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Scoop: Philly apologizes for 100 Steps paint job that drew backlash

Now the Parker administration is rushing to undo it.

News

Philadelphia officials are apologizing for a mix-up that led a city worker to paint over the historic 100 Steps granite stairwell in Roxborough.Why it matters: Residents quickly blasted the paint job <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/21/phillys-highway-graffiti-cleanup-enters-new-phase" data-vars-content-id="609d9b7b-50ca-4657-9b05-bc5a7079216f" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Philly apologizes for 100 Steps paint job that drew backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/21/phillys-highway-graffiti-cleanup-enters-new-phase" target="_self">online</a>, saying the local landmark should be preserved — not painted over. Now the Parker administration is rushing to undo it.

Chris Rabb wins heated Dem primary for Philly congressional seat

His victory notches a major win for Philly progressives in a competitive contest that's drawn national attention.

Election

Pennsylvania Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chris Rabb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/15/primary-election-philadelphia-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="aaad3285-703a-4bd4-b3b7-94f24dee5186" data-vars-headline="Chris Rabb wins heated Dem primary for Philly congressional seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/15/primary-election-philadelphia-guide-2026" target="_self">Chris Rabb</a> won the Democratic primary for the state&#x27;s 3rd Congressional District on Tuesday, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP reports" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/pennsylvania-primary-results-us-house/#3" data-vars-content-id="aaad3285-703a-4bd4-b3b7-94f24dee5186" data-vars-headline="Chris Rabb wins heated Dem primary for Philly congressional seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/pennsylvania-primary-results-us-house/#3" target="_blank">AP reports</a>.Why it matters: His victory notches a major win for Philly progressives in a competitive contest that&#x27;s drawn national attention as a battle for the future of the Democratic Party.

Confusion swirls around alternative plan to close Philly schools

Philly is getting mixed messaging about what happens if the district doesn't raise $2 billion for its facilities plan.

Education

The School District of Philadelphia needs to raise nearly $2 billion in outside funding to carry out its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10-year plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/20/philly-school-district-closures-facilities-plan-vote" data-vars-content-id="aa6ee450-ceeb-46b3-bbfb-cd170e97452d" data-vars-headline="Confusion swirls around alternative plan to close Philly schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/20/philly-school-district-closures-facilities-plan-vote" target="_self">10-year plan</a> to modernize some schools and close others.<ul><li>But there appears to be a cheaper alternative if the funding falls short — despite an official insisting a backup plan doesn&#x27;t exist.</li></ul>Why it matters: Philly is getting mixed messaging about what happens if the money doesn&#x27;t come through.

Graffiti removal ramps up on Philly highways ahead of World Cup summer

The cleanup is timed to reduce the chances those corridors are retagged before the international spotlight turns to Philly.

PennDOT is getting started this week on removing graffiti from Philadelphia&#x27;s gateways ahead of this summer&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="packed lineup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/evemts-2026-america-250-museums-world-cup-sports" data-vars-content-id="8662ee26-121c-45a7-9cd9-1db2e580b2e5" data-vars-headline="Graffiti removal ramps up on Philly highways ahead of World Cup summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/evemts-2026-america-250-museums-world-cup-sports" target="_self">packed lineup</a> of events. Why it matters: State and city officials are completing an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$11.5 million project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phila.gov/2026-01-09-mayor-cherelle-parker-city-and-state-officials-announce-the-gateways-to-philadelphia-anti-graffiti-highway-beautification-project-on-interstate-76/" data-vars-content-id="8662ee26-121c-45a7-9cd9-1db2e580b2e5" data-vars-headline="Graffiti removal ramps up on Philly highways ahead of World Cup summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phila.gov/2026-01-09-mayor-cherelle-parker-city-and-state-officials-announce-the-gateways-to-philadelphia-anti-graffiti-highway-beautification-project-on-interstate-76/" target="_blank">$11.5 million project</a> to beautify Philly — and shake its &quot;Filthadelphia&quot; reputation — before thousands of visitors arrive.

Philly pride takes over the PGA Championship merch shop

From cheesesteaks to "wooder," brands are cashing in on local symbols and sayings.

Business

I was browsing the PGA Shop at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aronimink Golf Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/11/pga-championship-golf-philadelphia-aronimink-guide" data-vars-content-id="f68898bb-c160-4e33-9475-b8f1c1ea3fed" data-vars-headline="Philly pride takes over the PGA Championship merch shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/11/pga-championship-golf-philadelphia-aronimink-guide" target="_self">Aronimink Golf Club</a> on Monday and discovered a good many Philadelphia-themed merch on its shelves.Why it matters: Local and national brands alike are cashing in on Philly symbols and sayings — from cheesesteaks to &quot;wooder&quot; — at the tourney.

