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The reboot of Thomas Paine Plaza in Center City is ready for its debut.

Why it matters: It's likely to become an al fresco hot spot on sunny days.

The big picture: Count this among the beautification projects and improvements Philly is completing before an influx of tourists for World Cup matches and other big events this year.

Driving the news: The $18 million, three-year overhaul brings a fresh look and new possibilities to the highly trafficked public square at the base of the Municipal Services Building, which sits beside City Hall and Love Park.

Front of a large concrete municipal building with a glass entry and a decorative crest above the doors. A plaza with rails leads to the entrance as a few people walk toward it, with trees around.

The entrance to Thomas Paine Plaza and the Municipal Services Building. This was the area where the statue of the controversial police commissioner and mayor Frank Rizzo once stood. Photo: Mike D'Onofrio/Axios

😎 Pergola canopies with chairs and tables under them.

🛹 1 cool thing: A small skateboarding area featuring a grind-box designed to look like a domino game piece — with salvaged material from the original Love Park.

Context: The makeover is the first for the plaza since it was created in 1962.

The plaza was formerly known for its popular "Your Move" game pieces and oversized statue of the controversial former police commissioner and mayor Frank Rizzo.

Plus: Next year, the city will install a new statue of civil rights activist Sadie Alexander near the entrance to the Municipal Services Building.

What's next: A ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday at 3pm, followed by a skateboarding event with giveaways.

Wide city plaza with a large dark abstract sculpture on a pedestal in center, surrounded by tall glass towers and a historic stone building on the left. Benches, trees, and people sit around.

The skateboarding area includes a domino-looking granite box that's a nod to the former game pieces that once dominated the plaza. Photo: Mike D'Onofrio/Axios

First look: Thomas Paine Plaza redesign

Make this your new al fresco lunch spot on sunny days.

Urban plaza with an ornate historic building in the background, a blue pergola with orange chairs, a long blue planter bed with yellow flowers, and dark curved metal frames in the foreground.

The new look of the Thomas Paine Plaza with City Hall in the background. Photo: Mike D'Onofrio/Axios

The reboot of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thomas Paine Plaza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/14/thomas-paine-plaza-redesign-plan" data-vars-content-id="7164ee88-f655-42e9-a96d-2a6c213afe22" data-vars-headline="First look: Thomas Paine Plaza redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/14/thomas-paine-plaza-redesign-plan" target="_self">Thomas Paine Plaza</a> in Center City is ready for its debut.Why it matters: It&#x27;s likely to become an al fresco hot spot on sunny days.

Culture

Things to Do

Mayor Cherelle Parker is jumping into the race for Philadelphia's congressional seat by backing state Sen. Sharif Street. 

Why it matters: The May 19 Democratic primary for the 3rd Congressional District — the premier race in Philly this year — is tight, and Parker's backing will likely give Street an extra boost.

The big picture: The election is part of a generational shift unfolding across the Democratic Party in the post-Biden era.

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, who is in his 70s, is not running for reelection for his seat that includes parts of Philly. He served in state politics for decades before entering Congress in 2016. 

But after suffering a stroke in 2024, he missed months' worth of congressional votes, leading to questions over his fitness for office.

Driving the news: Parker said during a news conference Wednesday that Street would be her reliable partner in Congress to leverage federal resources to help Philly. 

The mayor made her endorsement outside City Hall, flanked by city and state legislators. 

Context: Street is a state senator representing parts of North Philly and is the son of former Philly Mayor John F. Street.

He recently headed the state Democratic Party before stepping down to run for Congress. 

Between the lines: Parker's endorsement of Street isn't a shocker.

Just like Parker, Street has the backing of Philly's politically powerful building trades unions.

Plus: Street has the endorsement of Philly's Democratic City Committee.

The other side: The other candidates vying for the seat are:

Ala Stanford: A pediatric surgeon and political newcomer who rose to prominence running COVID-19 testing clinics in underserved neighborhoods. She has the backing of Evans.

Chris Rabb: A state representative and the progressive in the race.

