Philly nightlife bounces back | Morning Newsletter
🌕 City witches under the full moon
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The Morning Newsletter
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The sun finally shines on us this Sunday, with a high near 78 and a low around 59.
Philadelphia nightlife crowds have shifted from happy hour to late night — and that brings new challenges. Today’s lead story takes a closer look at this development.
— Paola Pérez (@pdesiperez, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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The city has been trying to rebuild its nightlife since the COVID-19 shutdowns. New data from Square, a financial service platform used by restaurants and bars, indicate that those efforts may be paying off.
The data: After examining hundreds of thousands of in-person transactions between April and June, Square found that people were spending more money between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. Those sales increased from 24% in 2022 to 30% this year.
Notable quote: “Less food during the day, less happy hour, more nightlife, more evenings,” said Christopher Mullins Jr., co-owner of McGillin’s Olde Ale House, observing how the distribution of business throughout the day has also changed.
While some spots are seeing strong business at night, other venues are operating in a more uncertain area.
And this bounce back from the effects of the pandemic also comes with added challenges and concerns, including safety and rising costs.
Keep reading to hear from local business owners and dig deeper into the state of Philly’s nightlife economy.
What you should know today
A federal government shutdown has been averted, at least for now, with the House on Saturday swiftly approving a 45-day funding bill, which was approved by the Senate and expected to be signed by President Joe Biden.
The musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra have overwhelmingly rejected orchestra management’s latest proposal.
The family of 8-year-old Fanta Bility, who was killed by police gunfire outside a high school football game in 2021, has settled its wrongful-death lawsuit against the borough of Sharon Hill for $11 million.
Republican David McCormick received the endorsement of the Pennsylvania GOP in his second run for the U.S. Senate. McCormick is looking to unseat Bob Casey, the longest serving Pennsylvania Democrat in Senate history.
Wawa plans to open stores in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana by 2025. Over 150 new locations are set to open in those states in the next eight to 10 years, as Wawa continues to expand beyond the East Coast.
It’s time to welcome a liquid permutation to the canon of weird cheesesteak things: Meet the cheesesteak martini. Yes, it’s real, and you can drink it here.
The innovators of a plan to turn a Cobbs Creek corner store into a front-line outpost to battle hunger have been swamped this week with money, love, and questions from interested individuals nationwide.
The ASPCA’s Dog of the Year is a deaf rescue pit bull from South Jersey. He’s also a superhero.
🎤 I’m passing the mic to feature writer Zoe Greenberg to tell this mystical story:
The witches circled an altar in the shadow of Clark Park’s sycamores last month, orange street light illuminating their black hats and robes.
“By the anointing with this sacred oil, may your spirit come into attunement with the energies of the moon,” said Jim “Raven” Stefanowicz, high priest of the South Street Circle, a pagan ritual group, as he daubed a blend of jasmine, orris, and vanilla onto the wrists of those gathered. Nearby, an ice cream truck tinkled and a trolley rumbled past; live action role players whacked each other with foam weapons a few yards away.
No matter — these were city witches. The full moon, even hidden by clouds and light pollution, still exerts its pull.
Keep reading to explore Philly’s vibrant magical community.
❓Pop quiz❓
Golden Bachelor contestant Susan Noles made her debut during the show’s premiere Thursday night. She received the final rose of the first episode.
Which local county is she from?
A) Montgomery
B) Delaware
C) Bucks
D) Chester
Think you know? Check your answer here.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram 🧩
Hint: A sweet autumn adventure
CLIPPING PEAK
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Stacy Stone who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: Leeds Devil.
Photo of the day
🎶 For today’s Sunday track, we’re listening to: “I saw you smile for the first time and I hope it lasts a while now.” 🎶
👋🏽 Take care and enjoy your day. The weather calls for some autumnal fun. How about apple picking and harvest moon viewing?