Mayor Parker’s big first year | Morning Newsletter

Welcome to a new week, Philly.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker had a big first year in office. She has largely gotten her way on major issues, such as the 76ers arena, and has advanced a majority of her campaign promises, including citywide clean-and-green initiatives. But heading into 2025, vulnerabilities remain.

And as porch pirates swipe holiday gifts, some Philadelphians say one company in particular “could do better” to prevent package theft: FedEx.

Here’s what to know today.

— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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Jan. 1 marks Mayor Parker’s first full year as Philadelphia’s 100th chief executive. In the past 12 months, she has achieved many of the goals laid out during her campaign — introducing a year-round schooling pilot, cracking down on gun violence and the Kensington drug market, and prioritizing cleanups.

But that doesn’t mean the year was an entirely smooth one. She faced criticism from several unions representing city workers as well as some members of City Council, for instance. And the city’s most intractable problems will linger into her second year in office.

She says she’s ready for the challenge: “Even when we do something and we do it well,” Parker told The Inquirer, “I’m still never going to be satisfied, because I want to do more.”

City Hall reporters Anna Orso and Sean Collins Walsh interviewed the mayor about the year’s ups and downs, and heard from her supporters and detractors.

Month by month: See a detailed timeline of Parker’s first year in office, from staff shake-ups and spikes in violence to rallying for national Democratic candidates.

War on trash: Parker has touted the successes of her “clean and green” initiatives. Here’s how well her administration is addressing the city’s Filthadelphia moniker, by the numbers.

It’s a phenomenon many Philadelphians know well: You get the notification your package has been delivered, open your front door to bring it inside, and see ... nothing. Alas, you’ve been struck by a porch (or stoop) pirate.

📦 Scores of area consumers have taken to social media to complain that packages delivered by FedEx, especially, are more likely to go missing. They say drivers have repeatedly ignored their delivery instructions, leaving packages in plain sight or dropping them in exposed locations.

📦 Of course, “the porch pirates are really the issue,” one Fishtown resident told The Inquirer, “but I think FedEx could do better.”

📦 The problems aren’t contained to the city: Shoppers are reporting package thefts from Chester County to the Jersey Shore.

Reporter Erin McCarthy explains why it’s not so easy to deter package theft, and what FedEx says it’s doing to help.

Alleging unfair labor practices, Center City workers of which chain joined a multicity strike on Sunday morning?

A) Starbucks

B) Hard Rock Cafe

C) honeygrow

D) Chili’s

Think you know? Check your answer.

🦪 Ordering: Craig LaBan’s favorite Philly meals of 2024.

🏀 Loving: The bond between Sixers rookie Jared McCain and “super vet” Kyle Lowry.

👐 Supporting: Galaei, the Kensington nonprofit serving QTBIPOC Philadelphians.

⛪ Considering: Faith communities’ role in caring for undocumented immigrants.

Hint: Philadelphia’s last lesbian bar, which closed in January 2021

OUTLAWS ATTEND

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Varo Duffins, who solved Sunday’s anagram: Penn Treaty High School. A teacher and her senior students there needed a “Christmas miracle” to cover the costs for a school trip. Kylie Kelce came through.

📬 Think back to the night that changed your life that could only happen in Philly, a true example of the Philly spirit, the time you finally felt like you belonged in Philly if you’re not a lifer, something that made you fall in love with Philly all over again — or proud to be from here if you are. Then email it to us for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

This “only in Philly” story comes from reader Mary Koch, who describes a steadfast commitment to her hometown:

Although I’ve lived in Pittsburgh since the day after my husband and I married, Philly is my birthplace, and my love of Philly never stops!

Born in Mount Airy — my parents are from Germantown-Chelten Ave and Coulter Street, respectively — I was raised here, and made it happen that one of our children was born in Chestnut Hill Hospital. My favorite memories were visiting all the Wanamaker Department Store Christmas windows on a chosen Sunday night every December, then going out to dinner at Valley Green Inn along the Wissahickon. Our son, along with many family members, reside in and around our hometown. We visit about 20 times a year.

Many friends laugh when I say “wooder” for water and question when will I stop. My answer is always “NEVER, I’m from Philly and you’ll never get the Philly out of me.” Wouldn’t trade being from Philadelphia for anything!

👋 Wishing you an easy start to your week (everyone except Josh Harris, that is). You can expect Tuesday’s morning newsletter as usual, then we’ll give your inbox a holiday break until Friday. See you tomorrow.

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