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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.

Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown

Fill your weekend social calendar with these popular events.

Things to Do

🔍 Book a tour of two of Philly&#x27;s greatest historical treasures: <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stenton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.stenton.org/visit" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stenton.org/visit" target="_blank">Stenton</a> is a 300-year-old mansion and former planation and has a massive library.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wyck" data-vars-click-url="https://wyck.org/" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wyck.org/" target="_blank">Wyck</a> is a 2.5-acre National Historic Landmark, home to a working urban farm and the oldest unmodified rose garden.</li></ul>🏒 The Flyers are back in action this weekend, facing off against the Red Wings Thursday at 7pm. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/philadelphia-flyers-vs-detroit-red-wings-philadelphia-pennsylvania-04-02-2026/event/300062EFA99634BD?landing=c" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/philadelphia-flyers-vs-detroit-red-wings-philadelphia-pennsylvania-04-02-2026/event/300062EFA99634BD?landing=c" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $46 and up.<ul><li>They&#x27;re back on the ice Sunday at 3:30pm against the Bruins. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/philadelphia-flyers-vs-boston-bruins-philadelphia-pennsylvania-04-05-2026/event/300062EFA99834C2?landing=c&amp;refArtist=K8vZ9171oy0&amp;f_simplified_filter=true&amp;f_enable_merch_slot=true" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/philadelphia-flyers-vs-boston-bruins-philadelphia-pennsylvania-04-05-2026/event/300062EFA99834C2?landing=c&amp;refArtist=K8vZ9171oy0&amp;f_simplified_filter=true&amp;f_enable_merch_slot=true" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $37 and up.</li></ul>🎁 First Friday events: Check out the local art offering and sip a cocktail at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gas Lamp Hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-at-the-gas-lamp-hotel-tickets-1985370596900?aff=oddtdtcreator" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-at-the-gas-lamp-hotel-tickets-1985370596900?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Gas Lamp Hotel</a>. Free. Runs from 5-9pm.<ul><li>Check out Kensington&#x27;s new nighttime <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="art installation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DURALzGEZwP/" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DURALzGEZwP/" target="_blank">art installation</a> from 7-11pm.</li><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Science History Institute" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sciencehistory.org/" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sciencehistory.org/" target="_blank">Science History Institute</a> is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new audio tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sciencehistory.org/visit/events/first-friday-science-for-all/" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sciencehistory.org/visit/events/first-friday-science-for-all/" target="_blank">new audio tour</a> from 5-7pm and will have hands-on activities for the kiddos.</li></ul>😋 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Southeast Asian Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fdrseamarket.com/" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fdrseamarket.com/" target="_blank">The Southeast Asian Market</a> at FDR Park returns for the season on Saturday with more than 70 vendors offering everything from street food to jewelry and plants.👞 Can&#x27;t sneak this past them. Shoe lovers will love the 250-plus vendor offerings at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sneaker Con" data-vars-click-url="https://sneakercon.com/event/sneaker-con-philadelphia-april-4-2026/" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sneakercon.com/event/sneaker-con-philadelphia-april-4-2026/" target="_blank">Sneaker Con</a>.<ul><li>Saturday, noon-7pm at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Tickets: $32.64 and up.</li></ul>1️⃣ You heard it here … first. Another week, another Philly-first celebration — this time at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Franklin Field" data-vars-click-url="https://facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/franklin-field" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/franklin-field" target="_blank">Franklin Field</a>, America&#x27;s first sports stadium. Saturday, 11am-1pm.🐰 Easter time: The Philadelphia Zoo is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weekend full of events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/events/egg-scavenger-hunt/" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/events/egg-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank">weekend full of events</a>, including a scavenger hunt, traditional easter egg hunt and brunch with the Easter Bunny.<ul><li>Shady Brook Farm is celebrating the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bunny&#x27;s big day" data-vars-click-url="https://shadybrookfarm.com/collections/easter-eggstravaganza" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://shadybrookfarm.com/collections/easter-eggstravaganza" target="_blank">bunny&#x27;s big day</a> with a weekend full of wagon rides, field activities, an obstacle course and live music. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://shadybrookfarm.com/collections/easter-eggstravaganza" data-vars-content-id="55a278fb-7b92-43de-bae3-f309839314ff" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: First Friday events, Easter rundown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://shadybrookfarm.com/collections/easter-eggstravaganza" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $10 online or $15 at the gate for adults; $15 online or $20 at the gate for children.</li></ul>

A rideshare tax war is heating up in Philadelphia

Uber is letting riders know the fee would be passed onto customers.

Uber riders in Philly may notice a new item at the top of their receipt: Info about how Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new tax proposal on rideshares" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/23/rideshare-fee-uber-lyft-cherelle-parker-tax" data-vars-content-id="ab099494-af98-4b74-bd89-14a7331e0514" data-vars-headline="A rideshare tax war is heating up 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/2026/03/23/rideshare-fee-uber-lyft-cherelle-parker-tax" target="_self">new tax proposal on rideshares</a> will &quot;make your trips more expensive.&quot;Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest move from Uber in its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/31/uber-escalates-fight-over-parker-rideshare-tax" data-vars-content-id="ab099494-af98-4b74-bd89-14a7331e0514" data-vars-headline="A rideshare tax war is heating up 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/2026/03/31/uber-escalates-fight-over-parker-rideshare-tax" target="_self">growing campaign</a> to derail Parker&#x27;s tax plan.

