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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>.

The worst times to travel from Philly for Memorial Day weekend

When to hit the roads and other pro tips.

Travel

Today kicks off the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" data-vars-content-id="b1acfd43-85c7-45b3-830c-bc2739d73e1f" data-vars-headline="The worst times to travel from Philly for Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" target="_self">Memorial Day</a> weekend travel rush.Why it matters: Your future self will thank you if you plan to avoid the traffic.

Amtrak unveils new America 250-inspired train

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy traveled on the train's first trip from Washington, D.C., to 30th Street Station in Philly on Thursday.

Transit

Amtrak&#x27;s new Freedom 250 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Acela" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/07/amtrak-acela-new-trains-updates-nextgen" data-vars-content-id="722cbee7-0957-47a3-9617-434662132437" data-vars-headline="Amtrak unveils new America 250-inspired train" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/07/amtrak-acela-new-trains-updates-nextgen" target="_self">Acela</a> train — decked out in red, white and blue — pulled into Philadelphia yesterday. Why it matters: It was all part of America&#x27;s nationwide birthday celebration.

A startup wants to pay Philadelphians to power their EV chargers

New York City-based It's Electric hopes to install hundreds of EV chargers throughout the city.

A New York City-based startup wants to install hundreds of EV chargers throughout Philly — and pay some property owners to power them.The big picture: Philly and the state are pushing for more widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles. But they need to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="significantly boost the infrastructure" data-vars-click-url="https://greenport.pa.gov/elibrary/GetDocument?docId=10430349&amp;DocName=2025%20PENNSYLVANIA%20ROADMAP%20TO%20ZERO-EMISSION%20VEHICLES.PDF%20%20%3Cspan%20style%3D%22color%3Agreen%3B%22%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%20%3Cspan%20style%3D%22color%3Ablue%3B%22%3E(NEW)%3C%2Fspan%3E" data-vars-content-id="75751554-a561-4a74-9072-23ee54df7124" data-vars-headline="A startup wants to pay Philadelphians to power their EV chargers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://greenport.pa.gov/elibrary/GetDocument?docId=10430349&amp;DocName=2025%20PENNSYLVANIA%20ROADMAP%20TO%20ZERO-EMISSION%20VEHICLES.PDF%20%20%3Cspan%20style%3D%22color%3Agreen%3B%22%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%20%3Cspan%20style%3D%22color%3Ablue%3B%22%3E(NEW)%3C%2Fspan%3E" target="_blank">significantly boost the infrastructure</a>, like EV charging stations, first.

Philadelphia finally gets an indoor bus terminal

Travelers have had to arrive and depart from improvised, outdoor bus stops without amenities for years.

Philadelphia&#x27;s newest (interim) bus terminal will open in Center City on Friday.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a relief for travelers who&#x27;ve had to arrive and depart from improvised, outdoor bus stops without amenities for years.

Pennsylvania to crackdown on Turnpike toll evaders

The state is losing out on more than $200 million in uncollected tolls.

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.

SEPTA's long-awaited bus system overhaul begins this summer

It's been six decades since the transit agency redesigned its bus network.

SEPTA&#x27;s bus system revamp is (finally) set to begin this summer, intending to boost service times and efficiency.Why it matters: It&#x27;s been six decades since the transit agency redesigned its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bus network" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/02/bus-stop-distance-septa-phiadelphia-transit" data-vars-content-id="cc2c742d-a285-466a-8b5f-305e5a5a5bdb" data-vars-headline="SEPTA&#x27;s long-awaited bus system overhaul begins this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/02/bus-stop-distance-septa-phiadelphia-transit" target="_self">bus network</a>.<ul><li>Plus: Buses account for more than half of SEPTA&#x27;s daily ridership, with nearly 300,000 riders every day.</li></ul>

Charted: How Philadelphia's bus stop distance stacks up

Frequent stopping helps maximize coverage but can drive down ridership.

