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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.

Cursive handwriting makes a comeback in Pennsylvania

A new mandate specifies that all Pennsylvania students must be taught cursive in public and private schools.

Education

Pennsylvania has enshrined cursive into its school curriculum.Why it matters: Spending valuable class time teaching students to put pen to paper is a growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/25/cursive-makes-a-comeback" data-vars-content-id="eb4ffba5-a21e-485f-8559-5e8693185315" data-vars-headline="Cursive handwriting makes a comeback in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/25/cursive-makes-a-comeback" target="_self">nationwide</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/25/cursive-writing-returns-to-georgia-classrooms" data-vars-content-id="eb4ffba5-a21e-485f-8559-5e8693185315" data-vars-headline="Cursive handwriting makes a comeback in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/25/cursive-writing-returns-to-georgia-classrooms" target="_self">trend</a>, despite students using computers for more and more assignments.

Your take: School schedules vs. parents' sanity

Working parents are left scrambling to provide care or take off work for their young children when school is canceled (or goes virtual).

👋 Hi, Mike here. After the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent snowstorm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/23/snowmaggedon-20-tests-phillys-storm-response" data-vars-content-id="0bce3c0c-412a-4d05-93b2-7bfd4e8c1a85" data-vars-headline="Your take: School schedules vs. parents&#x27; sanity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/23/snowmaggedon-20-tests-phillys-storm-response" target="_self">recent snowstorm</a> forced the Philly school district to switch to virtual learning, I wondered how many full and in-person weeks of school students have had recently. 🚨 Spoiler alert: Not many.Why it matters: Working parents are left scrambling to provide care for their young children when school is canceled (or goes virtual). 🧮 By the numbers: District students have had five uninterrupted weeks of schooling inside a district building since the start of November, per Axios&#x27; calculations. <ul><li>That figure accounts for days off (think Election Day, Veterans Day, winter break), early dismissals (like for staff development), and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snow days" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/22/winter-storm-philadelphia-region" data-vars-content-id="0bce3c0c-412a-4d05-93b2-7bfd4e8c1a85" data-vars-headline="Your take: School schedules vs. parents&#x27; sanity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/22/winter-storm-philadelphia-region" target="_self">snow days</a> when learning went virtual. </li><li>Worth noting: The district declined my request to confirm. But we based our numbers on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online school calendar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.philasd.org/calendar/" data-vars-content-id="0bce3c0c-412a-4d05-93b2-7bfd4e8c1a85" data-vars-headline="Your take: School schedules vs. parents&#x27; sanity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philasd.org/calendar/" target="_blank">online school calendar</a>. </li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: District spokesperson Naima DeBrest tells Axios that the school calendar &quot;ensures that students receive the full number of required instructional days and hours.&quot; <ul><li>And when inclement weather hits the region, remote learning days allow students to &quot;continue receiving instruction and maintain academic achievement.&quot;</li></ul>💭 Mike&#x27;s thought bubble: Sure, virtual learning could be productive for older students in high school who are (relatively) self-sufficient.<ul><li>But as any parent with a young school-aged child will tell you, the effectiveness of remote learning seems highly suspect, and virtual days often require child care anyway — or taking the day off work entirely.</li></ul>📬 Share your thoughts: What&#x27;s your take on the number of days district students haven&#x27;t been in school? <ul><li>Send an email to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="philadelphia@axios.com" data-vars-click-url="mailto: philadelphia@axios.com" data-vars-content-id="0bce3c0c-412a-4d05-93b2-7bfd4e8c1a85" data-vars-headline="Your take: School schedules vs. parents&#x27; sanity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="mailto: philadelphia@axios.com" target="_blank">philadelphia@axios.com</a> and let us know. </li></ul>

Fewer Philadelphia district schools to close under updated facilities plan

This is the first major change to the $2.8-billion design for overhauling the district's real estate footprint.

Philly school district brass tweaked its closely watched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="facilities plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/12/school-closures-district-facilities-plan-city-hall-legislators" data-vars-content-id="091c847f-9b30-4512-9616-60ac126cf1bb" data-vars-headline="Fewer Philadelphia district schools to close under updated facilities plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/12/school-closures-district-facilities-plan-city-hall-legislators" target="_self">facilities plan</a> Thursday, trimming its proposed school-closure list from 20 to 18.Why it matters: This is the first major change to the $2.8 billion design for overhauling the district&#x27;s real estate footprint amid declining enrollment and following significant pressure from community members and city legislators.

Philly's Board of Education to take up plan to close, merge schools

The process for green-lighting the district's $2.8 billion blueprint for managing hundreds of school buildings is in the home stretch.

All eyes are on Philly&#x27;s schools chief Thursday, as he&#x27;s expected to formally present his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan for overhauling district school buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/23/close-schools-facility-plan-buildings" data-vars-content-id="ba334879-72dc-4faa-abff-7ee495a51da2" data-vars-headline="Philly&#x27;s Board of Education to take up plan to close, merge schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/23/close-schools-facility-plan-buildings" target="_self">plan for overhauling district school buildings</a> to the Board of Education.Why it matters: The process for green-lighting the district&#x27;s $2.8 billion blueprint for managing hundreds of school buildings is in the home stretch.

