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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.

Confusion swirls around alternative plan to close Philly schools

Philly is getting mixed messaging about what happens if the district doesn't raise $2 billion for its facilities plan.

Education

The School District of Philadelphia needs to raise nearly $2 billion in outside funding to carry out its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10-year plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/20/philly-school-district-closures-facilities-plan-vote" data-vars-content-id="aa6ee450-ceeb-46b3-bbfb-cd170e97452d" data-vars-headline="Confusion swirls around alternative plan to close Philly schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/20/philly-school-district-closures-facilities-plan-vote" target="_self">10-year plan</a> to modernize some schools and close others.<ul><li>But there appears to be a cheaper alternative if the funding falls short — despite an official insisting a backup plan doesn&#x27;t exist.</li></ul>Why it matters: Philly is getting mixed messaging about what happens if the money doesn&#x27;t come through.

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>.

Hershey launches Christian Pulisic bars with giveaways and a Philly pop-up

The hometown hero hopes to lead Team USA to glory in the World Cup.

Food and Drink

Hershey is celebrating its shared hometown roots with soccer star Christian Pulisic ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/05/phillys-world-cup-host-anxiety" data-vars-content-id="3a1f9411-7cb0-4fa6-aa74-ad7e4c4857e0" data-vars-headline="Hershey launches Christian Pulisic bars with giveaways and a Philly pop-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/05/phillys-world-cup-host-anxiety" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: A new commercial pairs one of Pennsylvania&#x27;s most recognizable brands with one of American soccer&#x27;s biggest stars, who Time magazine dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Captain America" data-vars-click-url="https://time.com/article/2026/05/07/christian-pulisic-world-cup-2026-interview/" data-vars-content-id="3a1f9411-7cb0-4fa6-aa74-ad7e4c4857e0" data-vars-headline="Hershey launches Christian Pulisic bars with giveaways and a Philly pop-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://time.com/article/2026/05/07/christian-pulisic-world-cup-2026-interview/" target="_blank">&quot;Captain America</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/14/philly-activists-prepare-for-possible-ice-activity-during-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="3a1f9411-7cb0-4fa6-aa74-ad7e4c4857e0" data-vars-headline="Hershey launches Christian Pulisic bars with giveaways and a Philly pop-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/14/philly-activists-prepare-for-possible-ice-activity-during-world-cup" target="_self">.</a>&quot;

How the PGA Championship feeds 200,000 fans

The golf tourney is the rare major sporting event where general admission gets fans unlimited free food and drinks (sans alcohol).

Sports

The logistics of feeding roughly 200,000 spectators at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PGA Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/11/pga-championship-golf-philadelphia-aronimink-guide" data-vars-content-id="de663e19-92f0-4f4c-a0bd-4a08905fbd1a" data-vars-headline="How the PGA Championship feeds 200,000 fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/11/pga-championship-golf-philadelphia-aronimink-guide" target="_self">PGA Championship</a> at Aronimink Golf Club this week is no easy feat.Why it matters: The golf tourney is the rare major sporting event where general admission includes unlimited food and drinks (sans alcohol).

Walking tacos are not tacos. Wawa proves it

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

Culture

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 restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup

"Tipping customs vary widely around the world," an industry group spokesperson tells Axios.

A new service charge could land on your check at some restaurants and bars across the city during the <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="e99c83f3-81ba-4e80-92c0-257770d2aad6" data-vars-headline="Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges 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>.Why it matters: Businesses are considering auto-charges when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international visitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="e99c83f3-81ba-4e80-92c0-257770d2aad6" data-vars-headline="Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges 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/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" target="_self">international visitors</a> descend on Philly for the tourney this summer, many from countries with far different <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tipping customs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230606-how-to-tip-around-the-world" data-vars-content-id="e99c83f3-81ba-4e80-92c0-257770d2aad6" data-vars-headline="Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230606-how-to-tip-around-the-world" target="_blank">tipping customs</a>.

Craft brewers are producing less beer in Pennsylvania

The industry took a hit last year, forcing brewers to get creative.

Pennsylvania&#x27;s craft beer industry took a hit last year as production plunged.Why it matters: It&#x27;s forcing brewers to get creative and expand into nonalcoholic beverages to boost revenues from this multibillion-dollar industry.

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.

Stephen Starr's Parc has the best free restaurant bread, Atlantic says

On his rise to the top, Star has redefined the bread basket.

The cranberry-walnut loaf at Stephen Starr&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Parc" data-vars-click-url="https://parc-restaurant.com/" data-vars-content-id="e2a33fcb-c787-4239-89bc-d52f66816855" data-vars-headline="Stephen Starr&#x27;s Parc has the best free restaurant bread, Atlantic says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://parc-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Parc</a> restaurant in Rittenhouse Square is America&#x27;s best free restaurant bread, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per The Atlantic." data-vars-click-url="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/05/best-free-restaurant-bread-america/686582/" data-vars-content-id="e2a33fcb-c787-4239-89bc-d52f66816855" data-vars-headline="Stephen Starr&#x27;s Parc has the best free restaurant bread, Atlantic says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/05/best-free-restaurant-bread-america/686582/" target="_blank">per The Atlantic.</a> Why it matters: On his rise to the top, Starr has redefined the bread basket.

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.

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.

One viral post kept this Philly chicken shop from closing

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.

Food and Drink 🍽

Hershey launches Christian Pulisic bars with giveaways and a Philly pop-up

How the PGA Championship feeds 200,000 fans

Walking tacos are not tacos. Wawa proves it

Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup

Craft brewers are producing less beer in Pennsylvania