Philly hotels still waiting for World Cup booking boost

Weak early hotel demand is raising concerns that the city's anticipated payoff for hosting the tourney could fall short.

The hype around the FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/05/phillys-world-cup-host-anxiety" data-vars-content-id="a0e90157-9d73-4ec6-8ae5-ffacb92d302d" data-vars-headline="Philly hotels still waiting for World Cup booking boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/05/phillys-world-cup-host-anxiety" target="_self">World Cup</a> has yet to bring a spike in hotel bookings in Philadelphia, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ahla.com/sites/default/files/AHLA%20World%20Cup%20Report%2004.30.26.pdf" data-vars-content-id="a0e90157-9d73-4ec6-8ae5-ffacb92d302d" data-vars-headline="Philly hotels still waiting for World Cup booking boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ahla.com/sites/default/files/AHLA%20World%20Cup%20Report%2004.30.26.pdf" target="_blank">new analysis</a>.Why it matters: Weak early hotel demand is raising concerns that Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anticipated payoff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/11/18/philadelphia-fifa-world-cup-economic-impact-2026" data-vars-content-id="a0e90157-9d73-4ec6-8ae5-ffacb92d302d" data-vars-headline="Philly hotels still waiting for World Cup booking boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/11/18/philadelphia-fifa-world-cup-economic-impact-2026" target="_self">anticipated payoff</a> for hosting the tourney could fall short.

Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup

"Tipping customs vary widely around the world," an industry group spokesperson tells Axios.

Food and Drink

A new service charge could land on your check at some restaurants and bars across the city during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" data-vars-content-id="e99c83f3-81ba-4e80-92c0-257770d2aad6" data-vars-headline="Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: Businesses are considering auto-charges when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international visitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="e99c83f3-81ba-4e80-92c0-257770d2aad6" data-vars-headline="Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" target="_self">international visitors</a> descend on Philly for the tourney this summer, many from countries with far different <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tipping customs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230606-how-to-tip-around-the-world" data-vars-content-id="e99c83f3-81ba-4e80-92c0-257770d2aad6" data-vars-headline="Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230606-how-to-tip-around-the-world" target="_blank">tipping customs</a>.

Pop-ups will fill vacant storefronts in Market East this summer

Things to Do

New pop-up businesses are slated to open in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Market East" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/13/philly-hopes-18m-makeover-jumpstarts-market-east-revival" data-vars-content-id="3cbc81bd-069a-486c-a26c-efd8d2958ad0" data-vars-headline="Pop-ups will fill vacant storefronts in Market East this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/13/philly-hopes-18m-makeover-jumpstarts-market-east-revival" target="_self">Market East</a> this summer.Why it matters: Local retailers will fill vacant storefronts along the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggling corridor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/01/market-east-redevelopment-philadelphia-comcast-sixers" data-vars-content-id="3cbc81bd-069a-486c-a26c-efd8d2958ad0" data-vars-headline="Pop-ups will fill vacant storefronts in Market East this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/01/market-east-redevelopment-philadelphia-comcast-sixers" target="_self">struggling corridor</a> during a big <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourism season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="3cbc81bd-069a-486c-a26c-efd8d2958ad0" data-vars-headline="Pop-ups will fill vacant storefronts in Market East this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" target="_self">tourism season</a> — selling everything from vintage clothes and records to water ice.

How to get the most out of spring in Philadelphia

Outdoor projects are moving to the top of Philadelphia to-do lists — and Lowe's spring deals events help maximize the budget.

Partners

In Philadelphia, spring means it&#x27;s finally time to get outside and bring yards and gardens back to life after winter.<ul><li>Homeowners are refreshing flower beds, topping off mulch and getting patios ready for warmer days ahead.</li></ul>Why it&#x27;s important: Outdoor spaces can transform how you live and how you feel, from small refreshes to full backyard makeovers.

Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup

The last time Philly could serve alcohol past 2am was in 2016.

Philly bars are getting the green light to keep the alcohol flowing until 4am during the FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" data-vars-content-id="602e7fb1-74b4-4db2-9528-a4d1d61ee1e4" data-vars-headline="Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" target="_self">World Cup</a> and other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/evemts-2026-america-250-museums-world-cup-sports" data-vars-content-id="602e7fb1-74b4-4db2-9528-a4d1d61ee1e4" data-vars-headline="Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/evemts-2026-america-250-museums-world-cup-sports" target="_self">big events</a> this summer.Why it matters: Extending last call will help businesses cash in on the flood of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/philadelphia-region-tourism-250-america-2026-events" data-vars-content-id="602e7fb1-74b4-4db2-9528-a4d1d61ee1e4" data-vars-headline="Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/philadelphia-region-tourism-250-america-2026-events" target="_self">tourists</a> expected in the coming months.