UPenn leads Philly schools in foreign funding

See how much Philly universities have received from overseas sources over the past 40 years.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Universities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/10/college-enrollment-racial-changes-students-university-of-pennsylvania-temple-drexel" data-vars-content-id="2d426e4b-8d56-41d9-a080-49722942b8a1" data-vars-headline="UPenn leads Philly schools in foreign funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/10/college-enrollment-racial-changes-students-university-of-pennsylvania-temple-drexel" target="_self">Universities</a> in the Philadelphia region raked in billions of dollars from overseas contributors over the past four decades.Why it matters: The U.S. Education Department&#x27;s recent data breaks down the foreign contributions that are helping to financially support Philly&#x27;s biggest schools.

School closure plan collides with Philadelphia legislators

Growing opposition among City Council will likely bring changes or delays to the district's $2.8 billion blueprint.

The Philly school district&#x27;s controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan to close and modernize its buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/23/close-schools-facility-plan-buildings" data-vars-content-id="a8909b87-f652-4e45-b7cd-9d8ebf4f3999" data-vars-headline="School closure plan collides with Philadelphia legislators" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/23/close-schools-facility-plan-buildings" target="_self">plan to close and modernize its buildings</a> is up against its biggest obstacle yet: city politics.Why it matters: Growing opposition among City Council could bring delays and changes to the district&#x27;s $2.8 billion blueprint.

How college enrollment is changing at Philly's top universities

The University of Pennsylvania has seen a drop in Black and Hispanic enrollment in 2024.

Admissions to colleges and universities in the Philly region are undergoing a big racial shift following the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Supreme Court&#x27;s decision to strike down race-based admissions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/29/scotus-decisions-affirmative-action-colleges" data-vars-content-id="e0bb76f1-31c0-41b5-b5f9-b729af279cf4" data-vars-headline="How college enrollment is changing at Philly&#x27;s top universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/29/scotus-decisions-affirmative-action-colleges" target="_self">U.S. Supreme Court&#x27;s decision to strike down race-based admissions</a> in 2023, per a new analysis.Why it matters: The recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.joinclassaction.us/post/a-first-look-at-college-enrollment-outcomes-after-the-end-of-affirmative-action" data-vars-content-id="e0bb76f1-31c0-41b5-b5f9-b729af279cf4" data-vars-headline="How college enrollment is changing at Philly&#x27;s top universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.joinclassaction.us/post/a-first-look-at-college-enrollment-outcomes-after-the-end-of-affirmative-action" target="_blank">report</a> from the nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Class Action" data-vars-click-url="https://www.joinclassaction.us/" data-vars-content-id="e0bb76f1-31c0-41b5-b5f9-b729af279cf4" data-vars-headline="How college enrollment is changing at Philly&#x27;s top universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.joinclassaction.us/" target="_blank">Class Action</a> gives the first nationwide glimpse of how enrollment at public and private institutions has shifted post-ruling.

Proposal calls for closing 20 Philly schools and upgrading others

The much-anticipated proposal would reshape the district, bringing sweeping changes to its 307 buildings.

The Philly school district has laid out a $2.8 billion plan that would close 20 schools and modernize roughly 160 across the city. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="much-anticipated proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/12/district-school-closings-facilities-plan-survey" data-vars-content-id="dcfc7ba4-b699-475d-9842-12abc569dbaa" data-vars-headline="Proposal calls for closing 20 Philly schools and upgrading others" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/12/district-school-closings-facilities-plan-survey" target="_self">much-anticipated proposal</a> would reshape the district, bringing sweeping changes to more than half of its buildings.

Philly sounds off on forthcoming school facilities plan

The survey was among the final chances to give feedback on the district's recommendations for the future of its buildings.

Thousands weighed in on the school district&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="facilities plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philly-teacher-strike-septa-cuts-school-closures" data-vars-content-id="e68a5759-9919-4592-b750-de760dcb949c" data-vars-headline="Philly sounds off on forthcoming school facilities plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philly-teacher-strike-septa-cuts-school-closures" target="_self">facilities plan</a> ahead of its much-anticipated release in the coming months.Why it matters: The survey was among the final chances the community has to give feedback on the district&#x27;s recommendations for the future of its more than 300 school buildings.

Fewer students are choosing Philadelphia district schools

Meanwhile, Philly's charter school student population is going in the other direction.

Philadelphia families continue to flee the city&#x27;s public schools, new data shows.Why it matters: The declining student population will likely influence a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-awaited district plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philly-teacher-strike-septa-cuts-school-closures" data-vars-content-id="489ca1e8-ed2d-4821-bb55-655863556f15" data-vars-headline="Fewer students are choosing Philadelphia district schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philly-teacher-strike-septa-cuts-school-closures" target="_self">long-awaited district plan</a> to close some schools and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="merge and repurpose" data-vars-click-url="https://www.philasd.org/schoolboard/2024/09/20/board-of-education-directs-superintendent-dr-watlington-to-develop-and-present-recommendations-on-a-facilities-utilization-plan-which-shall-include-community-outreach/" data-vars-content-id="489ca1e8-ed2d-4821-bb55-655863556f15" data-vars-headline="Fewer students are choosing Philadelphia district schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philasd.org/schoolboard/2024/09/20/board-of-education-directs-superintendent-dr-watlington-to-develop-and-present-recommendations-on-a-facilities-utilization-plan-which-shall-include-community-outreach/" target="_blank">merge and repurpose</a> others.

Education 📚

Cursive handwriting makes a comeback in Pennsylvania

Your take: School schedules vs. parents' sanity

Fewer Philadelphia district schools to close under updated facilities plan

Philly's Board of Education to take up plan to close, merge schools

UPenn leads Philly schools in foreign funding