Axios Philadelphia

April 07, 2025
🤼 Let's get ready to Monday!
🌧️ Rain and a high near 48.
Today's newsletter is 967 words, a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: 🏌️ Golf course rehab hits big milestone
One of Tiger Woods' major investments in West Philly's Cobbs Creek Golf Course is now open.
Why it matters: The TGR Learning Lab offers free educational programming to local students, and it tees up the unveiling of more new facilities at the historic public golf course later this year.
The big picture: The nonprofit Cobbs Creek Foundation is in the midst of a massive $175 million restoration project that aims to transform the course into a golfing mecca for the region.
- Besides Woods, the project has garnered the backing of other giants in the sport, including Jordan Spieth.
Driving the news: Students in middle and high school can now sign up for free after-school classes, weekend workshops and other programs at the TGR Learning Lab, which was developed with Woods' charity.
- The two-story, 30,000-square-foot facility spans nine classrooms and includes a music recording area and podcast studio.
- And yes, it has a golf simulator.
Zoom in: Upcoming courses include podcasting, career and college readiness, forensic science, and music production, plus the lab will host Friday-night hangout events.
- The facility will eventually expand to serve students in grades 1-12 and offer athletic programs.
1 cool thing: Philly is one of two TGR Learning Labs in the country, following the flagship location in Anaheim, California.
What they're saying: "At the Learning Lab, we will provide opportunities for thousands of kids to learn, grow and chase after their dreams for many years to come," Woods said in a social media post about the facility's opening.

What's ahead: More new facilities coming to the Cobbs Creek campus this fall.
- A double-decker driving range with nearly 70 bays is expected to open in September.
- The range will include the latest tech, so golfers can nerd out over spin rates and the "smash factor" of their shots.
- A three-story building connected to the range will house a pro shop, restaurant, museum and community space.
Plus: Another Woods investment is slated to open in September: a nine-hole, par-3 short course designed by the pro golfer's design company.
What we're watching: The restoration of Cobbs Creek, which will help prevent flooding at the course and expand wetlands, is expected to start this month.
- The 18-hole golf course is expected to open in 2027, along with another full nine-hole course.
2. 🌧️ More dangerous rainfalls

Philadelphia's rainstorms are getting more intense amid human-driven climate change, a new analysis finds.
Why it matters: More intense precipitation events can cause flash-flooding, dangerous driving conditions and other potentially deadly hazards.
By the numbers: Hourly rainfall intensity increased by 10.2% in the city between 1970 and 2024, per a new report from Climate Central, a research and communications group.
The big picture: It's not just a Philly phenomenon.
- Hourly rainfall intensity increased in nearly 90% of the 144 U.S. locations Climate Central analyzed during that timeframe.
Meanwhile, increases were seen in Atlantic City, New Jersey (11.7%) and Wilmington, Delaware (11.8%).
3. News Market: 🪧 Philly shows up
👟 Thousands of "Hands Off!" protesters took to the streets across the Philly region on Saturday to demonstrate against the Trump administration. More than 1,300 events were held across all 50 states. (Metro Philadelphia)
⚾ Torpedo bats are all the rage in baseball, and they're made in King of Prussia at Victus Sports, MLB's official bat maker. The bowling-pin shaped bats are even appearing in the Phillies' lineup. (AP)
🍽️ Dine Latino Restaurant Week is back! Food trucks are taking part this year alongside restaurants, which are offering a free desert or app with the purchase of two entrees or a limited-time menu. Runs through Saturday.
4. 🤠 Suburban mayor gets roasted
An Upper Darby resident busted out the oldest trick in the playbook to criticize the mayor: He pointed out his allegiance to the Dallas Cowboys.
Why it matters: In a region where Eagles fandom is practically a civic duty, being on the wrong side of the NFC East rivalry might be the biggest political fumble of all.
Driving the news: The viral moment, picked up by Barstool Sports, occurred this week at a township council meeting, when resident and activist Richard Blye addressed local officials about abandoned cars in his neighborhood.
- Then, he turned his attention to Mayor Ed Brown, jabbing him about his love for Jerry Jones and Co.
What they're saying: "See, this is what happens, guys, residents of Upper Darby Township, when you elect a Cowboys fan to your government," Blye said at the meeting. "Twenty-nine years of losing with this team."
- "What do you expect with the leadership? This is a Cowboys fan. This guy follows the Cowboys. You see what type of leadership they have, and that's what you put your trust in. A Cowboys fan. Sickening."
Blye tells Axios he hadn't planned to bring up the Dallas allegiance.
- "That was spur of the moment, not even kidding."
The other side: A spokesperson for Brown declined Axios' request for comment.
What's next: Blye says there's a bigger "backstory" to the beef, which he plans to share on a podcast — he declined to say which — in the coming days.
- He's still firming up details. Stay tuned.
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We're grateful for your trust and continued readership.
5. 1 vote to go: 🗳️ Portal's new home
Philly's Portal is moving and this is your chance to weigh in.
The contenders: Voters can choose from two options: Its first spot in LOVE Park or City Hall's courtyard.
How it works: Make your selection at voteportals.org.
- Voting is expected to remain open at least through the week.
Catch up quick: The all-hours, livestreaming art installation is now located near the Welcome Center in LOVE Park. It was moved in November from its original spot that was closer to the LOVE Statue.
- The 12-foot-tall circular art installation went live again recently after being vandalized several times and knocked offline.
What's next: The Portal is expected to be in its new spot by April 29.
📽️ Isaac watched the Karen Read doc this weekend. Check it, if you haven't.
😀 Mike is raving about the gelato and sorbet from Vita in Center City. He's still thinking about the orange coconut flavor!
Have a good day!
Today's newsletter was edited by Alexa Mencia Orozco.
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