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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>.

Pennie coverage drops amid rising health care premiums

More big spikes in health care costs could be coming.

Health

Pennsylvania&#x27;s Affordable Care Act marketplace has seen health insurance cancellations skyrocket so far this year.The big picture: Spiking insurance premiums, driven in part by recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expired federal subsidies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/17/house-gop-health-bill-obamacare-aca-subsidies" data-vars-content-id="ed0fb365-be56-4bcf-8b14-cccc68f2d7e1" data-vars-headline="Pennie coverage drops amid rising health care premiums" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/17/house-gop-health-bill-obamacare-aca-subsidies" target="_self">expired federal subsidies</a>, are pushing enrollment down, as higher costs for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/why-electricity-rates-rising-pennsylvania-energy-demand-grid" data-vars-content-id="ed0fb365-be56-4bcf-8b14-cccc68f2d7e1" data-vars-headline="Pennie coverage drops amid rising health care premiums" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/why-electricity-rates-rising-pennsylvania-energy-demand-grid" target="_self">energy</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas" data-vars-click-url="https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/western-pa-gas-prices-surge-above-4-20-per-gallon-as-iran-war-continues-to-push-oil-costs/" data-vars-content-id="ed0fb365-be56-4bcf-8b14-cccc68f2d7e1" data-vars-headline="Pennie coverage drops amid rising health care premiums" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/western-pa-gas-prices-surge-above-4-20-per-gallon-as-iran-war-continues-to-push-oil-costs/" target="_blank">gas</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food" data-vars-click-url="https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/as-prices-continue-to-rise-western-pa-food-banks-see-climbing-demand/" data-vars-content-id="ed0fb365-be56-4bcf-8b14-cccc68f2d7e1" data-vars-headline="Pennie coverage drops amid rising health care premiums" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/as-prices-continue-to-rise-western-pa-food-banks-see-climbing-demand/" target="_blank">food</a> strain household budgets.

Measles cases on the rise in Pennsylvania

Falling vaccination rates are raising alarms that one of the world's most contagious viruses could make a comeback.

Measles cases are surging in Pennsylvania and on track to eclipse last year&#x27;s total. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Falling vaccination rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/08/measles-vaccination-rates-in-most-pennsylvania-counties-lag-below-herd-immunity" data-vars-content-id="d3070361-89f8-4f78-a532-bae1975a4dd8" data-vars-headline="Measles cases on the rise in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/08/measles-vaccination-rates-in-most-pennsylvania-counties-lag-below-herd-immunity" target="_self">Falling vaccination rates</a> are raising alarms that one of the world&#x27;s most contagious viruses could make a comeback and spread rapidly in densely populated cities like Philly.

How to stop problem gambling, according to experts

Manage idle time. Tell someone you trust.

Understanding more about why people gamble is key to overcoming addiction, psychologists say.Why it matters: Gambling addictions can push people into debt and fuel mental health crises. Studies show people with such addictions are at higher <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003335062400283X" data-vars-content-id="7f72f195-5044-409d-b02f-0dde726efdf8" data-vars-headline="How to stop problem gambling, according to experts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003335062400283X" target="_blank">risk</a> for depression and suicide.

How Pennsylvania's self-ban program fails many problem gamblers

The state's only real barrier is easily exploited.

While his friends lounged in a mountain lodge jacuzzi, Tom hid inside, streaming the Packers game on his phone. He lost $2,500 that night — and some self-respect.<ul><li>&quot;It seriously felt like I cheated on my girlfriend,&quot; the 30-year-old tells Axios. &quot;I felt so ashamed.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: Pennsylvanians like Tom are finding it harder to avoid the pull of gambling, especially with apps at their fingertips.<ul><li>And the state&#x27;s only real barrier — self-banning — is still easily exploited.</li></ul>

Getting a COVID vaccine in Philly could be more complicated this fall

New federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="limits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" data-vars-content-id="92964740-9450-4239-ac4a-f8c50296f78a" data-vars-headline="Getting a COVID vaccine in Philly could be more complicated this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" target="_self">limits</a> around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19 vaccine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/27/covid-19-vaccine-policy-cases-rise" data-vars-content-id="92964740-9450-4239-ac4a-f8c50296f78a" data-vars-headline="Getting a COVID vaccine in Philly could be more complicated this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/27/covid-19-vaccine-policy-cases-rise" target="_self">COVID-19 vaccine</a> eligibility are stirring confusion about whether people will be able to get shots this fall.Why it matters: Philadelphians who want the vaccine will need a doctor&#x27;s approval — often tied to underlying health conditions — and many could end up paying out of pocket.

Trump's war on gender-affirming care targets Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

It's a showdown between federal power and patient privacy laws.

Politics

The Children&#x27;s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is in the middle of a showdown between federal power and patient privacy laws over its gender-affirming care.The big picture: The Trump administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/09/trump-transgender-youth-gender-affirming-care-cutback" data-vars-content-id="ed9c2997-4ac1-4695-af1a-94b803a5ca82" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s war on gender-affirming care targets Children&#x27;s Hospital of Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/09/trump-transgender-youth-gender-affirming-care-cutback" target="_self">crackdown</a> on such care is expanding rapidly as officials investigate hospitals, cut off benefits for federal workers, and pick new fights with blue states.

