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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;

Lemon Hill braces for 39 days of FIFA Fan Festival disruptions

The festival is expected to draw up to 20,000 daily visitors, alongside noise, traffic and parking restrictions.

Construction for the massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA Fan Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" data-vars-content-id="5f173ec5-4cb7-4326-a88e-6863813cc896" data-vars-headline="Lemon Hill braces for 39 days of FIFA Fan Festival disruptions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" target="_self">FIFA Fan Festival</a> taking over Fairmount Park is slated to begin next week — and residents are split over whether the spectacle is worth the disruptions headed their way.Why it matters: The sprawling festival is expected to draw up to 20,000 daily visitors for 39 days, alongside noise, traffic and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parking restrictions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/13/world-cup-parking-restrictions-lemon-hill-fan-festival" data-vars-content-id="5f173ec5-4cb7-4326-a88e-6863813cc896" data-vars-headline="Lemon Hill braces for 39 days of FIFA Fan Festival disruptions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/13/world-cup-parking-restrictions-lemon-hill-fan-festival" target="_self">parking restrictions</a>.

These are the games Eagles fans already have circled in 2026

The NFL schedule dropped Thursday. In Philly, that's basically a holiday.

Sports

In Philly, it&#x27;s the second-most wonderful time of the year: the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual release" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/15/eagles-schedule-2025-nfl" data-vars-content-id="ace552f0-4057-4a5f-b7dd-387702ac4e92" data-vars-headline="These are the games Eagles fans already have circled in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/15/eagles-schedule-2025-nfl" target="_self">annual release</a> of the Eagles&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 schedule." data-vars-click-url="https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-schedule-release-2026" data-vars-content-id="ace552f0-4057-4a5f-b7dd-387702ac4e92" data-vars-headline="These are the games Eagles fans already have circled in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-schedule-release-2026" target="_blank">2026 schedule.</a> Why it matters: Philly fans needed a brief escape from the city&#x27;s recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports doldrums" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-knicks-nba-playoffs-joel-embiid-jalen-brunson-20260510.html" data-vars-content-id="ace552f0-4057-4a5f-b7dd-387702ac4e92" data-vars-headline="These are the games Eagles fans already have circled in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-knicks-nba-playoffs-joel-embiid-jalen-brunson-20260510.html" target="_blank">sports doldrums</a>.Here are the matchups Philly fans are most amped about:<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Week 1: Eagles vs. Commanders</h2>Nothing like starting off the season against a NFC East foe you split with last season.<ul><li>Philly fans will be looking for a clean sweep this time.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Week 3: Eagles at Chicago</h2>You could have called them the &quot;Bares&quot; last time around. Chicago head coach Ben Johnson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ripped off his shirt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401772621" data-vars-content-id="ace552f0-4057-4a5f-b7dd-387702ac4e92" data-vars-headline="These are the games Eagles fans already have circled in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401772621" target="_blank">ripped off his shirt</a> in the locker room like his team had just won the Super Bowl.<ul><li>The Eagles will look to collar those overzealous cubbies, still high off their recent playoff success.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"> Week 5: Eagles at Jaguars in London</h2>The Bird are 2-0 in games held overseas and will look to turn the Big Pond into a big dunk tank for the upstart Jaguars.<ul><li>Hopefully, ain&#x27;t no &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sunshine" data-vars-click-url="https://youtu.be/VIVfD0ZA6jE?si=fNnNJ1Eh5bAvc7E9&amp;t=62" data-vars-content-id="ace552f0-4057-4a5f-b7dd-387702ac4e92" data-vars-headline="These are the games Eagles fans already have circled in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://youtu.be/VIVfD0ZA6jE?si=fNnNJ1Eh5bAvc7E9&amp;t=62" target="_blank">Sunshine</a>&quot; for that long-haired &quot;Remember the Titans&quot; lookalike, Trevor Lawrence.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"> Week 7: Eagles vs. Dallas</h2>The Eagles squandered a 21-point lead in one of their two matchups with Dem Boys last season.<ul><li>They make the return trip to Dallas in Week 12 on Thanksgiving. Eagles fans are hoping turkeys are the only birds on the menu that day, while Dak Prescott and Co. will look to feast, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ezekiel Elliott-style" data-vars-click-url="https://tenor.com/search/feed-me-football-gifs" data-vars-content-id="ace552f0-4057-4a5f-b7dd-387702ac4e92" data-vars-headline="These are the games Eagles fans already have circled in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tenor.com/search/feed-me-football-gifs" target="_blank">Ezekiel Elliott-style</a>, on their hated rival.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Week 15: Eagles vs. Seahawks</h2><ul><li>Call it the Bird Bowl: Former Super Bowl champs vs. defending champs.</li></ul>

ICE isn't expected at Philly's World Cup, but activists are ready

One business group has helped organize legal seminars so owners know their rights and can protect customers.

