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Philly shuts down Rocky Steps fountain buzz

Crews have been spotted sprucing up the fountains.

Culture

The cascade fountains that flank the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocky Steps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/25/rocky-statue-philadelphia-museum-of-art-moves" data-vars-content-id="cfd3f99a-6422-4ff7-ad1a-5618d4037469" data-vars-headline="Philly shuts down Rocky Steps fountain buzz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/25/rocky-statue-philadelphia-museum-of-art-moves" target="_self">Rocky Steps</a> at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia Museum of Art" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/04/rebrand-20-philly-art-museum-backtracks-on-new-name" data-vars-content-id="cfd3f99a-6422-4ff7-ad1a-5618d4037469" data-vars-headline="Philly shuts down Rocky Steps fountain buzz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/04/rebrand-20-philly-art-museum-backtracks-on-new-name" target="_self">Philadelphia Museum of Art</a> have run dry for decades.The intrigue: But crews have been spotted sprucing them up, raising speculation that something could be in the works.

Immigration fuels population rise in Philadelphia

International migration has been fueling growth in both the city and region for years.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="International migration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/13/american-population-metro-areas-immigration" data-vars-content-id="cce974c9-21aa-4247-93f5-0e0f610cce8a" data-vars-headline="Immigration fuels population rise in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/13/american-population-metro-areas-immigration" target="_self">International migration</a> helped Philadelphia&#x27;s population tick up slightly between 2024 and 2025, per new Census Bureau data.Why it matters: Immigration has been fueling growth in both the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city and region" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/03/20/philly-population-growth-migration-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="cce974c9-21aa-4247-93f5-0e0f610cce8a" data-vars-headline="Immigration fuels population rise in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/03/20/philly-population-growth-migration-immigrants" target="_self">city and region</a> for years, even as it declines nationwide.

International tourists to flock to Philadelphia this year

Philly is abuzz with improvements, upgrades and activity as businesses and the city get ready for big crowds.

Travel

Philadelphia&#x27;s tourism and hotel industries should bank on a rebound year fueled by the FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/01/world-cup-tickets-philly-fifa-final-sale" data-vars-content-id="205fd58c-0bab-4ea6-bde1-25f67c85f87c" data-vars-headline="International tourists to flock to Philadelphia this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/01/world-cup-tickets-philly-fifa-final-sale" target="_self">World Cup</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other 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="205fd58c-0bab-4ea6-bde1-25f67c85f87c" data-vars-headline="International tourists to flock to Philadelphia this year" 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">other events</a> coming to the region, per a new analysis.Why it matters: Philly is abuzz with improvements, upgrades and activity as businesses and the city get ready for the big crowds.

A rideshare tax war is heating up in Philadelphia

Uber is letting riders know the fee would be passed onto customers.

Uber riders in Philly may notice a new item at the top of their receipt: Info about how Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new tax proposal on rideshares" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/23/rideshare-fee-uber-lyft-cherelle-parker-tax" data-vars-content-id="ab099494-af98-4b74-bd89-14a7331e0514" data-vars-headline="A rideshare tax war is heating up in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/23/rideshare-fee-uber-lyft-cherelle-parker-tax" target="_self">new tax proposal on rideshares</a> will &quot;make your trips more expensive.&quot;Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest move from Uber in its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/31/uber-escalates-fight-over-parker-rideshare-tax" data-vars-content-id="ab099494-af98-4b74-bd89-14a7331e0514" data-vars-headline="A rideshare tax war is heating up in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/31/uber-escalates-fight-over-parker-rideshare-tax" target="_self">growing campaign</a> to derail Parker&#x27;s tax plan.

This 12-year-old's cookies are powering sick Philly kids' dreams

With help from Famous 4th Street Cookie Company, Blakelyn Kelly turned a campfire classic into a fundraiser.

Food and Drink

Blakelyn Kelly could have wished for anything. She chose a s&#x27;mores cookie.Why it matters: With help from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Famous 4th Street Cookie Company" data-vars-click-url="https://famouscookies.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopICWrOAKGcKQUBOxYBBwWVQOq6YrVgb61D-nWmtVqYXQfAgAxE" data-vars-content-id="957e71da-f17e-48b6-8753-b179fa6b8000" data-vars-headline="This 12-year-old&#x27;s cookies are powering sick Philly kids&#x27; dreams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://famouscookies.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopICWrOAKGcKQUBOxYBBwWVQOq6YrVgb61D-nWmtVqYXQfAgAxE" target="_blank">Famous 4th Street Cookie Company</a>, she turned a campfire classic into a fundraiser powering wishes for kids across the Philadelphia region.

New series spotlights local artists with weeknight performances

The program includes 16 weeks of performances, shows from 6–9pm and 135 local artists.

Things to Do

Philly&#x27;s nightlife just got a little jazzier — even on a work week.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Weeknights Live" data-vars-click-url="https://www.creativephl.org/weeknightslive/" data-vars-content-id="2b07b66c-41b9-401d-929e-fd808a874fcd" data-vars-headline="New series spotlights local artists with weeknight performances" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.creativephl.org/weeknightslive/" target="_blank">Weeknights Live</a>, a new series spotlighting local artists, offers a midweek pick-me-up for the city&#x27;s bar and restaurant scene.

Comcast Spectacor to ditch Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team

America's sportiest sport city will likely lose its only indoor box lacrosse team.

