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Philly shuts down Rocky Steps fountain buzz

Crews have been spotted sprucing up the fountains.

Culture

The cascade fountains that flank the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocky Steps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/25/rocky-statue-philadelphia-museum-of-art-moves" data-vars-content-id="cfd3f99a-6422-4ff7-ad1a-5618d4037469" data-vars-headline="Philly shuts down Rocky Steps fountain buzz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/25/rocky-statue-philadelphia-museum-of-art-moves" target="_self">Rocky Steps</a> at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia Museum of Art" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/04/rebrand-20-philly-art-museum-backtracks-on-new-name" data-vars-content-id="cfd3f99a-6422-4ff7-ad1a-5618d4037469" data-vars-headline="Philly shuts down Rocky Steps fountain buzz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/04/rebrand-20-philly-art-museum-backtracks-on-new-name" target="_self">Philadelphia Museum of Art</a> have run dry for decades.The intrigue: But crews have been spotted sprucing them up, raising speculation that something could be in the works.

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.

International tourists to flock to Philadelphia this year

Philly is abuzz with improvements, upgrades and activity as businesses and the city get ready for big crowds.

Travel

Philadelphia&#x27;s tourism and hotel industries should bank on a rebound year fueled by the FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/01/world-cup-tickets-philly-fifa-final-sale" data-vars-content-id="205fd58c-0bab-4ea6-bde1-25f67c85f87c" data-vars-headline="International tourists to flock to Philadelphia this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/01/world-cup-tickets-philly-fifa-final-sale" target="_self">World Cup</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other events" 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="205fd58c-0bab-4ea6-bde1-25f67c85f87c" data-vars-headline="International tourists to flock to Philadelphia this year" 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">other events</a> coming to the region, per a new analysis.Why it matters: Philly is abuzz with improvements, upgrades and activity as businesses and the city get ready for the big crowds.

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.

Spring travel season kicks off in Philly with plenty of worries

It's one of the busiest times of the year at Philadelphia International Airport.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring travel season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="d2f5f47d-2609-42a9-a6e2-d53e51cf42d8" data-vars-headline="Spring travel season kicks off in Philly with plenty of worries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">spring travel season</a> is here, and air travelers are confronting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="skyrocketing prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/iran-war-flight-prices-air-travel-tips-cheaper" data-vars-content-id="d2f5f47d-2609-42a9-a6e2-d53e51cf42d8" data-vars-headline="Spring travel season kicks off in Philly with plenty of worries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/iran-war-flight-prices-air-travel-tips-cheaper" target="_self">skyrocketing prices</a>, concerns over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="security lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/musk-trump-tsa-ice-airports" data-vars-content-id="d2f5f47d-2609-42a9-a6e2-d53e51cf42d8" data-vars-headline="Spring travel season kicks off in Philly with plenty of worries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/musk-trump-tsa-ice-airports" target="_self">security lines</a>, ICE agents in airports, and safety worries after another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatal incident" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-laguardia-airport-air-canada-collision-6a3cbabbeed76125fa5f7aed32679fd8" data-vars-content-id="d2f5f47d-2609-42a9-a6e2-d53e51cf42d8" data-vars-headline="Spring travel season kicks off in Philly with plenty of worries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-laguardia-airport-air-canada-collision-6a3cbabbeed76125fa5f7aed32679fd8" target="_blank">fatal incident</a>.Why it matters: Spring break is next week for the Philly school district&#x27;s nearly 114,000 students. It&#x27;s one of the busiest times of the year at Philadelphia International Airport.

ICE agents expected to arrive at Philadelphia airport

Several security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport remained closed due to staffing shortages on Monday morning.

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="814e534f-25fa-4a2d-8819-f34f67b7c10d" data-vars-headline="ICE agents expected to arrive at Philadelphia airport" 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> says he&#x27;s sending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE agents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/dhs-government-shutdown-ice-funding" data-vars-content-id="814e534f-25fa-4a2d-8819-f34f67b7c10d" data-vars-headline="ICE agents expected to arrive at Philadelphia airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/dhs-government-shutdown-ice-funding" target="_self">ICE agents</a> to several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. airports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="814e534f-25fa-4a2d-8819-f34f67b7c10d" data-vars-headline="ICE agents expected to arrive at Philadelphia airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" target="_self">U.S. airports</a> Monday to assist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TSA officers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/musk-trump-tsa-ice-airports" data-vars-content-id="814e534f-25fa-4a2d-8819-f34f67b7c10d" data-vars-headline="ICE agents expected to arrive at Philadelphia airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/musk-trump-tsa-ice-airports" target="_self">TSA officers</a>. Philly is reportedly among those airports.Why it matters: Philadelphia International Airport has closed several security checkpoints amid a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, during which TSA agents have gone more than five weeks without pay.

What World Cup fans may pay for an Airbnb in Philadelphia region

Airbnb said last month that demand for stays is surging during the World Cup in host cities.

