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Pennsylvania to crackdown on Turnpike toll evaders

The state is losing out on more than $200 million in uncollected tolls.

Transit

Pennsylvania is cracking down on Turnpike toll evaders as state lawmakers eye <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="harsher penalties for habitual scofflaws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/25/pennsylvania-toll-evasion-penalties-bill-turnpike" data-vars-content-id="ba61955e-9b9a-4ead-8e75-9cd1c66995f4" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania to crackdown on Turnpike toll evaders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/25/pennsylvania-toll-evasion-penalties-bill-turnpike" target="_self">harsher penalties for habitual scofflaws</a>.Why it matters: The state is losing out on more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$200 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.palegis.us/senate/co-sponsorship/memo?memoID=48340" data-vars-content-id="ba61955e-9b9a-4ead-8e75-9cd1c66995f4" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania to crackdown on Turnpike toll evaders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.palegis.us/senate/co-sponsorship/memo?memoID=48340" target="_blank">$200 million</a> in uncollected tolls, hiking costs for the rest of us who pay our toll bills.

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.

Why a fleeting sunset moment, Phillyhenge, is still worth chasing

Many will camp out for hours near Dilworth Park looking for the perfect shot.

He&#x27;s shot 17 Olympics and photographed former President Bill Clinton for eight years — but there&#x27;s one thing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gary Hershorn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/garyhershorn/" data-vars-content-id="e93ded6f-184d-4c62-8ffe-e2bcf8769487" data-vars-headline="Why a fleeting sunset moment, Phillyhenge, is still worth chasing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/garyhershorn/" target="_blank">Gary Hershorn</a> is still chasing: Phillyhenge.Why it matters: When the sun aligns perfectly with Philly&#x27;s grid twice a year, it draws everyone with a lens — from dyed-in-the-wool photographers like Hershorn to amateurs and TikTokers chasing the perfect shot.

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.

One viral post kept this Philly chicken shop from closing

Food and Drink

Eight months ago, Abed &quot;Abe&quot; Ibrahim was a one-man band — cook, small business owner, pitchman — trying to save his tallow-fried chicken joint in Southwest Philly.<ul><li>Today, he&#x27;s running a new location in the suburbs with a five-person staff — and he aspires to turn his upstart restaurant into a casual dining juggernaut. </li></ul>Why it matters: For Ibrahim, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral social media post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/26/fried-chicken-tallow-philly-shop-rite-viral-post" data-vars-content-id="a5c24c4d-cdeb-4495-9b70-2347587c26cd" data-vars-headline="One viral post kept this Philly chicken shop from closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/26/fried-chicken-tallow-philly-shop-rite-viral-post" target="_self">viral social media post</a> meant the difference between closing and scaling up — and unlocked a devout health-conscious customer base.

Philly racks up 7 James Beard finalist nods

This is Jesse Ito's sixth time as a finalist.

Philly&#x27;s James Beard story features a familiar face: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Royal Sushi &amp; Izakaya" data-vars-click-url="http://royalsushiandizakaya.com/" data-vars-content-id="9d60c677-66fa-4826-bb3b-9d35b7e5ee99" data-vars-headline="Philly racks up 7 James Beard finalist nods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://royalsushiandizakaya.com/" target="_blank">Royal Sushi &amp; Izakaya</a>&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jesse Ito" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/02/james-beard-award-finalists-2025-philly" data-vars-content-id="9d60c677-66fa-4826-bb3b-9d35b7e5ee99" data-vars-headline="Philly racks up 7 James Beard finalist nods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/02/james-beard-award-finalists-2025-philly" target="_self">Jesse Ito</a> is once again a finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, joining a strong group of regional nominees.Why it matters: The Beards are the restaurant industry&#x27;s Oscars, and Ito&#x27;s repeat recognition underscores his staying power and Philly&#x27;s status as a top food city.

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.

What's new at Citizens Bank Park this season

Yummy ballpark fare and new renovations can boost the game experience — especially when the Phils are losing or the weather is bad.

Sports

Citizens Bank Park is rolling out several new eats and amenities for the 2026 season.Why it matters: Yummy ballpark fare and upgrades to the team store and Cadillac Hall of Fame Club can boost the game experience — especially when the Phils are losing, or the weather is bad.

