PennDOT is getting started this week on removing graffiti from Philadelphia's gateways ahead of this summer's packed lineup of events.

Why it matters: State and city officials are completing an $11.5 million project to beautify Philly — and shake its "Filthadelphia" reputation — before thousands of visitors arrive.

State of play: PennDOT is timing its highway cleanup close to major summer events, including next month's World Cup, to reduce the chances those corridors are retagged before the international spotlight turns to Philly.

• The state agency is focusing on stretches of I-95 before expanding to I-76 and the Vine Street Expressway (I-676) through the early part of the summer, spokesperson Brad Rudolph tells Axios.
• PennDOT is spending about $45,000 on its latest graffiti-removal deployment, tapping contractor Alpha Drones USA.

🌱 The big picture: The city has already been sending crews to repaint walls, overpasses and on-ramps across Philly as part of the beautification project, while also picking up litter and adding plants and green spaces.

• The work — slated to wrap up by the end of the month — targets seven of the city's most visible corridors, including stretches of I-76 and I-676, the South Street Bridge and 30th Street Station.
• Rudolph said that the graffiti removal completed so far has been coordinated by the city's Community Life Improvement Program.

What they're saying: Philadelphia officials declined to provide a progress update on the initiative.

• City spokesperson Keisha McCarty tells Axios more details will be shared at an upcoming news conference tied to the unveiling of a new 250th anniversary-themed mural near I-76 and Spring Garden Street.
• "This is about Philadelphia remembering who we are and getting our own house in order and making sure that it stays in order," Mayor Parker said when the beautification project was first announced.

👀 The intrigue: A recent paint job is drawing backlash.

• The repainting of the historic 100 Steps granite stairwell near Roxborough was widely panned online, with commenters calling it "hideous" and a "travesty."
• The city didn't confirm whether it was behind the repainting.

Keep reading

Today kicks off the Memorial Day weekend travel rush.

Why it matters: Your future self will thank you if you plan to avoid the traffic.

🧮 By the numbers: More than 525,000 people in the Philly region will travel at least 50 miles through Monday — up slightly over last year, per AAA.

• Nearly 90% of travelers are expected to hit the road.

🚢 Plus: More people are forecast to take trains, buses, cruises and other forms of travel this year — up nearly 4%.

The big picture: An estimated 45 million Americans will travel over the coming holiday weekend — up 200,000 compared to last year, per AAA.

• But "economic uncertainties and concerns over rising prices have led to the smallest year-over-year travel growth rate we've seen in more than a decade," outside of 2020, Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Club Alliance, said in a statement.

🏖️ Travel hotspot: Delaware's Rehoboth Beach is apparently the it place this year.

• Congestion via I-95 S and Route 13 S to Rehoboth is forecast to be the worst in the region over the long weekend, according to transportation analytics company INRIX.
• And the worst time to drive there is starting today at 4:15pm, with travel times pegged to take 66% longer than usual.

⚠️ Pro tip: Peak congestion is likely to hit in the afternoons today and tomorrow, as commuters leave work and mix with vacation travelers, per INRIX.

⛽ At the pump: Gas prices were averaging around $4.63 for a gallon of regular in Philly proper yesterday — up nearly $1.50 compared to this time last year, per AAA.

• Statewide, the average was $4.64.

☝️ Overall, these are the best and worst times to take to the roads this weekend:

✈️ In the skies: Philadelphia International Airport is likely to be slammed, too.

• PHL predicts roughly 10% more passengers to pass through its terminals through Monday compared to 2025.

🚨 Busiest airport day: Today and tomorrow.

The bottom line: The unofficial start of summer is here!

Warn a traveler

🦅 We can officially give the rest of America the Bird. Philly was voted the country's top NFL city in this year's USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards.

• The outlet wrote that Philly's "blend of cheers and jeers amid a sea of Kelly Green" showcases "NFL passion at its best."

🦷 Philadelphia health officials shut down a Center City dental clinic and suspended a dentist's license after inspectors found unsanitary conditions that may have exposed patients to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.

• City officials are working to notify patients treated at Smiles at Rittenhouse Square between April 2025 and May 2026. (CBS)

🌊 Enjoy the Delaware Riverfront at the Glen Foerd estate in Northeast Philly today for its monthly Third Thursday event.

• Food and drink (pay as you go), lawn games, arts and crafts, and music are on the agenda. And don't forget to bring a blanket or lawn chair. 6-8pm

🩰 The Philly Ballet puts on an outdoor show at Dilworth Park outside City Hall today from 6-7pm.

• Seating is limited, so it would be a good idea to bring a blanket or lawn chair.

🚣 Spruce Street Harbor Park also opens on Friday. New this year are water bicycles and larger swan boats (pay as you go).

• What else: Concert series, food and drink vendors, hammocks to lounge in, and waterfront vibes.

🏰 Hear ye, hear ye! The Philly Renaissance Faire is Saturday-Monday at Fort Mifflin in Southwest Philly.

• Each day from 11am-6pm, transport yourself to the times of yore and take in armored knights battling, 60+ vendors, costume contests, minstrels, archery, javelin tossing and a petting zoo.

More events

Philadelphia now has a $55 slice of pizza.

Driving the news: Marina's Pizza in Fishtown will start serving up this gourmet slice on Friday for a limited time, per the pizzeria.

• The white slice (sans sauce) is topped with imported Italian cheeses and an ounce of golden osetra caviar.
• Each slice, served on a gold plate, comes with a Mother of Pearl caviar spoon as a souvenir.

If you're going to splurge: Availability will be limited each day and orders are restricted to dine-in only.

💭 Mike's thought bubble: We may have just hit peak pizza, akin to the $140 cheesesteak.