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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.

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.

Pennsylvania to crackdown on Turnpike toll evaders

The state is losing out on more than $200 million in uncollected tolls.

Transit

Pennsylvania is cracking down on Turnpike toll evaders as state lawmakers eye <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="harsher penalties for habitual scofflaws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/25/pennsylvania-toll-evasion-penalties-bill-turnpike" data-vars-content-id="ba61955e-9b9a-4ead-8e75-9cd1c66995f4" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania to crackdown on Turnpike toll evaders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/25/pennsylvania-toll-evasion-penalties-bill-turnpike" target="_self">harsher penalties for habitual scofflaws</a>.Why it matters: The state is losing out on more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$200 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.palegis.us/senate/co-sponsorship/memo?memoID=48340" data-vars-content-id="ba61955e-9b9a-4ead-8e75-9cd1c66995f4" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania to crackdown on Turnpike toll evaders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.palegis.us/senate/co-sponsorship/memo?memoID=48340" target="_blank">$200 million</a> in uncollected tolls, hiking costs for the rest of us who pay our toll bills.

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>

New COVID vaccines are coming to Philadelphia

The new round of vaccines will be available for anyone ages six months or older.

COVID

Updated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID vaccines were recommended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/12/cdc-advisors-endorse-updated-covid-vaccines" data-vars-content-id="999e4c1e-ad07-42cd-950b-9484f7360cf8" data-vars-headline="New COVID vaccines are coming to Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/12/cdc-advisors-endorse-updated-covid-vaccines" target="_self">COVID vaccines were recommended</a> this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and should be available soon in Philadelphia.Why it matters: The new round of vaccines for anyone ages six months or older arrives after a rise in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID hospitalizations were rising" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/22/covid-variants-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="999e4c1e-ad07-42cd-950b-9484f7360cf8" data-vars-headline="New COVID vaccines are coming to Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/22/covid-variants-pennsylvania" target="_self">COVID hospitalizations were rising</a> in the city and across Pennsylvania this summer.

How to check if at-home COVID tests are valid after Philly recall

Start with the lot number, but also check expiration dates.

Philadelphia is recalling thousands of counterfeit at-home <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="be93a51b-5f45-47d1-a01c-a827d98a160e" data-vars-headline="How to check if at-home COVID tests are valid after Philly recall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> tests as the city prepares for a potential spike in cases this fall and winter.Why it matters: People may be rummaging through closets and cupboards for old tests amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a late summer COVID-19 wave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/01/covid-cases-uptick-summer-2023-new-variant" data-vars-content-id="be93a51b-5f45-47d1-a01c-a827d98a160e" data-vars-headline="How to check if at-home COVID tests are valid after Philly recall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/01/covid-cases-uptick-summer-2023-new-variant" target="_self">a late summer COVID-19 wave</a> — and as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="insurance coverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/08/covid-test-insurance-public-health-emergency" data-vars-content-id="be93a51b-5f45-47d1-a01c-a827d98a160e" data-vars-headline="How to check if at-home COVID tests are valid after Philly recall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/08/covid-test-insurance-public-health-emergency" target="_self">insurance coverage</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal assistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/09/fact-sheet-end-of-the-covid-19-public-health-emergency.html" data-vars-content-id="be93a51b-5f45-47d1-a01c-a827d98a160e" data-vars-headline="How to check if at-home COVID tests are valid after Philly recall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/09/fact-sheet-end-of-the-covid-19-public-health-emergency.html" target="_blank">federal assistance</a> for them has lapsed or changed, Axios&#x27; Shauneen Miranda writes.

Flu and COVID cases climbing in Philadelphia

Flu cases are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the rise" data-vars-click-url="https://hip.phila.gov/data-reports-statistics/influenza/" data-vars-content-id="41c3e901-bfb3-493f-8e23-c833385fe65e" data-vars-headline="Flu and COVID cases climbing in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hip.phila.gov/data-reports-statistics/influenza/" target="_blank">on the rise</a> in Philadelphia as Americans across the country experience the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worst influenza outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/05/flu-outbreak-decade-hospltalizations" data-vars-content-id="41c3e901-bfb3-493f-8e23-c833385fe65e" data-vars-headline="Flu and COVID cases climbing in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/05/flu-outbreak-decade-hospltalizations" target="_self">worst influenza outbreak</a> in more than a decade.Why it matters: City health officials say flu vaccination rates among residents are lower than previous years, leading to more severe cases as hospitals deal with high rates of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/philadelphia-pennsylvania-covid-cases.html" data-vars-content-id="41c3e901-bfb3-493f-8e23-c833385fe65e" data-vars-headline="Flu and COVID cases climbing in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/philadelphia-pennsylvania-covid-cases.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Pandemic shaved minutes off Philadelphia commutes

More people working from home and fewer commuting by car has reshaped the traditional back-and-forth.

The daily commute in Philly shrank during the pandemic.What&#x27;s happening: The average one-way commute in Philly was 3.2 minutes shorter in 2021 compared to 2019, per the latest U.S. Census data.

Penn researchers explore how COVID misinformation hampers child vax rates

Misinformation about the safety of all vaccines, but especially the COVID-19 jab, is responsible for the "dramatic discrepancy" in child and adult rates, researchers say.

