystander.
A Montgomery County man was charged with trying to hire a hit man as part of a murder scheme targeting an ex-girlfriend and two others.
The federal official in charge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visited Ocean City and other Jersey Shore communities Friday, along with U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, pledging that beach replenishment help is on its way.
A Philly-based free-speech group is known for attacking cancel culture. Now FIRE is an antagonist of the Trump administration, siding with those it once fought.
Students at Philadelphia-area colleges are protesting against the appearance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at campus career fairs.
Instead of redrawing enrollment boundary lines to redistribute students and ease overcrowding, Cherry Hill is considering additions at two schools.
Brian Finnegan was named CEO of Brixmor Property Group last month. Meet the Philly native and St. Joe’s Prep grad running the city’s largest outdoor shopping center operator.
Raina J. León is Philadelphia’s new poet laureate. The Black, Afro-Boricuan poet, writer, educator, and cultural worker believes in a world where diversity can strengthen communities.
❓Pop quiz
For about ____ a month, you can rent a three-bedroom Center City penthouse in the same building as Eagles star defensive back Cooper DeJean.
A) $5,000
B) $7,500
C) $8,240
D) $13,000
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🖍️ Exploring: The secret pleasures of a weekend getaway to Easton, Pa.
🏠 Impressed by: The big backyard in this couple’s Passyunk Square home.
🦀 Enjoying: Bangalore bites and crab cakes among the best things we ate this week.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: His poll changed women’s college basketball forever.
GERBER LEGMEN
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Gray Phillips, who correctly guessed Saturday’s answer: Porto. American Airlines is planning a new route to the Portuguese city from Philadelphia.
In other AA news: Unions representing tens of thousands of pilots and flight attendants at the company are openly questioning the competence of its CEO, citing weak performance and poor customer satisfaction.
Cole Kuhn, one of the nation’s top high school pitchers, secured a scholarship to Duke University and drew major league scouts’ attention. It all happened about as fast as the 6-foot-6 teen’s triple-digit fastball.
🎶 Today’s track goes like this: “You know it must be my time / I’ve got to make you mine.”
👋🏽 Thanks for starting your day with us. Have a good one.