Philadelphia

blue

Axios Philadelphia Partners

Philadelphia Alerts

Alert

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Philadelphia. Written by local reporters.

Axios Philadelphia Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Philadelphia with Mike D'Onofrio and Isaac Avilucea.

Axios Philadelphia

Standard

Philadelphia Members

Membership

No Kings protests planned throughout Philly region this weekend

The protests are expected to bring road closures and traffic delays.

Politics

The third round of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/16/no-kings-protest-philly-pennsylvania-trump-october" data-vars-content-id="8e8de9e0-267f-4b6b-8f7a-f91f73a8ff73" data-vars-headline="No Kings protests planned throughout Philly region this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/16/no-kings-protest-philly-pennsylvania-trump-october" target="_self">No Kings</a> rallies is set for Philadelphia&#x27;s Center City and other spots across the region this weekend. Why it matters: The potentially large-scale protests will prompt daylong road closures and traffic delays on Saturday.

Uber escalates fight over Philadelphia's proposed rideshare tax

The fight is shaping up as Soda Tax 2.0, echoing the battle the beverage industry waged against former Mayor Kenney.

News

Uber is launching an aggressive campaign to defeat Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s proposed rideshare tax — tapping a high-powered Philadelphia lobbying firm and warning riders how the fee will hit their wallets.Why it matters: The fight is shaping up as Soda Tax 2.0, reminiscent of the bruising battle the beverage industry waged against former Mayor Jim Kenney&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signature initiative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/12/philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-legacy-moments" data-vars-content-id="f0ab01d1-070f-442f-a838-54463132480c" data-vars-headline="Uber escalates fight over Philadelphia&#x27;s proposed rideshare tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/12/philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-legacy-moments" target="_self">signature initiative</a> to fund universal pre-kindergarten, plus renovations to parks and recreation centers.

Phillies trade Harry Kalas' name for energy drink sponsor — fans cry foul

The move landed like a 103-mph fastball to the ribs.

Sports

The Phillies have found themselves in a pickle before the season starts over their decision to remove legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas&#x27; name from an upper-deck concessions bar as part of a naming rights deal with Ghost Energy.Why it matters: To fans, the move landed like a 103-mph fastball to the ribs — and it&#x27;s coming from their own team.

Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo

Fill out your social calendar with these can't-miss events in the Philadelphia region.

Things to Do

🎉 Celebrate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philly Flag Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWVGOElDIOA/" data-vars-content-id="9746e2f2-2588-467d-b1bf-b7f68a022678" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWVGOElDIOA/" target="_blank">Philly Flag Day</a> today from noon-1pm. The annual event, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marking what&#x27;s likely the first official city flag in the U.S." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/20/city-flag-redesign" data-vars-content-id="9746e2f2-2588-467d-b1bf-b7f68a022678" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/20/city-flag-redesign" target="_self">marking what&#x27;s likely the first official city flag in the U.S.</a>, is set for the north apron of City Hall, where you&#x27;ll find music, giveaways and award ceremony. 🌸 It&#x27;s cherry blossom time! Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherry Blossom Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://japanphilly.org/programs/festivals/cbf-2026/" data-vars-content-id="9746e2f2-2588-467d-b1bf-b7f68a022678" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://japanphilly.org/programs/festivals/cbf-2026/" target="_blank">Cherry Blossom Festival</a> is Saturday and Sunday at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fairmount Park Horticulture Center" data-vars-click-url="https://myphillypark.org/explore/parks/fairmount-park-horticulture-center/" data-vars-content-id="9746e2f2-2588-467d-b1bf-b7f68a022678" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://myphillypark.org/explore/parks/fairmount-park-horticulture-center/" target="_blank">Fairmount Park Horticulture Center</a>. <ul><li>Count on vendor fair, food court, tea ceremony, face painting, calligraphy station, a scavenger hunt and other activities. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://japanphilly.org/programs/festivals/cbf-2026/" data-vars-content-id="9746e2f2-2588-467d-b1bf-b7f68a022678" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://japanphilly.org/programs/festivals/cbf-2026/" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $5-$20; kids under 12 are free. </li></ul>

Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup

The last time Philly could serve alcohol past 2am was in 2016.

Food and Drink

Philly bars are getting the green light to keep the alcohol flowing until 4am during the FIFA <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="602e7fb1-74b4-4db2-9528-a4d1d61ee1e4" data-vars-headline="Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup" 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> and other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big 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="602e7fb1-74b4-4db2-9528-a4d1d61ee1e4" data-vars-headline="Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup" 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">big events</a> this summer.Why it matters: Extending last call will help businesses cash in on the flood of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/philadelphia-region-tourism-250-america-2026-events" data-vars-content-id="602e7fb1-74b4-4db2-9528-a4d1d61ee1e4" data-vars-headline="Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup" 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">tourists</a> expected in the coming months.

Mayor Parker ups her rideshare tax proposal to $1 per trip

Big rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are likely to fight back hard on the threat of a second tax on their businesses.

