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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>.

Philadelphia's 2-minute guide to Tuesday's primary

The winners of Tuesday's primaries move on to the November election.

Get ready to vote.Why it matters: The winners of Tuesday&#x27;s primaries move on to the November election.

Philly mayor green-lights new ICE restrictions

Philly joins a growing group of cities pushing back on the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Federal immigration operations in Philadelphia must soon operate under strict <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new restrictions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/13/trump-immigration-enforcement-ice-sanctuary-cities" data-vars-content-id="ac053ed4-0764-4d3a-8a8f-a52d6dfccfc6" data-vars-headline="Philly mayor green-lights new ICE restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/13/trump-immigration-enforcement-ice-sanctuary-cities" target="_self">new restrictions</a>, including a ban on masks and limits on accessing city property.The big picture: Philly joins a growing group of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cities pushing back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/trump-sanctuary-cities-mayors-ice-immigration" data-vars-content-id="ac053ed4-0764-4d3a-8a8f-a52d6dfccfc6" data-vars-headline="Philly mayor green-lights new ICE restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/trump-sanctuary-cities-mayors-ice-immigration" target="_self">cities pushing back</a> on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="ac053ed4-0764-4d3a-8a8f-a52d6dfccfc6" data-vars-headline="Philly mayor green-lights new ICE restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/trump-local-police-ice-salaries-dhs" data-vars-content-id="ac053ed4-0764-4d3a-8a8f-a52d6dfccfc6" data-vars-headline="Philly mayor green-lights new ICE restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/trump-local-police-ice-salaries-dhs" target="_self">immigration crackdown</a>.

Democrats scout Philadelphia for 2028 convention

Party leaders land in Philly for a site visit this week.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/12/democrats-dnc-2024-election-autopsy" data-vars-content-id="328ff083-dfdd-436d-ae60-c4793ca3ee2d" data-vars-headline="Democrats scout Philadelphia for 2028 convention" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/12/democrats-dnc-2024-election-autopsy" target="_self">Democratic Party</a> leaders land in Philadelphia today to evaluate the city&#x27;s pitch for hosting their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national convention in 2028" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/13/democratic-national-convention-philly-patti-labelle" data-vars-content-id="328ff083-dfdd-436d-ae60-c4793ca3ee2d" data-vars-headline="Democrats scout Philadelphia for 2028 convention" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/13/democratic-national-convention-philly-patti-labelle" target="_self">national convention in 2028</a>.Why it matters: Philly is under pressure to stand out from rival cities competing for the high-profile event that brings national attention and thousands of visitors.

District 3 candidates flush with cash ahead of Democratic primary

Spending in the coming weeks could help sway the outcome.

Candidates vying for Philadelphia&#x27;s high-profile <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open congressional seat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/15/sharif-street-cherelle-parker-endorsement-election" data-vars-content-id="8eedb3f2-efb9-4bcc-a681-9a3365843968" data-vars-headline="District 3 candidates flush with cash ahead of Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/15/sharif-street-cherelle-parker-endorsement-election" target="_self">open congressional seat</a> are sitting on heaps of cash ahead of the May 19 Democratic primary.Why it matters: In deep-blue District 3, spending in the final weeks could sway who wins the Democratic primary — and the November election.

Parker endorses Sharif Street in Philly congressional race

The May 19 Democratic primary is looking tight.

Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherelle Parker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/12/city-budget-cherelle-parker-business-taxes-ride-shares" data-vars-content-id="85fe09e2-8dc0-453c-a775-384dc4776ff9" data-vars-headline="Parker endorses Sharif Street in Philly congressional race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/12/city-budget-cherelle-parker-business-taxes-ride-shares" target="_self">Cherelle Parker</a> is jumping into the race for Philadelphia&#x27;s congressional seat by backing state Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sharif Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/28/pennsylvania-democratic-party-leadship-shakeup" data-vars-content-id="85fe09e2-8dc0-453c-a775-384dc4776ff9" data-vars-headline="Parker endorses Sharif Street in Philly congressional race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/28/pennsylvania-democratic-party-leadship-shakeup" target="_self">Sharif Street</a>. Why it matters: The May 19 Democratic primary for the 3rd Congressional District — the premier race in Philly this year — is tight, and Parker&#x27;s backing will likely give Street an extra boost.

Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans

Securing the convention would be a coup for the city — bringing prestige, bragging rights and an economic boost.

Philadelphia took its bid to host the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2028 Democratic National Convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/06/democratic-national-convention-dnc-whats-at-stake-host-cities" data-vars-content-id="bc9da21e-8e68-477b-a035-f6aad8c72497" data-vars-headline="Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/06/democratic-national-convention-dnc-whats-at-stake-host-cities" target="_self">2028 Democratic National Convention</a> on the road last week, with the &quot;Godmother of Soul&quot; Patti LaBelle in tow. Why it matters: The battle to put on the party&#x27;s biggest event is heating up among the five finalists: Philly, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/01/31/why-atlanta-should-host-the-dnc-not-chicago" data-vars-content-id="bc9da21e-8e68-477b-a035-f6aad8c72497" data-vars-headline="Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/01/31/why-atlanta-should-host-the-dnc-not-chicago" target="_self">Atlanta</a>, Boston, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/03/chicago-democrats-president-dnc-shortlist-pritzker-trump-2028" data-vars-content-id="bc9da21e-8e68-477b-a035-f6aad8c72497" data-vars-headline="Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/03/chicago-democrats-president-dnc-shortlist-pritzker-trump-2028" target="_self">Chicago</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/04/denver-pitch-dnc-2028-convention" data-vars-content-id="bc9da21e-8e68-477b-a035-f6aad8c72497" data-vars-headline="Philly pitches DNC bid at party meeting in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/04/denver-pitch-dnc-2028-convention" target="_self">Denver</a>.

Philly weighs new limits on working with immigration agents

Lawmakers have proposed banning federal immigration agents from wearing masks and using city property for operations.

Philadelphia would ban federal immigration officials from wearing masks and using city property for operations under a legislative package lawmakers are taking up today.The big picture: The push could force Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherelle Parker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/02/cherelle-parker-lobbying-trump-philly" data-vars-content-id="973b967e-eeb5-4be5-9abb-1a162aefe53a" data-vars-headline="Philly weighs new limits on working with immigration agents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/02/cherelle-parker-lobbying-trump-philly" target="_self">Cherelle Parker</a> to weigh in on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="973b967e-eeb5-4be5-9abb-1a162aefe53a" data-vars-headline="Philly weighs new limits on working with immigration agents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration&#x27;s approach, which she hasn&#x27;t yet addressed — and create tension with City Council.

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.

No Kings protests planned throughout Philly region this weekend

The protests are expected to bring road closures and traffic delays.

The third round of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/16/no-kings-protest-philly-pennsylvania-trump-october" data-vars-content-id="8e8de9e0-267f-4b6b-8f7a-f91f73a8ff73" data-vars-headline="No Kings protests planned throughout Philly region this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/16/no-kings-protest-philly-pennsylvania-trump-october" target="_self">No Kings</a> rallies is set for Philadelphia&#x27;s Center City and other spots across the region this weekend. Why it matters: The potentially large-scale protests will prompt daylong road closures and traffic delays on Saturday.

Politics 🇺🇸

Chris Rabb wins heated Dem primary for Philly congressional seat

Philadelphia's 2-minute guide to Tuesday's primary

Philly mayor green-lights new ICE restrictions

Democrats scout Philadelphia for 2028 convention

District 3 candidates flush with cash ahead of Democratic primary