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Two Philadelphia museums cancel popular summer camps

The programs were a one-of-a-kind Philly experience.

Culture

The Academy of Natural Sciences and Penn Museum have unexpectedly nixed their longtime summer camp programs.Why it matters: The programs were a one-of-a-kind Philly experience for a generation of kids — offering fun, reliable spaces to play and learn among world-class museum collections while school was out.

Philly DA drops shooting case against well-known attorney

It's a surprising twist to the criminal case against Leonard Keith Hill, founder of Hill & Associates law firm.

News

Prosecutors have dismissed charges against a prominent Philadelphia attorney in connection with a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" 2023 shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/09/philly-attorney-charged-in-shooting" data-vars-content-id="14c90e08-b1f3-41c9-a929-ba6310d3d6bf" data-vars-headline="Philly DA drops shooting case against well-known attorney" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/09/philly-attorney-charged-in-shooting" target="_self"> 2023 shooting</a> near a Center City cigar bar.Why it matters: The dismissal marks an unexpected turn in a nearly three-year case against Leonard Keith Hill, founder of<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Hill &amp; Associates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hilljustice.com/" data-vars-content-id="14c90e08-b1f3-41c9-a929-ba6310d3d6bf" data-vars-headline="Philly DA drops shooting case against well-known attorney" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hilljustice.com/" target="_blank"> Hill &amp; Associates</a>, that drew scrutiny after a judge rejected an earlier plea deal as too lenient.

Philadelphia seafood spot wins James Beard Foundation award

The coveted accolade is a gold stamp of approval from the culinary industry's biggest name.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oyster House" data-vars-click-url="https://oysterhousephilly.com" data-vars-content-id="3d5ade0d-52d1-4aaf-a208-6562f3320bb6" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia seafood spot wins James Beard Foundation award" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oysterhousephilly.com" target="_blank">Oyster House</a> in Center City nabbed a James Beard America&#x27;s Classic Award.Why it matters: The coveted accolade is a gold stamp of approval from the culinary industry&#x27;s biggest name.

Philadelphia region braces for Snowmaggedon 2.0

The second blockbuster storm of the winter could bring blizzard conditions and potentially record-breaking snowfall.

Climate

The second blockbuster storm of the winter is poised to bring blizzard conditions and potentially record-breaking snowfall to the Philadelphia region. Why it matters: &quot;Here we go again&quot; is the sentiment of many Philadelphians as Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s administration tries to avoid a repeat of last month&#x27;s storm response, which crippled city services and transportation for days.

Di Bruno Bros. to close several store locations

The Philly-born Italian specialty grocer has been a beloved go-to spot for cured meats, cheese and epicurean delights since 1939.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Di Bruno Bros." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/17/di-bruno-bros-sold-wakefern-food" data-vars-content-id="1d67968c-2a66-45b2-9e5c-52c76f8c3d35" data-vars-headline="Di Bruno Bros. to close several store locations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/17/di-bruno-bros-sold-wakefern-food" target="_self">Di Bruno Bros.</a> is shuttering a majority of its markets in the Philadelphia region this month. Why it matters: The Philly-born Italian specialty grocer has been a beloved go-to spot for cured meats, cheese and epicurean delights since 1939.

Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name

That didn&#x27;t last long.State of play: The board of trustees of Philly&#x27;s largest and most prestigious art institution voted on Wednesday to nix <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year&#x27;s splashy renaming" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/09/philadelphia-art-museum-rebrand-pham" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/09/philadelphia-art-museum-rebrand-pham" target="_self">last year&#x27;s splashy renaming</a>.<ul><li>✅ In: Philadelphia Museum of Art</li><li>🚫 Out: Philadelphia Art Museum </li></ul>Yes, but: The museum will retain the circular griffin logo and so-called brand identity that was introduced last year, per the board&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news release" data-vars-click-url="https://press.philamuseum.org/brand-update-philadelphia-museum-of-art-will-return-as-name-of-institution-griffin-logo-and-brand-identity-will-remain/" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://press.philamuseum.org/brand-update-philadelphia-museum-of-art-will-return-as-name-of-institution-griffin-logo-and-brand-identity-will-remain/" target="_blank">news release</a>. <ul><li>Visitors will see changes to the museum&#x27;s branding in the coming weeks — both IRL and on its website. </li><li>The museum&#x27;s website, emails and social media pages will revert back to &quot;philamuseum.&quot; </li></ul>Cost: The price tag for the rebrand: $1 million, per the Inquirer.<ul><li>And the re-rebrand: $50,000, a museum spokesperson tells Axios. </li></ul>Zoom in: A museum task force recommended the changes following a examination of the rebrand&#x27;s rollout, including surveys of museum trustees and staff, per the board.What they&#x27;re saying: Returning to the original name &quot;is an important gesture,&quot; Daniel Weiss, the new director and CEO of the museum, said in a news release.<ul><li>&quot;We now have a system that our entire community can rally around — so we can dedicate ourselves to the important opportunities of our mission.&quot;</li></ul>Context: The museum&#x27;s retreat follows the firing of museum director Sasha Suda, who was sacked in November <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over allegations of theft." data-vars-click-url="https://www.inquirer.com/arts/philadelphia-art-museum-lawsuit-sasha-suda-20251121.html" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inquirer.com/arts/philadelphia-art-museum-lawsuit-sasha-suda-20251121.html" target="_blank">over allegations of theft.</a><ul><li>Suda, who was hired in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2022" data-vars-click-url="https://press.philamuseum.org/philadelphia-museum-of-art-names-sasha-suda-as-new-director-and-ceo/" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://press.philamuseum.org/philadelphia-museum-of-art-names-sasha-suda-as-new-director-and-ceo/" target="_blank">2022</a>, and her team led the rebrand, which was unpopular with many Philadelphians. </li><li>Plus: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paul Dien" data-vars-click-url="https://press.philamuseum.org/the-philadelphia-museum-of-art-welcomes--two-new-members-to-its-senior-leadership-team/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://press.philamuseum.org/the-philadelphia-museum-of-art-welcomes--two-new-members-to-its-senior-leadership-team/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">Paul Dien</a>, the museum&#x27;s head marketer, who oversaw the rebrand, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resigned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-philadelphia-a2cc1233-0fb2-4ba0-a71f-69a2127f45e7.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-philadelphia-a2cc1233-0fb2-4ba0-a71f-69a2127f45e7.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&amp;stream=top" target="_self">resigned</a> Feb. 1. </li></ul>1 notable thing: The museum says it will no longer use the &quot;PhAM&quot; acronym, which was introduced as part of the rebrand. <ul><li>Yes, but: Does that mean people will stop calling the museum &quot;PhART&quot;? TBD.</li></ul>