Business

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker is upping her proposal for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new rideshare tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/12/city-budget-cherelle-parker-business-taxes-ride-shares" data-vars-content-id="5c179f0d-4d9e-4e46-977c-549147190ad2" data-vars-headline="Mayor Parker ups her rideshare tax proposal to $1 per trip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/12/city-budget-cherelle-parker-business-taxes-ride-shares" target="_self">new rideshare tax</a> to help close the school district&#x27;s massive budget gap.Why it matters: Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are likely to fight back hard against the threat of a second tax on their businesses. (Think: The battle over Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soda tax" data-vars-click-url="https://whyy.org/articles/lobbying-war-over-philly-soda-tax-still-waged-by-the-millions/" data-vars-content-id="5c179f0d-4d9e-4e46-977c-549147190ad2" data-vars-headline="Mayor Parker ups her rideshare tax proposal to $1 per trip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://whyy.org/articles/lobbying-war-over-philly-soda-tax-still-waged-by-the-millions/" target="_blank">soda tax</a> a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decade ago" data-vars-click-url="https://whyy.org/articles/5-4-million-ads-devoted-philly-soda-tax-battle-year/" data-vars-content-id="5c179f0d-4d9e-4e46-977c-549147190ad2" data-vars-headline="Mayor Parker ups her rideshare tax proposal to $1 per trip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://whyy.org/articles/5-4-million-ads-devoted-philly-soda-tax-battle-year/" target="_blank">decade ago</a>.)<ul><li>Plus: The new fee could make rides cost more within Philly proper.</li></ul>

Bill Gates-founded nuclear company invests $450M in South Philly facility

TerraPower Isotopes is the largest tenant yet for the growing Bellwether District.

A massive South Philadelphia development project has scored a $450 million investment from Bill Gates&#x27; nuclear science company.Why it matters: TerraPower Isotopes is the largest tenant yet for the growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bellwether District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/13/bellwether-district-south-philadelphia-first-phase" data-vars-content-id="ffbce529-3ea5-4c93-86a9-e8605b44d26a" data-vars-headline="Bill Gates-founded nuclear company invests $450M in South Philly facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/13/bellwether-district-south-philadelphia-first-phase" target="_self">Bellwether District</a> and will expand the city&#x27;s life sciences industry.

What's at stake for Philadelphia's DNC bid

Holding the convention would bring an economic windfall for Philly's tourism industry.

Philadelphia could cement its place as the epicenter of the Democratic Party by landing its presidential nominating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/democratic-national-convention-dnc-2028-atlanta-boston-chicago-denver-philadelphia" data-vars-content-id="1be6ee14-28ac-4aac-8ccb-9bf6afaac2aa" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s at stake for Philadelphia&#x27;s DNC bid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/democratic-national-convention-dnc-2028-atlanta-boston-chicago-denver-philadelphia" target="_self">convention</a> in 2028.Why it matters: Hosting the convention would put a national spotlight on Philly and provide an economic windfall for the city&#x27;s tourism industry — but also could prompt protests, congestion and increased security.

Renovations coming to Reading Terminal Market

The market is classic Philly and among the top tourist draws in the region.

Culture

Reading Terminal Market&#x27;s getting an upgrade ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="influx of visitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/philadelphia-region-tourism-250-america-2026-events" data-vars-content-id="cec86ff1-e405-4ae5-83cf-6a5dbbe2f1a9" data-vars-headline="Renovations coming to Reading Terminal Market" 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">influx of visitors</a> expected this summer for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big 2026 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="cec86ff1-e405-4ae5-83cf-6a5dbbe2f1a9" data-vars-headline="Renovations coming to Reading Terminal Market" 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">big 2026 events</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="133-year-old market" data-vars-click-url="https://readingterminalmarket.org/about-the-market/history/" data-vars-content-id="cec86ff1-e405-4ae5-83cf-6a5dbbe2f1a9" data-vars-headline="Renovations coming to Reading Terminal Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://readingterminalmarket.org/about-the-market/history/" target="_blank">133-year-old market</a> is classic Philly and among the region&#x27;s top tourist destinations, drawing more than 5,000,000 people a year.

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.

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>

Hefty taxes kick back in for small Philly businesses

Many businesses are likely unprepared and unaware they need to start paying the city's Business Income and Receipts Tax.

A big new tax bill is hitting certain small businesses, gig workers and self-employed workers in Philadelphia this year. Why it matters: Many businesses are likely unprepared and unaware that they need to start paying the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Business Income and Receipts Tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/02/27/business-wage-tax-cuts" data-vars-content-id="8b68bf61-7507-4014-be72-ad22faba851d" data-vars-headline="Hefty taxes kick back in for small Philly businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/02/27/business-wage-tax-cuts" target="_self">Business Income and Receipts Tax</a> (BIRT).

Gritty's salary might make you rethink your career choice

The Flayers mascot reportedly makes almost as much as Gov. Josh Shapiro.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gritty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/24/gritty-2026-calendar-americas-birthday" data-vars-content-id="5b1b0f9d-1793-4903-a10a-f3d215b8d3d3" data-vars-headline="Gritty&#x27;s salary might make you rethink your career choice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/24/gritty-2026-calendar-americas-birthday" target="_self">Gritty</a> is paid to get ish done.Why it matters: The staggering salaries of fan faves like Gritty are more than those of many hard-working Americans, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gamblingsites.com/blog/highest-paid-sports-mascots/" data-vars-content-id="5b1b0f9d-1793-4903-a10a-f3d215b8d3d3" data-vars-headline="Gritty&#x27;s salary might make you rethink your career choice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gamblingsites.com/blog/highest-paid-sports-mascots/" target="_blank">analysis</a> of the highest-paid mascots in 2025.

Business 🏦

Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup

Mayor Parker ups her rideshare tax proposal to $1 per trip

Bill Gates-founded nuclear company invests $450M in South Philly facility

What's at stake for Philadelphia's DNC bid

Renovations coming to Reading Terminal Market