Misinformation remains a big reason why only about 30% of American children ages 5-11 are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, UPenn researchers found in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X22011549?via%3Dihub" data-vars-content-id="cd2cca56-fe96-4feb-a9dc-0e3f2976c44a" data-vars-headline="Penn researchers explore how COVID misinformation hampers child vax rates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X22011549?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">new study</a>.Why it matters: Health officials have been raising alarm over the potential of low child vaccination rates fueling transmission and carrying the risk of severe illness for some of our nation&#x27;s youngest, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Erin Doherty reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/19/children-covid-19-vaaccinations-pandemic-variants" data-vars-content-id="cd2cca56-fe96-4feb-a9dc-0e3f2976c44a" data-vars-headline="Penn researchers explore how COVID misinformation hampers child vax rates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/19/children-covid-19-vaaccinations-pandemic-variants" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Erin Doherty reports</a>.

How Philly's pandemic recovery lags the nation

Many restaurants have scaled back operation hours to offset rising costs of goods and worker shortages, industry experts say.

Philadelphians saw promising signs of a rebound from the pandemic this summer, but headwinds persist as many of our industries trail the nation and region in recovery.<ul><li>That&#x27;s according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://centercityphila.org/research-reports/monitoring-philadelphia-economic-recovery" data-vars-content-id="2477bbc6-b626-409d-827a-62e10a1fc1a2" data-vars-headline="How Philly&#x27;s pandemic recovery lags the nation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://centercityphila.org/research-reports/monitoring-philadelphia-economic-recovery" target="_blank">report</a> by the Center City District and Central Philadelphia Development Corporation. </li></ul>

Omicron booster doses are coming to Philly

The Food and Drug Administration authorized the updated shots on Wednesday.

The first updated COVID vaccines tailored to be more effective against the Omicron variant have received sign-off from the Food and Drug Administration, and Philly can expect shipments to begin next week. What&#x27;s happening: The FDA on Wednesday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="authorized" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-moderna-pfizer-biontech-bivalent-covid-19-vaccines-use" data-vars-content-id="e4891d64-ffc4-4e8e-a37f-aceea2626231" data-vars-headline="Omicron booster doses are coming to Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-moderna-pfizer-biontech-bivalent-covid-19-vaccines-use" target="_blank">authorized</a> Pfizer and Moderna&#x27;s updated versions of the vaccines, which will ideally provide more targeted protection against the dominant BA.5 strain that&#x27;s currently circulating.

FEMA distributes $142M for COVID-19 funerals

Philly received the most funding in the state at $15.8 million.

FEMA has doled out more than $142.6 million in funeral assistance to Pennsylvanians for COVID-related deaths through Aug. 11, according to the federal agency. How it works: FEMA pays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="up to $9,000" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/28733858.55/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmVtYS5nb3YvZGlzYXN0ZXIvY29yb25hdmlydXMvZWNvbm9taWMvZnVuZXJhbC1hc3Npc3RhbmNlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/613bb99cb4152b573124203fB21cf44f7" data-vars-content-id="53ce6bae-7a34-43b9-b023-bbbaadf4f047" data-vars-headline="FEMA distributes $142M for COVID-19 funerals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/28733858.55/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmVtYS5nb3YvZGlzYXN0ZXIvY29yb25hdmlydXMvZWNvbm9taWMvZnVuZXJhbC1hc3Npc3RhbmNlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/613bb99cb4152b573124203fB21cf44f7" target="_self">up to $9,000</a> to reimburse funeral expenses associated with a death attributed to COVID-19.

District schools to start year with face mask mandate

The mandate will last the first two weeks of school.

Students and staff in district schools must wear face masks when classes resume later this month. <ul><li>Yes, but: Only for two weeks. </li></ul>

Unvaxxed city employees get the boot

The Kenney administration is firing 83 city employees over its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, while thousands of others have won exemptions.

The Kenney administration is firing 83 city employees over its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, while thousands of others have won exemptions. Why it matters: The terminations, announced on Tuesday, mark the end of the city&#x27;s effort to fully enforce its vaccine mandate, which was announced in December 2021 but delayed several times due to pushback from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/01/18/philadelphia-vaccine-mandate-city-employees-delay" data-vars-content-id="452e7581-1917-469a-9517-7f3c63d65d9f" data-vars-headline="Unvaxxed city employees get the boot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/01/18/philadelphia-vaccine-mandate-city-employees-delay" target="_self">police</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="firefighters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/02/14/philadelphia-firefighters-union-vaccine-mandate-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="452e7581-1917-469a-9517-7f3c63d65d9f" data-vars-headline="Unvaxxed city employees get the boot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/02/14/philadelphia-firefighters-union-vaccine-mandate-lawsuit" target="_self">firefighters</a> unions.

COVID 🦠

New COVID vaccines are coming to Philadelphia

How to check if at-home COVID tests are valid after Philly recall

Flu and COVID cases climbing in Philadelphia

Pandemic shaved minutes off Philadelphia commutes

Penn researchers explore how COVID misinformation hampers child vax rates