Philly neighborhoods ring in America's 250th birthday with new bells

Artists worked on the designs and highlighted histories, heroes and cultures of the neighborhoods they're being placed in.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chinatown gets a bell!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=d44b221d688bac1f&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifMYU7a4Q-iBDlPC9N53fAeJXKiP2Q:1765386912414&amp;udm=7&amp;fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ59Aj-dkSgmXWKpa2HWaBZDtyvvIn4PVHl081BMOU6hqePjkUQDxmNMZlAa2JorCvAOGwUaUqdk3KRaXOI5--gq_7fiT9L0HI8qPbO4wdfIKjLuPMZuuQ7hezWj86UFA3tv5evsmFvFYpYzSqRm20I32UC9pHRduAvxuySQj7DJIHMbzqSvqahKwWVnzFIHpAy-CpCw&amp;q=oprah+you+get+a+car&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-x7jewrORAxVIF1kFHWirA1kQtKgLegQIEhAB&amp;biw=1887&amp;bih=926&amp;dpr=0.9#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:17486ce7,vid:pviYWzu0dzk,st:0" data-vars-content-id="60b91801-0007-41a7-9709-8da5ecadffae" data-vars-headline="Philly neighborhoods ring in America&#x27;s 250th birthday with new bells" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=d44b221d688bac1f&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifMYU7a4Q-iBDlPC9N53fAeJXKiP2Q:1765386912414&amp;udm=7&amp;fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ59Aj-dkSgmXWKpa2HWaBZDtyvvIn4PVHl081BMOU6hqePjkUQDxmNMZlAa2JorCvAOGwUaUqdk3KRaXOI5--gq_7fiT9L0HI8qPbO4wdfIKjLuPMZuuQ7hezWj86UFA3tv5evsmFvFYpYzSqRm20I32UC9pHRduAvxuySQj7DJIHMbzqSvqahKwWVnzFIHpAy-CpCw&amp;q=oprah+you+get+a+car&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-x7jewrORAxVIF1kFHWirA1kQtKgLegQIEhAB&amp;biw=1887&amp;bih=926&amp;dpr=0.9#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:17486ce7,vid:pviYWzu0dzk,st:0" target="_blank">Chinatown gets a bell!</a> Mt. Airy gets a bell! South Philly gets a bell!State of play: Twenty city neighborhoods are getting replica Liberty Bells — but local artists are zhuzhing them up.

School closure plan collides with Philadelphia legislators

Growing opposition among City Council will likely bring changes or delays to the district's $2.8 billion blueprint.

Education

The Philly school district&#x27;s controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan to close and modernize its buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/23/close-schools-facility-plan-buildings" data-vars-content-id="a8909b87-f652-4e45-b7cd-9d8ebf4f3999" data-vars-headline="School closure plan collides with Philadelphia legislators" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/23/close-schools-facility-plan-buildings" target="_self">plan to close and modernize its buildings</a> is up against its biggest obstacle yet: city politics.Why it matters: Growing opposition among City Council could bring delays and changes to the district&#x27;s $2.8 billion blueprint.

Philly hiring a consultant to support anti-violence nonprofits amid scrutiny

The $500,000 contract will go to a firm that will help groups become more sustainable.

Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s administration is hiring a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consultant" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xKfqsz-lDTmXRpHczcaRRMCyU-dbLxlk/view" data-vars-content-id="30698113-a821-4123-a264-f45179875ad5" data-vars-headline="Philly hiring a consultant to support anti-violence nonprofits amid scrutiny" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xKfqsz-lDTmXRpHczcaRRMCyU-dbLxlk/view" target="_blank">consultant</a> to help city-funded grassroots anti-violence groups improve their operations amid questions about oversight and mismanagement.<ul><li>But at least one local nonprofit leader is calling the move performative, and a tall order for the firm that lands the job.</li></ul>Why it matters: Since 2021, Philadelphia has poured more than $60 million into anti-violence programs — though some groups have faced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="questions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-controller-gun-violence-grants-problems-waste-20240403.html" data-vars-content-id="30698113-a821-4123-a264-f45179875ad5" data-vars-headline="Philly hiring a consultant to support anti-violence nonprofits amid scrutiny" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-controller-gun-violence-grants-problems-waste-20240403.html" target="_blank">questions</a> about whether they&#x27;re able to effectively manage the money and deliver results.