Looking to get to Philly for the World Cup? Swap homes, not cash

HomeExchange still has more than 150 Philly homes available for Philadelphia's World Cup matches.

If you&#x27;re looking to barter your way into one of this year&#x27;s <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="dcce6719-cec2-4ce8-82eb-07bb62033e9d" data-vars-headline="Looking to get to Philly for the World Cup? Swap homes, not cash" 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> host cities, there&#x27;s an easier route than opening your wallet: open up your home.Why it matters: Some travelers chasing a bucket-list experience without the astronomical price tag are turning to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HomeExchange" data-vars-click-url="https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/d55a34e0507c49bbadbf2a7601414326/0/6bc44d247643464b96e1a1be81640f2f0209e34218e0cb79c70dd9337ca976c4?cache_buster=1774962281" data-vars-content-id="dcce6719-cec2-4ce8-82eb-07bb62033e9d" data-vars-headline="Looking to get to Philly for the World Cup? Swap homes, not cash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/d55a34e0507c49bbadbf2a7601414326/0/6bc44d247643464b96e1a1be81640f2f0209e34218e0cb79c70dd9337ca976c4?cache_buster=1774962281" target="_blank">HomeExchange</a>, a subscription-based platform that lets people around the world swap homes.

Final round of Philly World Cup tickets drops today

Last-minute tickets go on sale at 11am, part of FIFA's fourth and final phased tranche of sales.

Calling all soccer fan holdouts: This is your last chance to score tickets to this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" data-vars-content-id="03bd5520-8650-4435-9ad5-64e95ba405da" data-vars-headline="Final round of Philly World Cup tickets drops today" 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 games</a> in Philly.Why it matters: FIFA expects attendance at this year&#x27;s tourney to eclipse its all-time record of 3.4 million, which was set in 1994.

Pennsylvania lags on forfeiture reforms as Philadelphia improves

People struggle to navigate a Byzantine legal system — often without a lawyer, though Philly has taken steps to improve its system.

Pennsylvania remains among dozens of states with weak <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="civil forfeiture" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2021/10/21/philadelphia-civil-forfeiture-program-survey" data-vars-content-id="df7c95b8-b293-4037-8241-750882378946" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania lags on forfeiture reforms as Philadelphia improves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2021/10/21/philadelphia-civil-forfeiture-program-survey" target="_self">civil forfeiture</a> protections, although Philadelphia has made some reforms to curtail widespread abuses, per the Institute for Justice.Why it matters: Civil forfeiture — a process that allows law enforcement to seize homes, cars and, most often, cash suspected of being tied to criminal activity — remains big business nationwide, accounting for more than $82 billion in property seized since 2000, per IJ&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Policing for Profit report." data-vars-click-url="https://ij.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PfP4-WEB.pdf" data-vars-content-id="df7c95b8-b293-4037-8241-750882378946" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania lags on forfeiture reforms as Philadelphia improves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ij.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PfP4-WEB.pdf" target="_blank">Policing for Profit report.</a><ul><li>Five states — including neighboring New Jersey — accounted for nearly half of the roughly $300 million combined worth that was seized by states in 2023.</li></ul>

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.

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.

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.

Don't rule out Pennsylvania for Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce's wedding spot

Swift and Kelce have been tight-lipped about wedding plans.

Could one of the biggest pop culture events of 2026 take place in Pennsylvania? Don&#x27;t count it out.The intrigue: You can pretty much bet on anything these days, including where Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will get married.<ul><li>Popular prediction market <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kalshi" data-vars-click-url="https://kalshi.com/markets/kxswiftkelceweddinglocation/where-will-taylor-swift-get-married/kxswiftkelceweddinglocation-30" data-vars-content-id="04954efa-d0fc-4112-8980-a8c883101e0c" data-vars-headline="Don&#x27;t rule out Pennsylvania for Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce&#x27;s wedding spot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kalshi.com/markets/kxswiftkelceweddinglocation/where-will-taylor-swift-get-married/kxswiftkelceweddinglocation-30" target="_blank">Kalshi</a> has it as a close race between New York and Rhode Island. </li></ul>

1 fun thing to go: 🎡 Phoenixville's Ferris wheel

1 fun thing to go: Phoenixville's Ferris wheel

Axios What's Next

AA choropleth map of U.S. counties showing estimated population change from July 2024 to 2025. The U.S. overall grew by +0.5%. Kaufman County, Texas, grew the most of any county with a population over 100,000: +5.7%. Pinellas County, Florida shrank the most of any county with a population over 100,000: -1.2%. 

News 🗞

1 fun thing to go: Phoenixville's Ferris wheel

A rideshare tax war is heating up in Philadelphia

Immigration fuels population rise in Philadelphia

Fly, Flyers, Fly

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