Philadelphia immigration activists are preparing for possible federal immigration enforcement during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/13/world-cup-parking-restrictions-lemon-hill-fan-festival" data-vars-content-id="748a102a-3712-479e-bbad-d411d307e8e7" data-vars-headline="ICE isn&#x27;t expected at Philly&#x27;s World Cup, but activists are ready" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/13/world-cup-parking-restrictions-lemon-hill-fan-festival" target="_self">World Cup</a> amid uncertainty over ICE&#x27;s role at the tournament.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mixed messaging" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2026/05/08/trump-officials-confusion-ice-world-cup/" data-vars-content-id="748a102a-3712-479e-bbad-d411d307e8e7" data-vars-headline="ICE isn&#x27;t expected at Philly&#x27;s World Cup, but activists are ready" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2026/05/08/trump-officials-confusion-ice-world-cup/" target="_blank">Mixed messaging</a> from the Trump administration has fueled confusion over whether and how ICE could operate during the competition, which kicks off next month in Philadelphia and 10 other host cities.

Philly unveils parking crackdown near World Cup Fan Festival

The massive party is pegged to draw roughly 15,000-20,000 people per day to Fairmount Park.

Philadelphia will crack down on non-resident vehicles parking around the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup Fan Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" data-vars-content-id="844b5320-f3ae-455d-941c-99884be68626" data-vars-headline="Philly unveils parking crackdown near World Cup Fan Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" target="_self">World Cup Fan Festival</a> at Lemon Hill during the tournament starting next month. Why it matters: The massive party is pegged to draw roughly 15,000-20,000 people per day to Fairmount Park during the 39-day tourney, likely bringing traffic headaches to neighborhood streets.

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).

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).

Meet Philly's hometown rooting interest at the PGA Championship

The Delco native's return follows an accident in 2019 that nearly derailed his career.

A few years ago, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Braden Shattuck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pgatour.com/player/63181/braden-shattuck" data-vars-content-id="164d3e78-c947-46b2-97ec-d36c1f160550" data-vars-headline="Meet Philly&#x27;s hometown rooting interest at the PGA Championship" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pgatour.com/player/63181/braden-shattuck" target="_blank">Braden Shattuck</a> wondered if he&#x27;d ever swing a club again after a serious car accident. Now he&#x27;s back playing in 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="164d3e78-c947-46b2-97ec-d36c1f160550" data-vars-headline="Meet Philly&#x27;s hometown rooting interest at the PGA Championship" 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> — and doing it in front of a hometown crowd.Why it matters: The Delco native gives Philly fans a local rooting interest at Aronimink Golf Club, where the PGA Championship begins Thursday and features some of the world&#x27;s best golfers.

A guide to the PGA Championship in the Philadelphia area

Hosting one of golf's four majors brings the best players in the world to Philly's doorstep.

The golfing world comes to the Philadelphia region this week as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aronimink Golf Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aronimink.org/" data-vars-content-id="bfa22793-9214-4b4c-a4e5-abf089447512" data-vars-headline="A guide to the PGA Championship in the Philadelphia area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aronimink.org/" target="_blank">Aronimink Golf Club</a> hosts the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PGA Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/06/philly-pga-championship-aronimink-golf-course" data-vars-content-id="bfa22793-9214-4b4c-a4e5-abf089447512" data-vars-headline="A guide to the PGA Championship 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/2026/02/06/philly-pga-championship-aronimink-golf-course" target="_self">PGA Championship</a>. Why it matters: Hosting one of golf&#x27;s four majors brings the best players in the world to Philly&#x27;s doorstep, plus prestige, tourists (with a few celebrities potentially in the mix) and revenue for the region.

Philly is trolling Knicks fans with billboards across the city

Talk about a Ja Rule-style "clap back" at Knicks fans.

Philly&#x27;s taking a big bite out of the Big Apple, trolling Knicks fans with billboards plastered across the city.Why it matters: &quot;New York, take several seats. Just not here,&quot; is a fitting barb given the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sixers&#x27; push" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/08/sixers-fans-turn-down-big-money-to-stop-msg-east" data-vars-content-id="8e1ac59a-c1a2-47ef-8db7-ccf60724062b" data-vars-headline="Philly is trolling Knicks fans with billboards across the city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/08/sixers-fans-turn-down-big-money-to-stop-msg-east" target="_self">Sixers&#x27; push</a> to keep Knicks fans from Xfinity Mobile Arena.

How Sixers fans are trying to stop another Knicks playoff takeover

One fan tells Axios she could've sold her playoff tickets for $1,800 each — but refused.

Sixers fan <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tracey Ulrich" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/11/76ers-attendance-season-tickets" data-vars-content-id="e2e3ce15-96da-47ec-ae3f-fed4ccd3d3ee" data-vars-headline="How Sixers fans are trying to stop another Knicks playoff takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/11/76ers-attendance-season-tickets" target="_self">Tracey Ulrich</a> could&#x27;ve sold her playoff tickets for $1,800 each — but she refused to risk helping another Knicks fan get into the arena.Why it matters: The Sixers are trying to avoid another 2024 blunder, when Knicks fans flooded Philly&#x27;s arena and turned it into what star center Joel Embiid called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Madison Square Garden East" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D2Eh1_Ltw6o" data-vars-content-id="e2e3ce15-96da-47ec-ae3f-fed4ccd3d3ee" data-vars-headline="How Sixers fans are trying to stop another Knicks playoff takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D2Eh1_Ltw6o" target="_blank">Madison Square Garden East</a>.&quot;

Sports 🏅

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

Lemon Hill braces for 39 days of FIFA Fan Festival disruptions

These are the games Eagles fans already have circled in 2026

ICE isn't expected at Philly's World Cup, but activists are ready

Philly unveils parking crackdown near World Cup Fan Festival