Philly is betting $620M on the nation's 250th celebration

A report from City Controller Christy Brady offers the deepest look yet at Philly spending for 2026.

Philadelphia is spending $620 million on the nation&#x27;s 250th celebrations, per a new city controller <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://controller.phila.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/February-2026-MMM.pdf" data-vars-content-id="e1565a7b-015b-49d6-9067-00eed9564bcc" data-vars-headline="Philly is betting $620M on the nation&#x27;s 250th celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://controller.phila.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/February-2026-MMM.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>.Why it matters: The fiscal watchdog&#x27;s report offers the clearest picture so far of the price Philadelphia is paying — in large part shouldered by taxpayers — to bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="global marquee events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/16/philly-americas-sportiest-city-is-having-its-biggest-sports-year-yet" data-vars-content-id="e1565a7b-015b-49d6-9067-00eed9564bcc" data-vars-headline="Philly is betting $620M on the nation&#x27;s 250th celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/16/philly-americas-sportiest-city-is-having-its-biggest-sports-year-yet" target="_self">global marquee events</a> to the cradle of democracy during the nation&#x27;s milestone celebration.

Financial troubles growing for Philly region's QVC

QVC pioneered impulse shopping via live TV but has been on the ropes for years.

The Philly region&#x27;s once-mighty home-shopping network QVC is facing mounting financial troubles and a possible bankruptcy.Why it matters: QVC is an institution that pioneered impulse shopping via 24-hour TV but has been on the ropes for years amid declining demand and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="changing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/11/02/social-media-qvc-live-shopping" data-vars-content-id="b5350361-7e1c-4918-b0a8-af31b8f74b04" data-vars-headline="Financial troubles growing for Philly region&#x27;s QVC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/11/02/social-media-qvc-live-shopping" target="_self">changing</a> customer habits.

America is burying a time capsule in Philly for the nation's 250th birthday

What a fitting gift for a city that's given our country it's greatest gift: democracy.

America&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="time capsule" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/time-capsule/" data-vars-content-id="881e7708-929a-4dec-ac03-24fe66b9c303" data-vars-headline="America is burying a time capsule in Philly for the nation&#x27;s 250th birthday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/time-capsule/" target="_blank">time capsule</a> is being buried in America&#x27;s birth spot.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a fitting birthday gift to a city that has given our country its greatest gift: democracy.

Your take: School schedules vs. parents' sanity

Working parents are left scrambling to provide care or take off work for their young children when school is canceled (or goes virtual).

👋 Hi, Mike here. After the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent snowstorm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/23/snowmaggedon-20-tests-phillys-storm-response" data-vars-content-id="0bce3c0c-412a-4d05-93b2-7bfd4e8c1a85" data-vars-headline="Your take: School schedules vs. parents&#x27; sanity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/23/snowmaggedon-20-tests-phillys-storm-response" target="_self">recent snowstorm</a> forced the Philly school district to switch to virtual learning, I wondered how many full and in-person weeks of school students have had recently. 🚨 Spoiler alert: Not many.Why it matters: Working parents are left scrambling to provide care for their young children when school is canceled (or goes virtual). 🧮 By the numbers: District students have had five uninterrupted weeks of schooling inside a district building since the start of November, per Axios&#x27; calculations. <ul><li>That figure accounts for days off (think Election Day, Veterans Day, winter break), early dismissals (like for staff development), and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snow days" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/22/winter-storm-philadelphia-region" data-vars-content-id="0bce3c0c-412a-4d05-93b2-7bfd4e8c1a85" data-vars-headline="Your take: School schedules vs. parents&#x27; sanity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/22/winter-storm-philadelphia-region" target="_self">snow days</a> when learning went virtual. </li><li>Worth noting: The district declined my request to confirm. But we based our numbers on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online school calendar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.philasd.org/calendar/" data-vars-content-id="0bce3c0c-412a-4d05-93b2-7bfd4e8c1a85" data-vars-headline="Your take: School schedules vs. parents&#x27; sanity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philasd.org/calendar/" target="_blank">online school calendar</a>. </li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: District spokesperson Naima DeBrest tells Axios that the school calendar &quot;ensures that students receive the full number of required instructional days and hours.&quot; <ul><li>And when inclement weather hits the region, remote learning days allow students to &quot;continue receiving instruction and maintain academic achievement.&quot;</li></ul>💭 Mike&#x27;s thought bubble: Sure, virtual learning could be productive for older students in high school who are (relatively) self-sufficient.<ul><li>But as any parent with a young school-aged child will tell you, the effectiveness of remote learning seems highly suspect, and virtual days often require child care anyway — or taking the day off work entirely.</li></ul>📬 Share your thoughts: What&#x27;s your take on the number of days district students haven&#x27;t been in school? <ul><li>Send an email to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="philadelphia@axios.com" data-vars-click-url="mailto: philadelphia@axios.com" data-vars-content-id="0bce3c0c-412a-4d05-93b2-7bfd4e8c1a85" data-vars-headline="Your take: School schedules vs. parents&#x27; sanity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="mailto: philadelphia@axios.com" target="_blank">philadelphia@axios.com</a> and let us know. </li></ul>

Philadelphia weekender: Flower Show, Dinos After Dark and Blue Man Group

Fill up your weekend social calendar with these popular events.