i<div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-02-27-1054-u-s-cities-with-9BMZC" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-02-27-1054-u-s-cities-with-9BMZC" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-02-27-1054-u-s-cities-with/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows median distances between bus stops in 10 U.S. cities as of 2021. Philadelphia has the shortest median spacing at 564 feet, while Houston has the longest at 840 feet. Most cities range between 600 and 800 feet, indicating varied transit stop density." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-02-27-1054-u-s-cities-with/fallbacks/2026-02-27-1054-u-s-cities-with-fallback.png" width="1200" height="898"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows median distances between bus stops in 10 U.S. cities as of 2021. Philadelphia has the shortest median spacing at 564 feet, while Houston has the longest at 840 feet. Most cities range between 600 and 800 feet, indicating varied transit stop density." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-02-27-1054-u-s-cities-with/fallbacks/2026-02-27-1054-u-s-cities-with-apple.png" width="750" height="882"/></div><figcaption>Data: Pandey, Ayush, Lewis Lehe, and Dana Monzer. 2021 &quot;Distributions of Bus Stop Spacings in the United States.&quot;</figcaption></figure></div>Philadelphia bus stops are closer together than any other big U.S. city, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://findingspress.org/article/27373-distributions-of-bus-stop-spacings-in-the-united-states" data-vars-content-id="fbbb237a-c01f-47bc-a097-e8bb1262f0ab" data-vars-headline="Charted: How Philadelphia&#x27;s bus stop distance stacks up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://findingspress.org/article/27373-distributions-of-bus-stop-spacings-in-the-united-states" target="_blank">analysis</a> by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Works in Progress" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44361851.17365/aHR0cHM6Ly93b3Jrc2lucHJvZ3Jlc3MuY28vaXNzdWUvdGhlLXVuaXRlZC1zdGF0ZXMtbmVlZHMtZmV3ZXItYnVzLXN0b3BzLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3BpdHRzYnVyZ2gmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/613bb99cb4152b573124203fB259d61b5" data-vars-content-id="fbbb237a-c01f-47bc-a097-e8bb1262f0ab" data-vars-headline="Charted: How Philadelphia&#x27;s bus stop distance stacks up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44361851.17365/aHR0cHM6Ly93b3Jrc2lucHJvZ3Jlc3MuY28vaXNzdWUvdGhlLXVuaXRlZC1zdGF0ZXMtbmVlZHMtZmV3ZXItYnVzLXN0b3BzLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3BpdHRzYnVyZ2gmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/613bb99cb4152b573124203fB259d61b5" target="_self">Works in Progress</a> transit blog.Why it matters: Frequent stopping helps maximize coverage, giving more people access to service, according to the blog.

SEPTA preps for big World Cup crowds this summer

SEPTA preps for big World Cup crowds this summer.

Septa is laying the groundwork for an influx of riders when Philadelphia hosts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/28/world-cup-philly-intel" data-vars-content-id="52050b6c-7b5a-44f8-a7c9-4d8c9bb16e92" data-vars-headline="SEPTA preps for big World Cup crowds this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/28/world-cup-philly-intel" target="_self">World Cup matches</a> this summer.Why it matters: The mega event will test the transit system like never before.

Philadelphia sees big drop in international tourists in 2025

It's the first decline since 2020 during the first year of the pandemic.

Philadelphia saw a slump in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/02/international-travlers-philadelphia-decline" data-vars-content-id="931dd8b7-2f53-443c-b7b1-671fd8224b91" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia sees big drop in international tourists in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/02/international-travlers-philadelphia-decline" target="_self">international tourism</a> last year, especially from Canadians — mirroring a national trend.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first decline since 2020, the first year of the pandemic.

Transit 🚗

Graffiti removal ramps up on Philly highways ahead of World Cup summer

The worst times to travel from Philly for Memorial Day weekend

Amtrak unveils new America 250-inspired train

A startup wants to pay Philadelphians to power their EV chargers

Philadelphia finally gets an indoor bus terminal