The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Welcome to a mostly cloudy Sunday.
An eight-day strike by members of District Council 33 ended with a tentative contract, which reflected many of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s goals but left many members dissatisfied. Parker sat down with The Inquirer to discuss the chaos, her strategy, and why she stood firm on her position.
Plus, today marks the 40th anniversary of the massive nonprofit concert Live Aid. It was a feat that one performer said “would have been impossible without Philadelphia.” We talked to one Philly couple who had the best view of the show.
Scroll along for these stories and more.
— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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It was the first major city workers’ strike in four decades. City workers and residents alike refused to cross the picket line, even as “Parker piles” stacked up.
All throughout, Mayor Parker maintained an unwavering negotiating tactic, barely giving an inch despite the pressure.
The union ultimately settled for 3% annual raises, short of the 5% it wanted. Workers are set to vote on ratification.
In an interview with The Inquirer, Parker discussed her approach to achieve what she called a “fair and fiscally responsible” contract.
Though Parker dodged questions about her rhetoric throughout the strike, she reflected on her hard-line strategy and the rationale behind it. As a product of Northwest Philadelphia, Parker also emphasized her connection to the union and understanding the blue-collar group’s needs.
Notable quote: “District Council 33 — they are me,” Parker said. “I am District Council 33. They are my people.”
Read Parker’s conversation with City Hall reporter Sean Collins Walsh.
In related news: Another Philadelphia city workers’ union is going head-to-head with Parker’s administration at the bargaining table.
🎤 Let me pass the mic to pop critic Dan DeLuca.
Forty years ago — on July 13, 1985 — Scott Martin, Lisa Giangrasso, and 90,000 others at JFK Stadium watched Mick Jagger and Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, Madonna, the Pretenders, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and more, at the South Philadelphia half of the mega charity concert for African famine relief.
But Martin and Giangrasso had slightly better Live Aid seats than most. They watched the show hosted by Jack Nicholson atop a 30-foot perch on the side of the stage, while attending to a giant cold air balloon emblazoned with the Live Aid logo.
How did they get there? Because Martin had a Bridgeport balloon advertising business in partnership with Terry Cooper, who built the scaffolding that flanked the stage. The stage where Philadelphia’s Hooters followed show opener Joan Baez, and Hall & Oates performed with David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations. And Ashford & Simpson were joined by Philly soul great Teddy Pendergrass. — Dan DeLuca
Go back in time with DeLuca and learn how Martin and Giangrasso were involved in its success.
What you should know today
911 services in Pennsylvania are fully restored after a 10-hour outage Friday. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.
A prominent Philadelphia-area doctor has been temporarily barred from practicing medicine and faces criminal charges after being accused of raping a female patient.
The cause of the July 4 fire at the Philadelphia Art Alliance has been ruled “undetermined” by the fire marshal. Restoration plans are pending as the Curtis Institute of Music assesses the damage.
A Philadelphia judge has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of trying to influence a colleague’s sentencing decision in a criminal case that reportedly involved a friend of rapper Meek Mill.
Century Therapeutics is cutting about half of its workforce as part of a restructuring to focus on high-potential programs. Two top executives are among those departing the Philadelphia gene therapy company.
A new report suggests that Center City alleys, currently plagued by overflowing dumpsters and graffiti, could be revitalized into inviting, walkable spaces with better maintenance and enhancements like public art and lighting.
A military contractor in Delaware County plans to lay off dozens of workers as its parent company considers selling or closing the facility.
Following significant Democratic Party losses in 2024, a new group of Pennsylvania elected leaders has joined forces to help rebuild the party’s base with new messaging, policy agendas, and support for diverse candidates.
Temple Health has postponed the opening of its new women’s hospital and the relocation of labor and delivery services in order to provide more training to staff.
❓Pop quiz
Which Birds player emceed Red Bull’s greased pole race on the Delaware River?
A) Jalen Hurts
B) Saquon Barkley
C) Brandon Graham
D) Jordan Mailata
Think you know? Check your answer.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Pennsylvania artist
WENDY WREATH
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Fred Kaplan who correctly guessed Saturday’s answer: Liberty Place. The skyscraper made a cameo in Superman as a little nod to its Philly-born lead actor.
On Saturday, artists from across the city gathered at Spiral Q in West Philly to craft protest art against ICE and current White House immigration policies. Their artwork will be used in upcoming marches and displayed at government buildings.
🎶 Today’s track goes like this: In the desert, you can remember your name / ‘Cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain." It’s been stuck in my head.
👋🏽 It’s a good day to have a good day. Take care.