Shaun Griffith: An attorney and tax adviser. 

Flashback: Heading into the year, Street had a financial lead, with nearly $701,000 in contributions, per federal campaign finance reports.

That's compared to Stanford with more than $467,000 (which includes $250,000 she loaned her campaign) and Rabb's $384,000.

Griffith didn't have any campaign finance details available on the Federal Election Commission's website.

Context: The winner of the Democratic primary will likely go on to win in November and has the potential to hold the seat for decades.

That's because the seat is a "safe" Democratic seat in deep-blue Philly.

Republicans also failed to field a primary candidate, so their ticket will likely be blank in November.

What we're watching: For candidates' federal campaign finance reports to drop this week.  

Parker endorses Sharif Street in Philly congressional race

The May 19 Democratic primary is looking tight.

Photo illustration of Cherelle Parker with lines radiating from her. 

Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: Marla Aufmuth/Getty Images for Pennsylvania Conference For Women

Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherelle Parker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/12/city-budget-cherelle-parker-business-taxes-ride-shares" data-vars-content-id="85fe09e2-8dc0-453c-a775-384dc4776ff9" data-vars-headline="Parker endorses Sharif Street in Philly congressional race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/12/city-budget-cherelle-parker-business-taxes-ride-shares" target="_self">Cherelle Parker</a> is jumping into the race for Philadelphia&#x27;s congressional seat by backing state Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sharif Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/28/pennsylvania-democratic-party-leadship-shakeup" data-vars-content-id="85fe09e2-8dc0-453c-a775-384dc4776ff9" data-vars-headline="Parker endorses Sharif Street in Philly congressional race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/28/pennsylvania-democratic-party-leadship-shakeup" target="_self">Sharif Street</a>. Why it matters: The May 19 Democratic primary for the 3rd Congressional District — the premier race in Philly this year — is tight, and Parker&#x27;s backing will likely give Street an extra boost.

Politics

Philadelphia would ban federal immigration officials from wearing masks and using city property for operations under a legislative package lawmakers are taking up today.

The big picture: The push could force Mayor Cherelle Parker to weigh in on the Trump administration's approach, which she hasn't yet addressed — and create tension with City Council.  

State of play: Philly joins a growing list of U.S. jurisdictions, like New Jersey, trying to limit cooperation with immigration agents.

It comes after fallout from an aggressive crackdown in Minneapolis and reports of masked federal agents, often in unmarked vehicles, snatching people off the street.

Driving the news: A City Council committee will consider a series of seven bills today, and Parker administration officials are expected to testify.

What's inside: The proposed legislation would:

Prohibit agents from wearing a mask or facial covering to obscure their identity

Ban immigration agents from using city-owned property — think libraries and rec centers — as staging areas for enforcement activities without a warrant

Lay out how and when city agencies and officials can coordinate with immigration enforcement, like giving access to city databases

Prevent Philly police from partnering with federal officials on immigration enforcement

Worth noting: The city already limits its cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents via an executive order that Parker has kept in place.

Reality check: Questions remain about whether federal agents are immune from these sorts of state and local laws.

Between the lines: While put forward by progressive lawmakers, the package has wide support on the council.

If legislators pass some or all of the bills out of committee, the legislation could get a final vote in the coming weeks.

What we're watching: Whether Parker backs the bills.

The administration declined Axios' request for comment.  

Context: Parker has largely remained mum on the issue.

That's despite immigration raids in Philly, fears that agents will target schools, and concerns that crackdowns will dampen enthusiasm for the World Cup this summer.    

What they're saying: Even if passed, the legislation's future is murky due to likely court challenges, political analyst Jay McCalla tells Axios. 

Plus: It's TBD whether Parker would put pressure on Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel to enforce them, he says.

Philly weighs new limits on working with immigration agents

Lawmakers have proposed banning federal immigration agents from wearing masks and using city property for operations.

Illustration of Philadelphia City Hall with lines radiating from it.