Things to Do

🦕 Dinos After Dark takes over the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Academy of Natural Sciences " data-vars-click-url="https://ansp.org/exhibits/exhibits/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21388935964&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADfPgAIAlCNoAwlRpmXm__02CbkRj&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA-__MBhAKEiwASBmsBNSQMDp2CNTXpztF9qmZOnakz75oNlEZcrmXiqX8xRZW6zzup9lshRoCkx0QAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="237c246d-f3f9-47d3-83a8-f0de03281501" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Flower Show, Dinos After Dark and Blue Man Group" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ansp.org/exhibits/exhibits/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21388935964&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADfPgAIAlCNoAwlRpmXm__02CbkRj&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA-__MBhAKEiwASBmsBNSQMDp2CNTXpztF9qmZOnakz75oNlEZcrmXiqX8xRZW6zzup9lshRoCkx0QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Academy of Natural Sciences </a>tonight from 5-8pm. Science exhibits, food, drinks, music and dancing. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://28261.blackbaudhosting.com/28261/page.aspx?pid=213&amp;tab=2&amp;txobjid=1fec5415-c9d0-42a4-822c-7d7636222d87" data-vars-content-id="237c246d-f3f9-47d3-83a8-f0de03281501" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Flower Show, Dinos After Dark and Blue Man Group" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://28261.blackbaudhosting.com/28261/page.aspx?pid=213&amp;tab=2&amp;txobjid=1fec5415-c9d0-42a4-822c-7d7636222d87" target="_blank">Tickets</a> are pay-what-you want. 🪽 The Wings, Philly&#x27;s indoor lacrosse team, takes on Georgia tonight at 7pm at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Even better: It&#x27;s $1 ice cream night. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/philadelphia-wings-vs-georgia-swarm-philadelphia-pennsylvania-02-27-2026/event/30006332FDFC57CF" data-vars-content-id="237c246d-f3f9-47d3-83a8-f0de03281501" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Flower Show, Dinos After Dark and Blue Man Group" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/philadelphia-wings-vs-georgia-swarm-philadelphia-pennsylvania-02-27-2026/event/30006332FDFC57CF" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $14+

Funding shortfall pushes Chinatown Stitch start to at least 2029

Philadelphia hopes to secure $12.5 from a separate federal funding stream to advance the project to final design.

Construction of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chinatown Stitch project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/30/chinatown-stitch-project-federal-funding-future" data-vars-content-id="dc54c0c1-7ce7-4cd2-9be4-4ddb330de06e" data-vars-headline="Funding shortfall pushes Chinatown Stitch start to at least 2029" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/30/chinatown-stitch-project-federal-funding-future" target="_self">Chinatown Stitch project</a> is being pushed back until at least 2029 as city and state officials scramble to secure new funding to get the project across the finish line.Why it matters: The delay became all but inevitable after the project lost federal funding last year under cuts included in President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;big beautiful bill,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/02/chinatown-stitch-federal-funding-cuts" data-vars-content-id="dc54c0c1-7ce7-4cd2-9be4-4ddb330de06e" data-vars-headline="Funding shortfall pushes Chinatown Stitch start to at least 2029" 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/chinatown-stitch-federal-funding-cuts" target="_self">&quot;big beautiful bill,&quot;</a> leaving local leaders to fill a major budget gap.

Snowmaggedon 2.0 puts Philly's storm response to the test

The latest storm dropped more than a foot of snow on the region, canceling classes, flights and snarling public transportation.

Philly is slowly digging out from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snowmaggedon 2.0" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/23/winter-storm-blizzard-conditions-philadelphia-metro" data-vars-content-id="503991d2-3643-49fb-a20e-ecfd3af084ae" data-vars-headline="Snowmaggedon 2.0 puts Philly&#x27;s storm response to the test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/23/winter-storm-blizzard-conditions-philadelphia-metro" target="_self">Snowmaggedon 2.0</a>, but city officials say they&#x27;re better prepared this time to handle the challenges that come with the dayslong cleanup.Why it matters: As Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;safer, cleaner, greener&quot; mayor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/02/cherelle-parker-lobbying-trump-philly" data-vars-content-id="503991d2-3643-49fb-a20e-ecfd3af084ae" data-vars-headline="Snowmaggedon 2.0 puts Philly&#x27;s storm response to the test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/02/cherelle-parker-lobbying-trump-philly" target="_self">&quot;safer, cleaner, greener&quot; mayor</a>, Cherelle Parker has set delivering core city services as the standard she&#x27;s judged by in her first term in office. <ul><li>Right now, the report card reads: incomplete, but improving.</li></ul>

Scoop: Ex-detective and "Mare of Easttown" muse sues for sex discrimination

Former Chester County detective Christine Bleiler was a "go-to" consultant on the show, shaping Kate Winslet's titular character.

