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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.

Uber escalates fight over Philadelphia's proposed rideshare tax

The fight is shaping up as Soda Tax 2.0, echoing the battle the beverage industry waged against former Mayor Kenney.

News

Uber is launching an aggressive campaign to defeat Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s proposed rideshare tax — tapping a high-powered Philadelphia lobbying firm and warning riders how the fee will hit their wallets.Why it matters: The fight is shaping up as Soda Tax 2.0, reminiscent of the bruising battle the beverage industry waged against former Mayor Jim Kenney&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signature initiative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/12/philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-legacy-moments" data-vars-content-id="f0ab01d1-070f-442f-a838-54463132480c" data-vars-headline="Uber escalates fight over Philadelphia&#x27;s proposed rideshare tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/12/philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-legacy-moments" target="_self">signature initiative</a> to fund universal pre-kindergarten, plus renovations to parks and recreation centers.

Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup

The last time Philly could serve alcohol past 2am was in 2016.

Food and Drink

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.

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.

New bites and fan perks at Citizens Bank Park

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phillies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/03/04/phillies-fans-losing-streaks-patience-faith" data-vars-content-id="1c3170ce-54d0-4334-bc59-b154a18883a5" data-vars-headline="New bites and fan perks at Citizens Bank Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/03/04/phillies-fans-losing-streaks-patience-faith" target="_self">Phillies</a> are ringing in their regular season Thursday with some big new offerings for fans.Why it matters: Fans will find new foods and merch at Citizens Bank Park, while cord-cutters have more streaming options to watch from home.

We checked out Philadelphia's new Portal installation

Culture

<figure><img alt="Axios reporter Mike D&#x27;Onofrio waving with others at Philadelphia new Portal at LOVE Park" height="800" id="17d8b7d1-9dd6-46f8-ad83-6b90b3a25f58" src="https://images.axios.com/xnHRJCzgeX-YZbUHxzQLrryoEn0=/filters:no_upscale()/2024/10/24/1729795697900.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Mike D&#x27;Onofrio hamming it up with other onlookers at the Portal on Thursday. Video: Mike D&#x27;Onofrio/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/18/portal-art-installation-philly" data-vars-content-id="25e604eb-6640-41ee-b93f-93867c18014c" data-vars-headline="We checked out Philadelphia&#x27;s new Portal installation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/18/portal-art-installation-philly" target="_self">Portal</a> is live in Philly so I had to check it out for myself.Catch up quick: The nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="12-foot-tall circular art installation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portals.org/news/portals-org-announces-the-relocation-of-the-viral-nyc-portal-to-philadelphias-love-park" data-vars-content-id="25e604eb-6640-41ee-b93f-93867c18014c" data-vars-headline="We checked out Philadelphia&#x27;s new Portal installation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portals.org/news/portals-org-announces-the-relocation-of-the-viral-nyc-portal-to-philadelphias-love-park" target="_blank">12-foot-tall circular art installation</a> turned on Tuesday in LOVE Park, where it&#x27;s cordoned off by metal bike racks.

Cool things to do in a Philadelphia heat wave

When the mercury rises, you need a plan to cool off.

Things to Do

Find relief from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/06/20/philadelphia-weather-heat-wave-end" data-vars-content-id="86874f9f-f44e-4d33-a1b4-0478c20b5b70" data-vars-headline="Cool things to do in a Philadelphia heat wave" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/06/20/philadelphia-weather-heat-wave-end" target="_self">summer heat</a> with these Philadelphia attractions including museums, public pools and skating rinks.Why it matters: When the mercury rises, you need a plan to cool off (especially for those with children).

The best ice cream shops in the Philadelphia area

Philly was once the nation's ice cream capital.

This summer is expected to be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scorcher" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/22/summer-forecast-philadelphia" data-vars-content-id="f1df56aa-43e6-48e9-b898-2efc98365f77" data-vars-headline="The best ice cream shops in the Philadelphia area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/22/summer-forecast-philadelphia" target="_self">scorcher</a>, but luckily Philadelphia has plenty of ice cream shops to cool off.The big picture: Philly was once the nation&#x27;s ice cream capital.

2 Philly bars make Esquire's Best Bars in America list

Inclusion on the magazine's annual short list is a mark of excellence and boosts the standing of a newly minted bar.

A pair of Philadelphia bars landed on Esquire&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Bars in America" data-vars-click-url="https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a60899398/best-bars-america-2024/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_richmond&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="4caeb9e6-2bd3-48f6-ac03-102693b59f10" data-vars-headline="2 Philly bars make Esquire&#x27;s Best Bars in America list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a60899398/best-bars-america-2024/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_richmond&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">Best Bars in America</a> list.Why it matters: Inclusion on the magazine&#x27;s annual short list is a mark of excellence and boosts the standing of the newly minted bar.

Your guide to Philadelphia's Pride March and Festival

The daylong LGBTQ+ celebration will draw thousands of revelers.

Begin Pride Month with a bash on Sunday at Philly&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="march and festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/30/philadelphia-weekend-pride-festival-beer-week-roots" data-vars-content-id="6831fccd-14df-4180-86dc-5c5fc6f5070b" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Philadelphia&#x27;s Pride March and Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/30/philadelphia-weekend-pride-festival-beer-week-roots" target="_self">march and festival</a>. This year&#x27;s theme is &quot;Be You.&quot;Why it matters: The daylong LGBTQ+ celebration is among the largest in the country, drawing thousands of revelers to the Gayborhood.

What's open and closed on Memorial Day in Philadelphia

While schools are closed and trash pickup canceled, most grocery stores are open.

Business

Philadelphia schools, offices and some businesses are closing for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/23/memorial-day-2024-federal-holiday" data-vars-content-id="f0b49122-055e-49c1-b9c2-d4c1e1711946" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s open and closed on Memorial Day in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/23/memorial-day-2024-federal-holiday" target="_self">Memorial Day</a>.Why it matters: The nation pays respects to its fallen military personnel every year on the last Monday of May, which also coincides with the unofficial start of summer.

Guides

New bites and fan perks at Citizens Bank Park

We checked out Philadelphia's new Portal installation

Cool things to do in a Philadelphia heat wave

The best ice cream shops in the Philadelphia area

2 Philly bars make Esquire's Best Bars in America list