Philadelphia is turning brunch into a party

Liquid Brunch is hosting its first amped-up brunch on April 4 at Fabrika.

Things to Do

Forget the mimosas and small talk. Brunch is getting an overhaul, Philly style.Why it matters: Organizers hope its high-octane spin on the classic weekend pastime launches a wave of people seeking a mashup of daytime dining with nightlife vibes.

The cheesiest bracket in Philly is officially on

Craft Hall is pitting its top mac-and-cheese dishes against each other in a single-elimination bracket.

One dish is about to be crowned the mac daddy of them all.The big picture: Northern Liberties sports bar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Craft Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.crafthallphilly.com/" data-vars-content-id="6c8babfb-0b0d-4321-8296-bf101ef65033" data-vars-headline="The cheesiest bracket in Philly is officially on" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.crafthallphilly.com/" target="_blank">Craft Hall</a> is tapping into March Madness fever with its own in-house Mac Madness tournament.

This Philly pizzaiolo is chasing the upper crust

Mason Lesser, a former pro surfer, is as intense as his classic, 600-degree Baker's Pride oven.

Philly pizzeria owner Mason Lesser loves three things: making dough, surfing and going to the gym.The big picture: The 25-year-old former pro surfer is making a name for himself in Philly&#x27;s ultra-competitive food scene, cranking out New York-style pizzas every 10 minutes at his Fishtown shop, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marina&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://marinaspizzaco.com" data-vars-content-id="bfd0a2ef-e8b9-406d-88ac-2df14fb712fb" data-vars-headline="This Philly pizzaiolo is chasing the upper crust" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://marinaspizzaco.com" target="_blank">Marina&#x27;s Pizza</a>, which opened late last year.<ul><li>Helped by a six-person crew, Lesser works between 10 and 14 hours a day, seven days a week. And he has a message for people who warn him about his relentless pace that&#x27;s as saucy as his homemade pies.</li></ul>

Philadelphia seafood spot wins James Beard Foundation award

The coveted accolade is a gold stamp of approval from the culinary industry's biggest name.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oyster House" data-vars-click-url="https://oysterhousephilly.com" data-vars-content-id="3d5ade0d-52d1-4aaf-a208-6562f3320bb6" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia seafood spot wins James Beard Foundation award" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oysterhousephilly.com" target="_blank">Oyster House</a> in Center City nabbed a James Beard America&#x27;s Classic Award.Why it matters: The coveted accolade is a gold stamp of approval from the culinary industry&#x27;s biggest name.

Di Bruno Bros. to close several store locations

The Philly-born Italian specialty grocer has been a beloved go-to spot for cured meats, cheese and epicurean delights since 1939.

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Di Bruno Bros." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/17/di-bruno-bros-sold-wakefern-food" data-vars-content-id="1d67968c-2a66-45b2-9e5c-52c76f8c3d35" data-vars-headline="Di Bruno Bros. to close several store locations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/17/di-bruno-bros-sold-wakefern-food" target="_self">Di Bruno Bros.</a> is shuttering a majority of its markets in the Philadelphia region this month. Why it matters: The Philly-born Italian specialty grocer has been a beloved go-to spot for cured meats, cheese and epicurean delights since 1939.

These are Philadelphia region's 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists

Beard Award season has begun, which ranks among the brass rings of the culinary industry.

The James Beard Foundation revealed its 2026 semifinalists today, and Philadelphia has a bunch of restaurants, bars and chefs in the mix.Why it matters: Beard Award season has begun, which ranks among the brass rings of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="culinary industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/19/michelin-guide-star-restaurants-awards-philly" data-vars-content-id="fe3afc26-5225-427f-84bd-092ed5302e6f" data-vars-headline="These are Philadelphia region&#x27;s 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/19/michelin-guide-star-restaurants-awards-philly" target="_self">culinary industry</a> and culminates in June when the winners are revealed.

Food and Drink 🍽

One viral post kept this Philly chicken shop from closing

Philly racks up 7 James Beard finalist nods

Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup

What's new at Citizens Bank Park this season

Philadelphia is turning brunch into a party