The detective who inspired HBO&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Mare of Easttown&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/mare-of-easttown/c1517b80-50ab-4733-8208-ae2c2765c0e7" data-vars-content-id="aa205491-d4ee-4c5e-9756-f1d9781e2aec" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ex-detective and &quot;Mare of Easttown&quot; muse sues for sex discrimination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/mare-of-easttown/c1517b80-50ab-4733-8208-ae2c2765c0e7" target="_blank">&quot;Mare of Easttown&quot;</a> says she quit because of sex-based discrimination within her department, per a federal lawsuit filed this month.State of play: Former Chester County detective Christine Bleiler was a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;go-to&quot; consultant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/kate-winslet-mare-of-easttown-accent?srsltid=AfmBOooDuR35Uml1FaBfuoJW5645xDRgcaRELPt-m_Jua6p0ezoUJC7t" data-vars-content-id="aa205491-d4ee-4c5e-9756-f1d9781e2aec" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ex-detective and &quot;Mare of Easttown&quot; muse sues for sex discrimination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/kate-winslet-mare-of-easttown-accent?srsltid=AfmBOooDuR35Uml1FaBfuoJW5645xDRgcaRELPt-m_Jua6p0ezoUJC7t" target="_blank">&quot;go-to&quot; consultant</a> on the show, shaping Kate Winslet&#x27;s titular character, Marianne &quot;Mare&quot; Sheehan, and helping her capture the realities of small-town policing.

J&J to invest $1B in new Montgomery County cell therapy plant

The Shapiro administration has pledged $41.5 million in state support for the project.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Johnson &amp; Johnson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/21/johnson-johnson-55-billion-us-investment" data-vars-content-id="e98afdf1-e462-4dda-b8c9-550885890af4" data-vars-headline="J&amp;J to invest $1B in new Montgomery County cell therapy plant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/21/johnson-johnson-55-billion-us-investment" target="_self">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a> is investing more than $1 billion to build a new cell therapy plant in Montgomery County.Why it matters: The project expands the New Jersey-based pharmaceutical giant&#x27;s footprint in the Philadelphia region.

Exclusive: Ex-QVC insiders see a comeback. Here's the playbook

The company's strategy must mix nostalgia and innovation.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="QVC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/12/financial-troubles-growing-for-philly-regions-qvc" data-vars-content-id="126b32b5-a542-4ebb-a2bb-2200f19aa060" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Ex-QVC insiders see a comeback. Here&#x27;s the playbook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/12/financial-troubles-growing-for-philly-regions-qvc" target="_self">QVC</a> perfected live shopping before social media made it cool again — and now the storied retail giant is trying to win back relevance from platforms that copied its playbook.Why it matters: Former QVC employees and marketing experts tell Axios the West Chester-based company&#x27;s original formula — live, personality-driven and built on urgency — looks much like today&#x27;s creator economy.

How THON helped this Penn State alum become a Philly kid's mom

Philadelphian Kionne Reese Abrams navigated cancer and foster care before finding his forever family.

A chain of events, set in motion years ago at Penn State, led Alyssa Abrams on a path to meeting a Philly boy who&#x27;d become her son.The big picture: After earning three degrees from the university, Abrams became a child psychologist, a wife, and now, a mom. For many alums, that kind of life-shaping connection is why they give back to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="THON" data-vars-click-url="https://thon.org/" data-vars-content-id="99b1b366-35f3-4879-837e-813d955275f1" data-vars-headline="How THON helped this Penn State alum become a Philly kid&#x27;s mom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thon.org/" target="_blank">THON</a>, Penn State&#x27;s largest annual fundraiser for childhood cancer.

Philadelphia weekender: Lunar New Year, Fashion Week and Punk Rock Flea Market

Fill up your weekend social calendar with these can't-miss events.

✨ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia Fashion Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phillyfashionweek.org/" data-vars-content-id="428bdaf3-d4bd-4e27-966b-2a017079877e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Lunar New Year, Fashion Week and Punk Rock Flea Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phillyfashionweek.org/" target="_blank">Philadelphia Fashion Week</a> is back! Check out runway shows, workshops and events through Saturday. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phillyfashionweek.org/event-list" data-vars-content-id="428bdaf3-d4bd-4e27-966b-2a017079877e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Lunar New Year, Fashion Week and Punk Rock Flea Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phillyfashionweek.org/event-list" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: Pay as you go🏀 The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their trick shots, ball-handling and dunks to Temple&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Liacouras Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.liacourascenter.com/events/detail/the-harlem-globetrotters-100-year-tour" data-vars-content-id="428bdaf3-d4bd-4e27-966b-2a017079877e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Lunar New Year, Fashion Week and Punk Rock Flea Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.liacourascenter.com/events/detail/the-harlem-globetrotters-100-year-tour" target="_blank">Liacouras Center</a> in North Philly tonight at 7pm. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0200631BC8902D52?CAMEFROM=CFC_THE_LIACOURAS_CENTER_WEB_VENUESITE_GLOBIES" data-vars-content-id="428bdaf3-d4bd-4e27-966b-2a017079877e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Lunar New Year, Fashion Week and Punk Rock Flea Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0200631BC8902D52?CAMEFROM=CFC_THE_LIACOURAS_CENTER_WEB_VENUESITE_GLOBIES" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $28+

How to avoid secret spouses and heartbreak this Valentine's Day

We crowdsourced tips from 2 Philly tour guides, colleagues and readers.

