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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.

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.

Philadelphia primary results: Shapiro, Garrity and other top races

The primary featured a handful of notable races statewide and in the Philly region.

Tuesday&#x27;s primary made it official: Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Josh Shapiro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/03/josh-shapiro-gop-candidate-2024" data-vars-content-id="4cfe7970-1791-405d-83a5-5f431ed7a410" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia primary results: Shapiro, Garrity and other top races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/03/josh-shapiro-gop-candidate-2024" target="_self">Josh Shapiro</a> will take on state Treasurer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stacy Garrity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/18/stacy-garrity-enters-pennsylvania-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="4cfe7970-1791-405d-83a5-5f431ed7a410" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia primary results: Shapiro, Garrity and other top races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/18/stacy-garrity-enters-pennsylvania-governor-race" target="_self">Stacy Garrity</a> in the November gubernatorial election. Why it matters: Shapiro faces a major test for reelection this year that could sink or boost any potential <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="presidential ambitions in 2028" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/07/shapiro-pennsylvania-strategy-midterms-2028" data-vars-content-id="4cfe7970-1791-405d-83a5-5f431ed7a410" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia primary results: Shapiro, Garrity and other top races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/07/shapiro-pennsylvania-strategy-midterms-2028" target="_self">presidential ambitions in 2028</a>.

Amtrak unveils new America 250-inspired train

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy traveled on the train's first trip from Washington, D.C., to 30th Street Station in Philly on Thursday.

Transit

Amtrak&#x27;s new Freedom 250 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Acela" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/07/amtrak-acela-new-trains-updates-nextgen" data-vars-content-id="722cbee7-0957-47a3-9617-434662132437" data-vars-headline="Amtrak unveils new America 250-inspired train" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/07/amtrak-acela-new-trains-updates-nextgen" target="_self">Acela</a> train — decked out in red, white and blue — pulled into Philadelphia yesterday. Why it matters: It was all part of America&#x27;s nationwide birthday celebration.

The best lies our moms, per Axios Philadelphia readers

We asked readers to share the good and bad lies their moms told them growing up — and they didn't hold back.

Culture

Ahead of Mother&#x27;s Day this weekend, Axios Philadelphia brings you a rundown of the best lies from moms, according to our readers.Context: We asked readers to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="share" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/04/lies-our-moms-told-us-reader-response" data-vars-content-id="b7b7cdcf-edbd-4286-bb24-d6f23f8d50e2" data-vars-headline="The best lies our moms, per Axios Philadelphia readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/04/lies-our-moms-told-us-reader-response" target="_self">share</a> the good and bad lies their moms told them growing up, whether they boosted our confidence or kept us honest.

Walking tacos are not tacos. Wawa proves it

Even Philly's favorite convenience store did its research and realized every taco needs a shell.

Tacos are tacos — except when they&#x27;re not.Why it matters: Born in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mexico&#x27;s silver mines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/where-did-the-taco-come-from-81228162/" data-vars-content-id="fe4b8492-4dbc-4527-93db-fdb65f6c94f0" data-vars-headline="Walking tacos are not tacos. Wawa proves it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/where-did-the-taco-come-from-81228162/" target="_blank">Mexico&#x27;s silver mines</a> in the 18th century, tacos evolved from working-class staple to cultural icon, inspiring everything from Taco Tuesday to late-night drive-thru runs.

Philly celebrates Cinco de Mayo without big festival

While El Carnaval de Puebla was canceled, you can head to a South Philly block party and other events Tuesday.

Philadelphia is marking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cinco de Mayo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/05/03/why-americans-celebrate-cinco-de-mayo" data-vars-content-id="b4e093a5-2d4e-4f39-bb87-8085473c33ff" data-vars-headline="Philly celebrates Cinco de Mayo without big festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/05/03/why-americans-celebrate-cinco-de-mayo" target="_self">Cinco de Mayo</a> with a block party and other events across the city Tuesday.The big picture: Philly&#x27;s largest celebration was called off over immigration enforcement concerns.

Readers respond: Lies our moms told us

All moms lie, but some of them (or at least the important ones) are done out of love.

Hi, Mike here! With Mother&#x27;s Day this coming weekend, it got me thinking about all the lies my mom told me when I was a wee lad.Why it matters: All moms lie, but some of them (or at least the important ones) are done out of love.

Broad Street Run to bring road closures this weekend

The run, billed as the largest 10-mile race in the U.S., begins at 7am in North Philly.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broad Street Run" data-vars-click-url="https://www.broadstreetrun.com/" data-vars-content-id="a06b36b5-38e4-46fc-8710-516f9ba6395a" data-vars-headline="Broad Street Run to bring road closures this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.broadstreetrun.com/" target="_blank">Broad Street Run</a> is set to bring 40,000 runners to Philadelphia on Sunday. The big picture: Road closures and detours for the 10-miler will also cause hassles for drivers over the weekend.

World Cup fans can tailgate in Philadelphia on match days

Yes, but: It likely won't be an all-day affair.

<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="f998d678-b0ed-4656-86dd-7279e7af62c3" data-vars-headline="World Cup fans can tailgate in Philadelphia on match days" 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> fans in Philadelphia can rest assured: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tailgating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/01/17/eagles-tailgate-c6-rams-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="f998d678-b0ed-4656-86dd-7279e7af62c3" data-vars-headline="World Cup fans can tailgate in Philadelphia on match days" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/01/17/eagles-tailgate-c6-rams-playoffs" target="_self">Tailgating</a> is allowed in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lincoln Financial Field&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/16/philadelphia-lincoln-financial-field-fifa-world-cup-2026" data-vars-content-id="f998d678-b0ed-4656-86dd-7279e7af62c3" data-vars-headline="World Cup fans can tailgate in Philadelphia on match days" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/16/philadelphia-lincoln-financial-field-fifa-world-cup-2026" target="_self">Lincoln Financial Field&#x27;s</a> parking area during matches.Why it matters: FIFA has faced backlash for prohibiting this great American pastime in other U.S. host cities, like MetLife Stadium in Jersey.

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 celebrate 50 years of "Rocky Horror" in Philly region

Catch a new documentary that pays tribute to the cult classic and its fandom.

&quot;The Rocky Horror Picture Show&quot; has outlived the Soviet Union, Y2K and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19 pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="82389070-4cf7-4e8a-b9c1-025253447935" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate 50 years of &quot;Rocky Horror&quot; in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.<ul><li>Philly fans can celebrate its legacy tonight with a documentary showing that pays tribute to the cult classic and its fandom.</li></ul>The big picture: What began as a box-office flop has turned into the longest-running theatrical film in history — all thanks to midnight screenings that began 50 years ago this month.<ul><li>The film, and the shadowcasts reenacting it in Philly and beyond, have fostered community among LGBTQ+ youth and self-described &quot;outcasts.&quot;</li></ul>

New at the Philadelphia Zoo: Animal plant sculptures

They're spread out across the zoo's campus.

Topiaries are now in bloom at the Philadelphia Zoo. Why it matters: Cue the selfie lines.