The shroom boom hits Philly

Mushrooms are sprouting up in soda, protein bars and more.

Food and Drink

Philly is in on a cap-tivating new trend — mushrooms are sprouting up in soda, protein bars and more. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania" data-vars-click-url="https://mushroomfestival.org/" data-vars-content-id="d2c5d5f5-f943-4632-9c55-40abc81bec51" data-vars-headline="The shroom boom hits Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mushroomfestival.org/" target="_blank">Pennsylvania</a> is the nation&#x27;s mushroom capital, growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 70%" data-vars-click-url="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/r781wg03d/9593wm52z/9306vq05c/mush0824.pdf" data-vars-content-id="d2c5d5f5-f943-4632-9c55-40abc81bec51" data-vars-headline="The shroom boom hits Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/r781wg03d/9593wm52z/9306vq05c/mush0824.pdf" target="_blank">nearly 70%</a> of the country&#x27;s supply. And that&#x27;s mostly thanks to a borough roughly an hour outside of Philly.

This Philly therapist is helping Kingsessing heal from a mass shooting

Two years after a mass shooting, former NFL tight end Tim Massaquoi says "there's still work to do."

In the time it takes to snap a football, former NFL tight end <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tim Massaquoi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/9830/tim-massaquoi" data-vars-content-id="61ab9db9-c968-4122-926b-8ab9a1570b21" data-vars-headline="This Philly therapist is helping Kingsessing heal from a mass shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/9830/tim-massaquoi" target="_blank">Tim Massaquoi</a> shredded his knee — and his sense of identity.<ul><li>&quot;I really had to now figure out ... who Tim Massaquoi is to the world,&quot; he tells Axios. &quot;What can I offer? What values can I bring? And that took some time.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: Massaquoi is bringing the lessons he learned on his journey of self-rediscovery and healing to Kingsessing, a neighborhood still reeling from a deadly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 mass shooting." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/05/philadelphia-mass-shooting-charges" data-vars-content-id="61ab9db9-c968-4122-926b-8ab9a1570b21" data-vars-headline="This Philly therapist is helping Kingsessing heal from a mass shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/05/philadelphia-mass-shooting-charges" target="_self">2023 mass shooting.</a>

Philadelphia hospital ranked among best in U.S.

One Philadelphia-based health system was crowned best in the state.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Penn Medicine&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2021/10/29/penn-medicine-pavilion-new-hospital" data-vars-content-id="7a3c96b5-7642-4b05-8ac5-8f2b30e1543a" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia hospital ranked among best in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2021/10/29/penn-medicine-pavilion-new-hospital" target="_self">Penn Medicine&#x27;s</a> hospitals took the crown for the best hospitals in the Philadelphia region and state in the latest U.S. News &amp; World Report rankings.The big picture: The West Philadelphia-based health system maintains the prestigious honor for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="another year running" data-vars-click-url="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/philadelphia-pa" data-vars-content-id="7a3c96b5-7642-4b05-8ac5-8f2b30e1543a" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia hospital ranked among best in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/philadelphia-pa" target="_blank">another year running</a> despite not participating in the rankings process.

Trump's "big, beautiful bill" puts SNAP at risk in Pennsylvania

Nearly 144,000 Pennsylvanians could lose SNAP benefits, per the governor's office.

President Trump&#x27;s massive tax and spending bill could have a dire impact on food benefits for low-income Pennsylvanians for years to come. The big picture: The &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big, beautiful bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/trump-thune-johnson-big-beautiful-bill" data-vars-content-id="331c7300-c5c4-4be1-a6e6-c5e9d8258d49" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s &quot;big, beautiful bill&quot; puts SNAP at risk in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/trump-thune-johnson-big-beautiful-bill" target="_self">big, beautiful bill</a>&quot; makes deep cuts to the social safety net — including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/03/trump-big-beautiful-bill-snap" data-vars-content-id="331c7300-c5c4-4be1-a6e6-c5e9d8258d49" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s &quot;big, beautiful bill&quot; puts SNAP at risk in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/03/trump-big-beautiful-bill-snap" target="_self">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a> (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps) and health <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="benefits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/03/trump-big-beautiful-bill-snap" data-vars-content-id="331c7300-c5c4-4be1-a6e6-c5e9d8258d49" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s &quot;big, beautiful bill&quot; puts SNAP at risk in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/03/trump-big-beautiful-bill-snap" target="_self">benefits</a> for the poorest Americans.

Health 🩺

Pennie coverage drops amid rising health care premiums

Measles cases on the rise in Pennsylvania

How to stop problem gambling, according to experts

How Pennsylvania's self-ban program fails many problem gamblers

Getting a COVID vaccine in Philly could be more complicated this fall