Love makes you do crazy things.The big picture: There&#x27;s a woman buried at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Laurel Hill Cemetery " data-vars-click-url="https://laurelhillphl.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22774703653&amp;gbraid=0AAAABAkGhlX5_fRRiNk0tctLprTAUHnwR&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAkbbMBhB2EiwANbxtbbfUiiJMiknznALY12A8BzadSmtROO6rouLmKhlsOjsnelnDH-s3XhoCl70QAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="46b51bcc-ffbf-4d34-b5ca-9709e72f9eef" data-vars-headline="How to avoid secret spouses and heartbreak this Valentine&#x27;s Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://laurelhillphl.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22774703653&amp;gbraid=0AAAABAkGhlX5_fRRiNk0tctLprTAUHnwR&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAkbbMBhB2EiwANbxtbbfUiiJMiknznALY12A8BzadSmtROO6rouLmKhlsOjsnelnDH-s3XhoCl70QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Laurel Hill Cemetery </a>whose dying wish was to have her ticker buried with her late husband.

Philadelphia weekender: Circus, V-Day cruise and Adult Prom

🎪 The circus is in town for the weekend. Ringling Bros. and Barnum &amp; Bailey is putting on eight shows, starting Friday, at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Acrobats, unicyclists, superhuman stunts. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/2962779?venueId=393379&amp;utm_source=WEB&amp;utm_medium=XMAWEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=RINGLING2026&amp;_gl=1*11glqz7*_gcl_au*MTM0MTMyNTMwNC4xNzcwMjMxNTMw*_ga*MTU0NTQ3NjM1My4xNzcwMjMxNTMw*_ga_2X5Q2J1M51*czE3NzA4Mjk2NDAkbzIkZzAkdDE3NzA4Mjk2NDAkajYwJGwwJGgw" data-vars-content-id="46eaa5b1-9dfe-4710-9f5f-e562289f3857" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Circus, V-Day cruise and Adult Prom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/2962779?venueId=393379&amp;utm_source=WEB&amp;utm_medium=XMAWEBSITE&amp;utm_campaign=RINGLING2026&amp;_gl=1*11glqz7*_gcl_au*MTM0MTMyNTMwNC4xNzcwMjMxNTMw*_ga*MTU0NTQ3NjM1My4xNzcwMjMxNTMw*_ga_2X5Q2J1M51*czE3NzA4Mjk2NDAkbzIkZzAkdDE3NzA4Mjk2NDAkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $41+🌺 Longwood Gardens kicks off its monthlong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Garden Glow" data-vars-click-url="https://longwoodgardens.org/garden-glow" data-vars-content-id="46eaa5b1-9dfe-4710-9f5f-e562289f3857" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Circus, V-Day cruise and Adult Prom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://longwoodgardens.org/garden-glow" target="_blank">Garden Glow</a> exhibit this weekend. The after-hours journey at the Conservatory and Main Fountain Garden Districts happens every weekend through March 8. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://longwoodgardens.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=274" data-vars-content-id="46eaa5b1-9dfe-4710-9f5f-e562289f3857" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Circus, V-Day cruise and Adult Prom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://longwoodgardens.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=274" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $45 adults, $25 children

Philly weekend: Super Bowl, book fair and Knuckle Mania

Fill up your social calendar this weekend with these can't-miss events.

🖼️ Friday Friday is on tap for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="special events and exhibits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oldcitydistrict.org/first-friday" data-vars-content-id="7be14915-9ff7-4bb2-8543-73bd7bf6a5d6" data-vars-headline="Philly weekend: Super Bowl, book fair and Knuckle Mania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oldcitydistrict.org/first-friday" target="_blank">special events and exhibits</a> at galleries, showrooms and shops across the city.🚙 Last call for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia Auto Show" data-vars-click-url="https://phillyautoshow.com/" data-vars-content-id="7be14915-9ff7-4bb2-8543-73bd7bf6a5d6" data-vars-headline="Philly weekend: Super Bowl, book fair and Knuckle Mania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phillyautoshow.com/" target="_blank">Philadelphia Auto Show</a>. Swing by the Pennsylvania Convention Center through Sunday to see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new, classic and custom cars" data-vars-click-url="https://phillyautoshow.com/exhibitors/" data-vars-content-id="7be14915-9ff7-4bb2-8543-73bd7bf6a5d6" data-vars-headline="Philly weekend: Super Bowl, book fair and Knuckle Mania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phillyautoshow.com/exhibitors/" target="_blank">new, classic and custom cars</a>.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventim.com/event/2026-philadelphia-auto-show-pennsylvania-convention-center-20902738/?affiliate=9PA" data-vars-content-id="7be14915-9ff7-4bb2-8543-73bd7bf6a5d6" data-vars-headline="Philly weekend: Super Bowl, book fair and Knuckle Mania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventim.com/event/2026-philadelphia-auto-show-pennsylvania-convention-center-20902738/?affiliate=9PA" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $13.50-$21.50</li></ul>

The case for making "Municipal Monday" a Philly holiday

A policy every sports-crazed Philadelphian can get behind.

