Good morning, Philadelphia.

PSPCA officers found a litter of abandoned puppies last Saturday near Arch and Bread streets in Old City and placed seven in foster care while seeking information on six missing ones — the agency is also investigating a possible link to an earlier case reported in December.

Local pretzel makers are celebrating National Pretzel Day on Sunday, April 26 with free treats, app offers, and discounts; Philly Pretzel Factory will give away 150,000 pretzels (with double points on its mobile app), while Wetzel’s Pretzels hosts a festival-themed giveaway from 3 p.m.

Philadelphia starts its tourism season with the Philly Opener at the Independence Visitor Center on May 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The event will offer local food and entertainment and honor Gov. Josh Shapiro with the Most Valuable Philadelphian Award (presented by Highmark).

Philly Jazz Month hosts live jazz and blues events starting today at Dilworth Park at 5 p.m. and continuing through April 30 at Sassafras and other local venues.

The festival is a collaboration by Creative PHL, Mid Atlantic Arts, WRTI, and Jazz Philadelphia — celebrating the city’s musical heritage.

Leon Smith, a Haverford High teacher, was named National Teacher of the Year for his 25 years teaching AP U.S. history and African American studies — an honor that highlights his warm approach.

He will spend the next year promoting the role of educators in shaping future leaders.

Philadelphia City Council members and school advocates criticized the school board's rushed plan to close 17 schools as part of a district facilities overhaul.

The board will vote on the plan tomorrow while community leaders work to protect local schools (including Lankenau High School).

The PhilaPort board on Tuesday unanimously recommended former PPA executive Richard Lazer as the new chief of Philadelphia’s port.

Lazer said he will boost container capacity & create jobs with plans to develop a new container terminal and expand local cargo operations.

Narberth Borough Council has approved a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers to align with Lower Merion’s rules for local landscaping companies.

The ban will start seasonally on Sept. 1, 2026 (full ban begins Jan. 1, 2029) while stores must post warnings next month.

Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell said he was happy with the clean sheet but frustrated by missed chances in a 0-0 draw with DC United on Saturday at Subaru Park — he added the team needs better finishing as they prepare to play Toronto on April 23.

Philadelphia Flyers secured a 3-0 win over the Penguins on Monday night to take a 2-0 series lead, heading into their first home playoff game in nearly eight years.

Rookie Porter Martone scored and goaltender Dan Vladar earned his first career playoff shutout (making key saves to thwart the Penguins).

The Philadelphia 76ers prepare for Game 2 against the Celtics tonight at 7 p.m. at TD Garden as they work to overcome last night’s 123-91 loss and adjust their strategy for balanced scoring and defense.

VJ Edgecombe scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Sixers to a 111-97 win over the Celtics in Game 2, evening the series and winning home-court advantage.

The team will host Boston in Games 3 and 4 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.