Photo illustration: Allie Carl/Axios. Photo: BasSlabbers/Getty Images

Philadelphia would ban federal immigration officials from wearing masks and using city property for operations under a legislative package lawmakers are taking up today.The big picture: The push could force Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherelle Parker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/02/cherelle-parker-lobbying-trump-philly" data-vars-content-id="973b967e-eeb5-4be5-9abb-1a162aefe53a" data-vars-headline="Philly weighs new limits on working with immigration agents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/02/cherelle-parker-lobbying-trump-philly" target="_self">Cherelle Parker</a> to weigh in on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="973b967e-eeb5-4be5-9abb-1a162aefe53a" data-vars-headline="Philly weighs new limits on working with immigration agents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration&#x27;s approach, which she hasn&#x27;t yet addressed — and create tension with City Council.

News

It's time to get the Rocky Steps fountains flowing again, Axios Philadelphia readers say.

The big picture: 89% of the more than 370 people who responded to our recent poll say they want to see the cascade fountains restored to their original glory and turned back on.

Catch up quick: The massive fountains spanning several basins that flank the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art were built in the 1920s.

But they were drained in the 1970s because they became de facto swimming holes, and too many people were getting hurt.

Maintenance issues in the 1990s permanently knocked them out of commission.

State of play: Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration shut down rumors that the fountains might be revived, saying they're only for decorative purposes.

Bronze fish-head water spout mounted on a gray speckled brick wall; its open mouth acts as the spout, with large eyes and decorative fins on either side, and orange rust staining beneath.

An ornamental water spout that's part of the cascade fountains flanking the Rocky Steps at the art museum. Photo: Mike D'Onofrio/Axios

What you're saying: Here are some of our favorite responses:

We should be able to have nice things and stop letting morons ruin them for the rest of us.

It should be reactivated, but certain restrictions should be in place.

A fountain that does not flow doesn't make sense.

The sensory experience of water, plus the views of Rocky, would make this already amazing place even better.

The maintenance costs and the liability are just not worth it.

They'd be full of kids, which would look worse than being empty.

💭 Mike's thought bubble: Fountains sitting idle feel forgotten, and the trash and stagnant water don't help. So why not do something with them?

💡 For example: Readers suggested putting up an art installation, filling them with planters, or jazzing them up with fun lighting.

Poll: Revive the cascade fountains at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The fountains flanking the Rocky Steps have run dry for decades.

Wide view of the Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs and neoclassical buildings under a blue sky. A large circular PMA sign with a winged lion sits on a stone pedestal left; flags fly; people ascend the steps.

It's unlikely the cascade fountains flanking the Rocky Steps will ever be turned back on. Photo: Mike D'Onofrio/Axios

It&#x27;s time to get the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocky Steps fountains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/09/rocky-steps-fountains-philly-art-museum" data-vars-content-id="ae689aae-0ac3-44df-b1a6-f1db0ef89a95" data-vars-headline="Poll: Revive the cascade fountains at the Philadelphia Museum of Art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/09/rocky-steps-fountains-philly-art-museum" target="_self">Rocky Steps fountains</a> flowing again, Axios Philadelphia readers say.The big picture: 89% of the more than 370 people who responded to our recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/09/rocky-steps-fountains-philly-art-museum" data-vars-content-id="ae689aae-0ac3-44df-b1a6-f1db0ef89a95" data-vars-headline="Poll: Revive the cascade fountains at the Philadelphia Museum of Art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/09/rocky-steps-fountains-philly-art-museum" target="_self">poll</a> say they want to see the cascade fountains restored to their original glory and turned back on.

Philadelphia took its bid to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention on the road last week, with the "Godmother of Soul" Patti LaBelle in tow. 

Why it matters: The battle to put on the party's biggest event is heating up among the five finalists: Philly, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Denver.

The big picture: Securing the convention would be a coup for the chosen city — bringing prestige, bragging rights and an economic boost. 

State of play: The host city hopefuls sent contingents to the party's spring meeting in New Orleans, attempting to woo party members by throwing parties and doling out freebies like coffee, swag and more.