Sports

Dear Philly lawmakers and Mayor Cherelle Parker:<ul><li>I come before you with a policy proposal that could unite all Philadelphians — and maybe even offer a playbook the rest of America could get behind.</li></ul>Make the Monday after the Super Bowl a citywide holiday.Why it matters: That&#x27;s the point. It doesn&#x27;t. Millions of Americans already plan to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="call out" data-vars-click-url="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nfl-super-bowl-hangover-record-111622628.html" data-vars-content-id="7088f885-8471-4b7b-83d8-04ecb6dd6d52" data-vars-headline="The case for making &quot;Municipal Monday&quot; a Philly holiday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nfl-super-bowl-hangover-record-111622628.html" target="_blank">call out</a> on Monday.<ul><li>Getting people to work on this day is a lost <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cause" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/10/226-million-employees-likely-to-catch-super-bowl-flu" data-vars-content-id="7088f885-8471-4b7b-83d8-04ecb6dd6d52" data-vars-headline="The case for making &quot;Municipal Monday&quot; a Philly holiday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/10/226-million-employees-likely-to-catch-super-bowl-flu" target="_self">cause</a> — but you can make it your cause, and it&#x27;ll make you a public darling.</li></ul>

Philly's PGA moment is finally taking shape — snow and all

Event organizers have begun moving through their final checklist ahead of the May tourney.

Snow-packed grounds will give way this spring to lush fairways as Philly nears its first men&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PGA Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/06/how-to-volunteer-pga-championship-at-aronimink-golf" data-vars-content-id="114d093d-ffe5-419e-80ba-2c0a9177e006" data-vars-headline="Philly&#x27;s PGA moment is finally taking shape — snow and all" 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/how-to-volunteer-pga-championship-at-aronimink-golf" target="_self">PGA Championship</a> in decades.Why it matters: Golf lovers and luddites alike will pack into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aronimink Golf Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aronimink.org" data-vars-content-id="114d093d-ffe5-419e-80ba-2c0a9177e006" data-vars-headline="Philly&#x27;s PGA moment is finally taking shape — snow and all" 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> to watch the world&#x27;s best players tee off — and to people-watch the celebrities and powerbrokers who come in for the major championship.

How to volunteer during PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club

It's a relatively cheap way to access one of Philly's biggest sporting events of 2026 — and score free perks.

Volunteer spots are still up for grabs for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PGA Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/philadelphia-region-tourism-250-america-2026-events" data-vars-content-id="c5f3b74f-40ff-4560-8d21-15f54c0ed07c" data-vars-headline="How to volunteer during PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club" 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/philadelphia-region-tourism-250-america-2026-events" target="_self">PGA Championship</a> coming to the Philadelphia region in May.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a relatively cheap way to access one of Philly&#x27;s biggest sporting events of 2026 — and score free perks.

These Pennsylvanians will compete in the Winter Olympics

Cheer on local athletes at the Games, which kick off at Milano Cortina this weekend.

Several athletes from Pennsylvania will go for gold at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milano-Cortina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/2026-winter-olympics-ski-mountaineering-womens-events" data-vars-content-id="fa60885d-0210-4eb7-a11a-e3ab5694c967" data-vars-headline="These Pennsylvanians will compete in the Winter Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/2026-winter-olympics-ski-mountaineering-womens-events" target="_self">Milano-Cortina</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" data-vars-content-id="fa60885d-0210-4eb7-a11a-e3ab5694c967" data-vars-headline="These Pennsylvanians will compete in the Winter Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" target="_self">Winter Olympics</a>. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Opening Ceremony" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/17/winter-olympics-tickets-americans-visa" data-vars-content-id="fa60885d-0210-4eb7-a11a-e3ab5694c967" data-vars-headline="These Pennsylvanians will compete in the Winter Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/17/winter-olympics-tickets-americans-visa" target="_self">Opening Ceremony</a> is today, and the competition will stretch on for more than two weeks.

Exclusive: Charity CEO says Allen Iverson spent about a minute with kids battling cancer

The Sixers legend is being pilloried online after a viral Reddit post raised questions about his behavior.

Call it a blunder from Down Under. Allen Iverson&#x27;s meet-and-greet with children battling cancer in Australia this month lasted about a minute — shorter than an NBA TV timeout, the charity&#x27;s executive exclusively tells Axios.Why it matters: The Sixers legend and NBA Hall of Famer is being pilloried online after a viral <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reddit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1qnek4y/allen_iverson_in_australia_absolutely_disgusting/" data-vars-content-id="2cb7d16c-4172-472a-82fc-740fb41557e9" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Charity CEO says Allen Iverson spent about a minute with kids battling cancer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1qnek4y/allen_iverson_in_australia_absolutely_disgusting/" target="_blank">Reddit</a> post raised questions about his behavior at a recent charity appearance.

The World Cup is coming to Philly — and we want your local intel

The best World Cup moments happen in neighborhoods and living rooms across our city.

The one big thing on everyone&#x27;s mind: the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/16/world-cup-philly-lessons-fifa-fans" data-vars-content-id="7ca5dbed-d695-4d88-aae0-903eacdc2913" data-vars-headline="The World Cup is coming to Philly — and we want your local intel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/16/world-cup-philly-lessons-fifa-fans" target="_self">World Cup</a> in Philly.Why it matters: The global event will bring at least half a million people here, packing into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fan zones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/28/world-cup-2026-fan-festival-philly-lemon-hill" data-vars-content-id="7ca5dbed-d695-4d88-aae0-903eacdc2913" data-vars-headline="The World Cup is coming to Philly — and we want your local intel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/28/world-cup-2026-fan-festival-philly-lemon-hill" target="_self">fan zones</a> and converging for big games, for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our sportiest year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/16/philly-americas-sportiest-city-is-having-its-biggest-sports-year-yet" data-vars-content-id="7ca5dbed-d695-4d88-aae0-903eacdc2913" data-vars-headline="The World Cup is coming to Philly — and we want your local intel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/16/philly-americas-sportiest-city-is-having-its-biggest-sports-year-yet" target="_self">our sportiest year</a> ever.<ul><li>But many of the best World Cup moments happen in neighborhood bars, community spaces, and living rooms across our city.</li></ul>

Philadelphia homeowners are staying put longer than ever

That — along with still-high home prices and tight inventory — is keeping the housing market on ice.

