Good morning, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s new musical The Sound of America remakes Benjamin Franklin as a rock star.

Running July 1 to Aug. 1 at FringeArts, the show features a live band and offers post-show walking tours through Old City — highlighting historical sites and fun facts.

Drexel University received a record $112.6 million gift from The Howley Foundation to fund its new college of engineering and computing, classroom renovations along Market Street & JFK Boulevard, and student scholarships.

The donation was announced Thursday, June 11 & construction on new spaces will begin in spring.

Philadelphia unveiled 11 interactive learning play structures for kids at landmarks such as Sister Cities Park+Philadelphia Zoo+Reading Terminal Market on June 11.

The installations promoted playful learning and celebrated local inventions as the city secured its designation as the World’s First Playful Learning City.

At The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, new leadership appointments include Catherine Marie Charlton as Vice President of Education, a move aimed at expanding free arts programs for 40,000 students annually while building on her Musicopia experience (a nonprofit driving accessible arts education).

Philadelphia School District officials are restoring 340 classroom-based jobs today after Mayor Parker and district leaders found $48 million in budget funds to avoid cuts + they pledged $216 million over five years to support teachers, climate staff, and counselors.

A judge barred the school board from nonrenewing Philadelphia Montessori Charter after the school sued alleging unfair procedures; a hearing is set for July 27.

State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and allies urged lawmakers to reduce soaring electricity bills by proposing HB2224, which would require large users (including data centers) supply their own power and cut utility profits.

A Synapse Energy Economics report estimated these reforms could save households over $840 yearly by 2030.

Health officials declared a heat emergency from 11 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday as temperatures soared into the 90s — a measure to protect residents.

The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill opened Thursday with fans, misters and water stations, and extra cooling centers are open citywide.

The U.S. men’s soccer team has 26 players set to compete in the World Cup on home soil this week, including Philadelphia’s favorite Brenden Aaronson who represents the local spirit.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino selected the roster that looks to build experience for future tournaments — an historic moment for U.S. soccer.

After an off day on Thursday, the Phillies will start a road series against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers on Friday (7:40 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia) with rookie Andrew Painter taking on Brewers' starter Jacob Misiorowski.

A new quiz lets locals test their knowledge of World Cup players and nations arriving in the city.

It is available now for soccer fans to try out their skills & join the celebration.

The USMNT faces Paraguay today at 9 PM ET (FOX, Telemundo) in their 2026 World Cup opener on home soil.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino says Philly's own Christian Pulisic may drive swift counterattacks in what is expected to be a disciplined, low-scoring match.