Sports

The FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/28/world-cup-philly-intel" data-vars-content-id="d49a71cc-4a80-442f-a353-727cd879df6a" data-vars-headline="What World Cup fans may pay for an Airbnb in Philadelphia region" 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</a> is less than three months away, and the Philadelphia region will receive an influx of tourists this summer who need a place to stay.Why it matters: Short-term rental hosts could make some extra cash.<ul><li>Yes, but: Philly proper&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tough industry regulations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/09/philadelphia-airbnb-vacation-rental-rules" data-vars-content-id="d49a71cc-4a80-442f-a353-727cd879df6a" data-vars-headline="What World Cup fans may pay for an Airbnb in Philadelphia region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/09/philadelphia-airbnb-vacation-rental-rules" target="_self">tough industry regulations</a> could discourage some would-be hosts.</li></ul>

How to explore the best of the Carolina coast

Dive into epic watersports, scenic shores, a historic riverfront city and so much more in Wilmington, NC & Island Beaches.

Partners

Beach vacations were the most popular type of trip through 2025, and experts anticipate demand for sunny getaways won&#x27;t let up this year.<ul><li>But scroll through your feed in July and it&#x27;s the same snapshot over and over again — one stretch of sand, one seafood shack, one boardwalk. 🥱</li></ul>What you need to know: Wilmington, NC &amp; Island Beaches offers something different.Three distinct beaches— each with its own history and personality — sit just minutes from a historic riverfront city, creating a coastal experience tailored to your distinct vacation vibe.

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.

Philadelphia airport braces for disruptions as FAA cuts flights

Staffing shortages linked to the government shutdown are snarling travel at airports nationwide.

Philadelphia International Airport is bracing for a likely <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10% cut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/flights-canceled-airports-shutdown-thanksgiving" data-vars-content-id="b7a0639b-4a4a-4a4a-ae97-8752e64a305b" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia airport braces for disruptions as FAA cuts flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/flights-canceled-airports-shutdown-thanksgiving" target="_self">10% cut</a> in air traffic, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staffing shortages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-delays-sick-outs" data-vars-content-id="b7a0639b-4a4a-4a4a-ae97-8752e64a305b" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia airport braces for disruptions as FAA cuts flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-delays-sick-outs" target="_self">staffing shortages</a> linked to the government shutdown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snarl travel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/02/flight-delays-staffing-shortages-government-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="b7a0639b-4a4a-4a4a-ae97-8752e64a305b" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia airport braces for disruptions as FAA cuts flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/02/flight-delays-staffing-shortages-government-shutdown" target="_self">snarl travel</a> at airports nationwide.Why it matters: The move is expected to bring delays and flight cancellations — and more cuts could follow as the busy Thanksgiving travel season nears.

Philly airport grounds Kristi Noem's government shutdown video

The Trump administration released the video for airing at TSA checkpoints, but some authorities have shelved the message out of concern it violates federal law.

Airports across the country — including Philly — are refusing to show a video of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/trump-immigration-homeland-security-noem-cities" data-vars-content-id="35210c8d-b07d-4227-aa46-5a940e897037" data-vars-headline="Philly airport grounds Kristi Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/trump-immigration-homeland-security-noem-cities" target="_self">Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem</a> blaming the ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/trump-housing-department-shutdown-alert" data-vars-content-id="35210c8d-b07d-4227-aa46-5a940e897037" data-vars-headline="Philly airport grounds Kristi Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/trump-housing-department-shutdown-alert" target="_self">government shutdown</a> on congressional Democrats . Why it matters: The Trump administration released the video for airing at TSA checkpoints earlier this month, but some transportation authorities have shelved the message out of concern it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violates the Hatch Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/government-shutdown-republicans-trump-administration-hud" data-vars-content-id="35210c8d-b07d-4227-aa46-5a940e897037" data-vars-headline="Philly airport grounds Kristi Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/government-shutdown-republicans-trump-administration-hud" target="_self">violates the Hatch Act</a>.

United Lounge at PHL shut down for health violations

Health inspectors cited "imminent hazards" during a reinspection Monday.

The United Club at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philadelphia-airport-rocky-statue" data-vars-content-id="443b98eb-3eb4-49a1-8205-ea64880a6858" data-vars-headline="United Lounge at PHL shut down for health violations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philadelphia-airport-rocky-statue" target="_self">Philadelphia International Airport</a> was shut down over several health code violations.Why it matters: The passenger lounge cannot reopen until the issues are addressed and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reinspection fee" data-vars-click-url="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-274595" data-vars-content-id="443b98eb-3eb4-49a1-8205-ea64880a6858" data-vars-headline="United Lounge at PHL shut down for health violations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-274595" target="_blank">reinspection fee</a> is paid, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s posted notice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedairlines/comments/1nu7yv2/united_club_in_phl_closed_by_dept_of_health/#lightbox" data-vars-content-id="443b98eb-3eb4-49a1-8205-ea64880a6858" data-vars-headline="United Lounge at PHL shut down for health violations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedairlines/comments/1nu7yv2/united_club_in_phl_closed_by_dept_of_health/#lightbox" target="_blank">city&#x27;s posted notice</a>.