Real Estate

Homes in the Philadelphia region just aren&#x27;t <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="changing hands" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/homeowner-years-mortgage-rates-metro" data-vars-content-id="950307e2-16f3-4cc3-ac16-32f3e86d64e7" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia homeowners are staying put longer than ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/homeowner-years-mortgage-rates-metro" target="_self">changing hands</a> like they used to. Why it matters: That — along with still-high home prices and tight inventory — is keeping the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="950307e2-16f3-4cc3-ac16-32f3e86d64e7" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia homeowners are staying put longer than ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">housing market</a> on ice.

The gap between renting and owning in Philly

Philly's shortage of affordable housing shortage and declining home ownership rates are perennial problems.

Owning a home is 40% more expensive in Philadelphia than renting — a national trend playing out across all 100 of the largest U.S. metro areas, per a LendingTree <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" data-vars-content-id="5fc98c70-ae15-4771-9457-12ea3ecce4eb" data-vars-headline="The gap between renting and owning in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" target="_blank">analysis</a>.Why it matters: Housing costs have soared nationwide, with stubbornly high home prices and mortgage rates weighing on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would-be buyers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="5fc98c70-ae15-4771-9457-12ea3ecce4eb" data-vars-headline="The gap between renting and owning in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">would-be buyers</a>.<ul><li>Homeowners with a mortgage now pay around 37% more per month than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/06/apartment-rent-prices" data-vars-content-id="5fc98c70-ae15-4771-9457-12ea3ecce4eb" data-vars-headline="The gap between renting and owning in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/06/apartment-rent-prices" target="_self">renters</a>, researchers found.</li></ul>

Homeowners are staying put in Philadelphia

Philly's 2025 turnover rate was among one of the lowest in the country.

Just 1.8% of Philly metro homes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="changed hands" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/10/home-sale-contract-cancel" data-vars-content-id="b94b1f2e-c5b0-436f-9486-2e1460bc18e5" data-vars-headline="Homeowners are staying put in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/10/home-sale-contract-cancel" target="_self">changed hands</a> in the first nine months of this year, down from a 2.6% turnover rate in 2019, per a Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/home-turnover-report-2025/" data-vars-content-id="b94b1f2e-c5b0-436f-9486-2e1460bc18e5" data-vars-headline="Homeowners are staying put in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/home-turnover-report-2025/" target="_blank">analysis</a>.Why it matters: Nationally, homes are selling &quot;at historically low rates&quot; as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/03/homes-buyers-sellers-redfin" data-vars-content-id="b94b1f2e-c5b0-436f-9486-2e1460bc18e5" data-vars-headline="Homeowners are staying put in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/03/homes-buyers-sellers-redfin" target="_self">costs</a> stay high, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeowners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" data-vars-content-id="b94b1f2e-c5b0-436f-9486-2e1460bc18e5" data-vars-headline="Homeowners are staying put in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" target="_self">homeowners</a> cling to cheaper mortgages, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/stock-market-gdp-inflation" data-vars-content-id="b94b1f2e-c5b0-436f-9486-2e1460bc18e5" data-vars-headline="Homeowners are staying put in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/stock-market-gdp-inflation" target="_self">economic</a> uncertainty makes shoppers hesitate, per the real estate site.

Pennsylvania's mortgage-free homes

Mortgage or not, it's getting pricier to own and maintain a home.

The share of mortgage-free homes in Pennsylvania has marched upward over the past decade, per the latest Census Bureau data.Why it matters: This national trend comes as homeowners stay put and more people buy homes with cash.

Millennials' slice of Philadelphia region's housing market

Nearly 40% of Philly's housing stock was built before 1939, making for potentially costly repairs for first-time homebuyers.

Millennials made up nearly 53% of mortgage purchase inquiries in the Philadelphia metro last year, down from roughly 56% in 2023, according to a LendingTree analysis. Why it matters: High <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" data-vars-content-id="cfb1ffec-d0d4-4903-b49e-8b6016b20d6f" data-vars-headline="Millennials&#x27; slice of Philadelphia region&#x27;s housing market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" target="_self">housing</a> prices, near-6% mortgage rates and a shortage of affordable homes are keeping many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shoppers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" data-vars-content-id="cfb1ffec-d0d4-4903-b49e-8b6016b20d6f" data-vars-headline="Millennials&#x27; slice of Philadelphia region&#x27;s housing market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" target="_self">shoppers</a>, especially younger people, out of the market.

Philly's student housing is getting pricier

Students' rents are up 14.5% from 2020, new data shows.

Students&#x27; rents are getting more expensive across the Philly metro, up 14.5% on average this year from 2020, per Moody&#x27;s data obtained by Axios. Why it matters: Pricey student housing adds to the already-high <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost of college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" data-vars-content-id="08c279a0-0c3c-49b2-aa52-ff522e3216dc" data-vars-headline="Philly&#x27;s student housing is getting pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" target="_self">cost of college</a>.

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