Indoor convention booth with two tall blue digital displays beside a central counter labeled "Pick Pennsylvania". Three staffers in blue shirts stand behind the counter; patterned carpet and ceiling tiles visible.

Pick Pennsylvania, Philly's host city nonprofit for its DNC bid, offers free coffee at the party's spring meeting last week. Photo: Courtesy of Pick Pennsylvania

Zoom in: Philly's delegation — the nonprofit Pick Pennsylvania — positioned a cart serving free cups of coffee from Philly-based roaster Rival Brothers between large screens displaying fun facts about the city. 

Plus: Philly native LaBelle was at Pick Pennsylvania's happy hour event, where she greeted guests and appeared in photos. The event also featured centerpieces with Tastykake treats.

Worth noting: DNC chairperson Ken Martin attended that event along with other party officers, Aren Platt, a senior adviser for Philly's host committee, tells Axios.

Reality check: "They're wooing all these people, but there's only one person that makes that decision and that's me," Martin told Axios of host cities at the meeting.

He added that he's currently focused on the midterm elections.

Paper cup in foreground branded with "BOSTON 2028" and "DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION", held by a hand. Blurred background shows a blue vehicle/food cart and a vendor in an apron at a beverage station.

Boston is one of the cities vying to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios

Inside the room: We're told Atlanta trolled the Philly folks by showing up outside their party venue Friday night and playing "Welcome to Atlanta."

The other side: "If Atlanta did troll us, they did it in such a subtle way that nobody noticed," Platt says. 

👀 What we're watching: Martin told Axios New Orleans' Carlie Kollath Wells that the next presidential races will likely run through the South and Sun Belt — not the North and Blue Wall states such as Pennsylvania. 

Martin says the party needs to start laying the groundwork in these fast-growing states now "so that by the time this map shifts, we're in a position to actually compete and win down here."

What's next: The Democratic National Committee will conduct a site visit to Philly from April 29 to May 1 as part of the selection process.

Expect a delegation of DNC officials to be in town, including Martin.

Editor's note: This story was corrected to show that Patti LaBelle appeared at the happy hour event (but did not sing).

Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans

Securing the convention would be a coup for the city — bringing prestige, bragging rights and an economic boost.

Patti LaBelle performs on a dark stage in a bright neon-yellow dress, singing into a mic as a large purple cursive "Patti LaBelle" sign glows behind her; stage gear and flowers nearby.

Patti LaBelle performing in 2025. Photo: Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

Philadelphia took its bid to host the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2028 Democratic National Convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/06/democratic-national-convention-dnc-whats-at-stake-host-cities" data-vars-content-id="bc9da21e-8e68-477b-a035-f6aad8c72497" data-vars-headline="Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/06/democratic-national-convention-dnc-whats-at-stake-host-cities" target="_self">2028 Democratic National Convention</a> on the road last week, with the &quot;Godmother of Soul&quot; Patti LaBelle in tow. Why it matters: The battle to put on the party&#x27;s biggest event is heating up among the five finalists: Philly, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/01/31/why-atlanta-should-host-the-dnc-not-chicago" data-vars-content-id="bc9da21e-8e68-477b-a035-f6aad8c72497" data-vars-headline="Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/01/31/why-atlanta-should-host-the-dnc-not-chicago" target="_self">Atlanta</a>, Boston, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/03/chicago-democrats-president-dnc-shortlist-pritzker-trump-2028" data-vars-content-id="bc9da21e-8e68-477b-a035-f6aad8c72497" data-vars-headline="Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/03/chicago-democrats-president-dnc-shortlist-pritzker-trump-2028" target="_self">Chicago</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/04/denver-pitch-dnc-2028-convention" data-vars-content-id="bc9da21e-8e68-477b-a035-f6aad8c72497" data-vars-headline="Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/04/denver-pitch-dnc-2028-convention" target="_self">Denver</a>.

Mike D'Onofrio

Featured stories

First look: Thomas Paine Plaza redesign

Parker endorses Sharif Street in Philly congressional race

Poll: Revive the cascade fountains at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans

Philly weighs new limits on working with immigration agents