Sports

Philly sports titan <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Comcast Spectacor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/02/sixers-comcast-spectacor-new-arena-south-philadelphia" data-vars-content-id="7f7e0454-6cc3-4b4a-8167-748c593cfdeb" data-vars-headline="Comcast Spectacor to ditch Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/02/sixers-comcast-spectacor-new-arena-south-philadelphia" target="_self">Comcast Spectacor</a> is dropping ownership of the Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team next month.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s sportiest sports city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/04/the-ultimate-case-for-philly-as-1-of-americas-best-sports-cities" data-vars-content-id="7f7e0454-6cc3-4b4a-8167-748c593cfdeb" data-vars-headline="Comcast Spectacor to ditch Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/04/the-ultimate-case-for-philly-as-1-of-americas-best-sports-cities" target="_self">America&#x27;s sportiest sports city</a> will likely lose its only indoor box lacrosse team.

Phillies trade Harry Kalas' name for energy drink sponsor — fans cry foul

The move landed like a 103-mph fastball to the ribs.

The Phillies have found themselves in a pickle before the season starts over their decision to remove legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas&#x27; name from an upper-deck concessions bar as part of a naming rights deal with Ghost Energy.Why it matters: To fans, the move landed like a 103-mph fastball to the ribs — and it&#x27;s coming from their own team.

Rocky statue moves inside Philadelphia Museum of Art

The city's most popular statue draws more than 4 million visitors annually and has stood there 2006.

The original <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocky statue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/14/rocky-statue-moving-art-museum-steps-sylvester-stallone" data-vars-content-id="ca4a668f-f681-4619-9b77-397683d69d13" data-vars-headline="Rocky statue moves inside 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/2026/01/14/rocky-statue-moving-art-museum-steps-sylvester-stallone" target="_self">Rocky statue</a> vacated its longtime home at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art&#x27;s steps yesterday.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s most popular statue draws more than 4 million visitors annually and has stood there since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2006" data-vars-click-url="https://www.associationforpublicart.org/artwork/rocky/" data-vars-content-id="ca4a668f-f681-4619-9b77-397683d69d13" data-vars-headline="Rocky statue moves inside Philadelphia Museum of Art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.associationforpublicart.org/artwork/rocky/" target="_blank">2006</a>.

This Philly filmmaker is cutting cheesesteak history into bites

Colin Comstock promies compelling, highly researched content on his platforms, not just another slab of repackaged ribeye.

Colin Comstock was in a sauna, sweating out those extra calories, when it hit him: Why cram Philly&#x27;s cheesesteak history into one big documentary when he could serve it up in bite-sized pieces?Why it matters: The 45-year-old Temple alum and Philly filmmaker is launching his new content platform, Cheesesteak City, timed to National Cheesesteak Day on Tuesday.

Sorry, Baltimore, but Philly still rules the cheesesteak world

We're cooking up a record-setting 1,200-foot cheesesteak on National Cheesesteak Day to prove we're still No. 1.

Steak your claim: Philadelphia has the best cheesesteaks in the world, bar none.Why it matters: It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Cheesesteak Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/03/24/samboner-show-podcast-philadelphia-cheesesteak" data-vars-content-id="351c75df-1cf4-46a2-b0ab-52df9e8cbc6e" data-vars-headline="Sorry, Baltimore, but Philly still rules the cheesesteak world" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/03/24/samboner-show-podcast-philadelphia-cheesesteak" target="_self">National Cheesesteak Day</a>, and we&#x27;re honoring our massive contribution to this country with another impressive attempted feat: setting a new world record for the longest cheesesteak ever created (more on that later).

Mural depicting César Chávez in Philadelphia could be changed

Allegations against Chávez are upending his legacy.

Mural Arts Philadelphia is calling for a city mural depicting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="César Chávez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/17/united-farm-workers-ufw-cesar-chavez-march-allegations" data-vars-content-id="6e0151be-edf1-4c6c-b46b-12c555b4fccd" data-vars-headline="Mural depicting César Chávez in Philadelphia could be changed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/17/united-farm-workers-ufw-cesar-chavez-march-allegations" target="_self">César Chávez</a> to be reconsidered following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allegations that he sexually abused young women" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/20/us/cesar-chavez-abuse-allegations-teachers-callout.html" data-vars-content-id="6e0151be-edf1-4c6c-b46b-12c555b4fccd" data-vars-headline="Mural depicting César Chávez in Philadelphia could be changed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/20/us/cesar-chavez-abuse-allegations-teachers-callout.html" target="_blank">allegations that he sexually abused young women</a>. Why it matters: The allegations against one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most celebrated Latino labor leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/24/obituaries/cesar-chavez-66-organizer-of-union-for-migrants-dies.html" data-vars-content-id="6e0151be-edf1-4c6c-b46b-12c555b4fccd" data-vars-headline="Mural depicting César Chávez in Philadelphia could be changed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/24/obituaries/cesar-chavez-66-organizer-of-union-for-migrants-dies.html" target="_blank">most celebrated Latino labor leaders</a> in the nation&#x27;s history are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="upending his legacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations" data-vars-content-id="6e0151be-edf1-4c6c-b46b-12c555b4fccd" data-vars-headline="Mural depicting César Chávez in Philadelphia could be changed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations" target="_self">upending his legacy</a>.

On this date: Philadelphia moves toward self-governance

Today, in 1789, the Pennsylvania state Legislature passed the act to incorporate Philadelphia amid the nation&#x27;s transition to our modern-day constitutional democracy. Why it matters: We love celebrating a good <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitphilly.com/52-weeks-of-firsts/" data-vars-content-id="ea68d276-a2e4-4dd3-a34e-31ccf491e89c" data-vars-headline="On this date: Philadelphia moves toward self-governance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitphilly.com/52-weeks-of-firsts/" target="_blank">first</a>.