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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>.

Philadelphia's troubled turnout in past primaries

In deep blue Philly, the winners of Democratic primaries are usually a lock for the November election.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/15/primary-election-philadelphia-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="01af65a6-23ce-40d1-acfb-b04e9fb5e04a" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s troubled turnout in past primaries" 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">primary day</a>, but most Philadelphia voters are unlikely to take part.Why it matters: In deep blue Philly, the winners of Democratic primaries are usually a lock for the November election.

Philadelphia's 2-minute guide to Tuesday's primary

The winners of Tuesday's primaries move on to the November election.

Get ready to vote.Why it matters: The winners of Tuesday&#x27;s primaries move on to the November election.

What Philly voters need to know about early voting in the May primary

The first batch of mail-in ballots were sent out.

Early voting in Philadelphia&#x27;s May 19 primary election is underway. The big picture: The primary will feature Democrats and Republicans running for governor, lieutenant governor, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Congress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/23/district-3-primary-fundraising-ala-stanford-sharif-street-rabb-money" data-vars-content-id="34dd00b0-f766-4f50-b474-5abc03072a88" data-vars-headline="What Philly voters need to know about early voting in the May primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/23/district-3-primary-fundraising-ala-stanford-sharif-street-rabb-money" target="_self">Congress</a>, and state representatives and senators, along with two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballot questions" data-vars-click-url="https://vote.phila.gov/media/2026P_Ballot_Questions.pdf" data-vars-content-id="34dd00b0-f766-4f50-b474-5abc03072a88" data-vars-headline="What Philly voters need to know about early voting in the May primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vote.phila.gov/media/2026P_Ballot_Questions.pdf" target="_blank">ballot questions</a>.

District 3 candidates flush with cash ahead of Democratic primary

Spending in the coming weeks could help sway the outcome.

Politics

Candidates vying for Philadelphia&#x27;s high-profile <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open congressional seat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/15/sharif-street-cherelle-parker-endorsement-election" data-vars-content-id="8eedb3f2-efb9-4bcc-a681-9a3365843968" data-vars-headline="District 3 candidates flush with cash ahead of Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/15/sharif-street-cherelle-parker-endorsement-election" target="_self">open congressional seat</a> are sitting on heaps of cash ahead of the May 19 Democratic primary.Why it matters: In deep-blue District 3, spending in the final weeks could sway who wins the Democratic primary — and the November election.

Dems sweep Pennsylvania Supreme Court and big Philly races

Democrats held onto their majority on the state's highest court. Plus, other race results.

In a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-stakes race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-supreme-court-retention-elections" data-vars-content-id="cdf37dec-7816-40d2-ae04-d3e191de1d9a" data-vars-headline="Dems sweep Pennsylvania Supreme Court and big Philly races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-supreme-court-retention-elections" target="_self">high-stakes race</a>, Democrats have retained control of Pennsylvania&#x27;s Supreme Court, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the AP reports" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-supreme-court-election-55e2fff26ab17e6f02f9e4808497587c" data-vars-content-id="cdf37dec-7816-40d2-ae04-d3e191de1d9a" data-vars-headline="Dems sweep Pennsylvania Supreme Court and big Philly races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-supreme-court-election-55e2fff26ab17e6f02f9e4808497587c" target="_blank">the AP reports</a>.Why it matters: The high court often decides divisive issues such as mail-in voting and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gerrymandering" data-vars-click-url="https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/pennsylvania-redistricting-lawsuit/" data-vars-content-id="cdf37dec-7816-40d2-ae04-d3e191de1d9a" data-vars-headline="Dems sweep Pennsylvania Supreme Court and big Philly races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/pennsylvania-redistricting-lawsuit/" target="_blank">gerrymandering</a> — and its rulings could shape election laws ahead of the 2026 midterms.

How Larry Krasner won third term as Philadelphia's progressive prosecutor

Voters have bucked a national trend of cities removing or voting out their reform-minded prosecutors in recent years.

Philadelphia&#x27;s District Attorney <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Larry Krasner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/05/philadelphia-election-results-larry-krasner-wins-district-attorney" data-vars-content-id="22d27213-fe5f-46e2-ac78-2125a2caaed0" data-vars-headline="How Larry Krasner won third term as Philadelphia&#x27;s progressive prosecutor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/05/philadelphia-election-results-larry-krasner-wins-district-attorney" target="_self">Larry Krasner</a> is set to become only the second DA elected to more than two terms in nearly 100 years.Why it matters: The three-peat signals that Krasner&#x27;s progressive policies and shakeup of the office have set a new standard for the job.

Larry Krasner wins Philadelphia district attorney race

Krasner is only the second person elected to more than two terms over the past century.

Philadelphia&#x27;s district attorney, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Larry Krasner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/02/18/larry-krasner-district-attorney-reelection" data-vars-content-id="e2b36879-0e5a-495f-ac03-0ee1fd470ffc" data-vars-headline="Larry Krasner wins Philadelphia district attorney race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/02/18/larry-krasner-district-attorney-reelection" target="_self">Larry Krasner</a>, has won reelection for a historic third term, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per AP" data-vars-click-url="https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-2025-election-results/#District" data-vars-content-id="e2b36879-0e5a-495f-ac03-0ee1fd470ffc" data-vars-headline="Larry Krasner wins Philadelphia district attorney race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-2025-election-results/#District" target="_blank">per AP</a>.Why it matters: Krasner&#x27;s progressive policies will set the direction of Philly&#x27;s criminal justice system for the next four years.

Everything to know about Philadelphia's 2025 election

High-profile races are flipping the script for a typically low-key off-year election.

It&#x27;s time to vote. Why it matters: High-profile races — like a contest that could reshape <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania&#x27;s Supreme Court" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-supreme-court-retention-elections" data-vars-content-id="e3d9b96d-5786-4f72-969b-00a74c43d3b5" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about Philadelphia&#x27;s 2025 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-supreme-court-retention-elections" target="_self">Pennsylvania&#x27;s Supreme Court</a> — are flipping the script for a typically low-key off-year election, drawing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national spotlight and big-time political spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/03/democrats-ad-spending-2025-elections" data-vars-content-id="e3d9b96d-5786-4f72-969b-00a74c43d3b5" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about Philadelphia&#x27;s 2025 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/03/democrats-ad-spending-2025-elections" target="_self">national spotlight and big-time political spending</a>.

Election 🗳️

Philadelphia primary results: Shapiro, Garrity and other top races

Chris Rabb wins heated Dem primary for Philly congressional seat

Philadelphia's troubled turnout in past primaries

Philadelphia's 2-minute guide to Tuesday's primary

What Philly voters need to know about early voting in the May primary