Mayor Parker ups her rideshare tax proposal to $1 per trip

Big rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are likely to fight back hard on the threat of a second tax on their businesses.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker is upping her proposal for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new rideshare tax" 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="5c179f0d-4d9e-4e46-977c-549147190ad2" data-vars-headline="Mayor Parker ups her rideshare tax proposal to $1 per trip" 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">new rideshare tax</a> to help close the school district&#x27;s massive budget gap.Why it matters: Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are likely to fight back hard against the threat of a second tax on their businesses. (Think: The battle over Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soda tax" data-vars-click-url="https://whyy.org/articles/lobbying-war-over-philly-soda-tax-still-waged-by-the-millions/" data-vars-content-id="5c179f0d-4d9e-4e46-977c-549147190ad2" data-vars-headline="Mayor Parker ups her rideshare tax proposal to $1 per trip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://whyy.org/articles/lobbying-war-over-philly-soda-tax-still-waged-by-the-millions/" target="_blank">soda tax</a> a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decade ago" data-vars-click-url="https://whyy.org/articles/5-4-million-ads-devoted-philly-soda-tax-battle-year/" data-vars-content-id="5c179f0d-4d9e-4e46-977c-549147190ad2" data-vars-headline="Mayor Parker ups her rideshare tax proposal to $1 per trip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://whyy.org/articles/5-4-million-ads-devoted-philly-soda-tax-battle-year/" target="_blank">decade ago</a>.)<ul><li>Plus: The new fee could make rides cost more within Philly proper.</li></ul>

Bill Gates-founded nuclear company invests $450M in South Philly facility

TerraPower Isotopes is the largest tenant yet for the growing Bellwether District.

A massive South Philadelphia development project has scored a $450 million investment from Bill Gates&#x27; nuclear science company.Why it matters: TerraPower Isotopes is the largest tenant yet for the growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bellwether District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/13/bellwether-district-south-philadelphia-first-phase" data-vars-content-id="ffbce529-3ea5-4c93-86a9-e8605b44d26a" data-vars-headline="Bill Gates-founded nuclear company invests $450M in South Philly facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/13/bellwether-district-south-philadelphia-first-phase" target="_self">Bellwether District</a> and will expand the city&#x27;s life sciences industry.

What's at stake for Philadelphia's DNC bid

Holding the convention would bring an economic windfall for Philly's tourism industry.

Politics

Philadelphia could cement its place as the epicenter of the Democratic Party by landing its presidential nominating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/democratic-national-convention-dnc-2028-atlanta-boston-chicago-denver-philadelphia" data-vars-content-id="1be6ee14-28ac-4aac-8ccb-9bf6afaac2aa" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s at stake for Philadelphia&#x27;s DNC bid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/democratic-national-convention-dnc-2028-atlanta-boston-chicago-denver-philadelphia" target="_self">convention</a> in 2028.Why it matters: Hosting the convention would put a national spotlight on Philly and provide an economic windfall for the city&#x27;s tourism industry — but also could prompt protests, congestion and increased security.

Renovations coming to Reading Terminal Market

The market is classic Philly and among the top tourist draws in the region.

Culture

Reading Terminal Market&#x27;s getting an upgrade ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="influx of visitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/philadelphia-region-tourism-250-america-2026-events" data-vars-content-id="cec86ff1-e405-4ae5-83cf-6a5dbbe2f1a9" data-vars-headline="Renovations coming to Reading Terminal Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/philadelphia-region-tourism-250-america-2026-events" target="_self">influx of visitors</a> expected this summer for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big 2026 events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/evemts-2026-america-250-museums-world-cup-sports" data-vars-content-id="cec86ff1-e405-4ae5-83cf-6a5dbbe2f1a9" data-vars-headline="Renovations coming to Reading Terminal Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/evemts-2026-america-250-museums-world-cup-sports" target="_self">big 2026 events</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="133-year-old market" data-vars-click-url="https://readingterminalmarket.org/about-the-market/history/" data-vars-content-id="cec86ff1-e405-4ae5-83cf-6a5dbbe2f1a9" data-vars-headline="Renovations coming to Reading Terminal Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://readingterminalmarket.org/about-the-market/history/" target="_blank">133-year-old market</a> is classic Philly and among the region&#x27;s top tourist destinations, drawing more than 5,000,000 people a year.

Business 🏦

Philly pride takes over the PGA Championship merch shop

Philly hotels still waiting for World Cup booking boost

Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup

Pop-ups will fill vacant storefronts in Market East this summer

How to get the most out of spring in Philadelphia