Good morning, Philadelphia.

Twenty-six students from Saints Neumann Goretti High School and GAMP join a six-week summer program as Youth Phambassadors, guiding over a million tourists at the Visitor Center and throughout the historic district.

They receive training in customer service + visitor engagement as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.

Ukrainian chef Veronika Pavliutina and her children, welcomed in Mount Airy (four years ago) after fleeing conflict, plan to move to Italy in mid-July as their Temporary Protected Status expires in October.

Neighbors have long supported the family, marking strong community ties.

Hamilton's historic First Bank building in Old City reopens today following a $43 million renovation by the National Park Service.

A formal ribbon cutting starts temporary exhibitions featuring diplomatic gifts and Philadelphia artifacts until a full museum opens in 2028.

Philadelphia's Red, White & Blue To-Do will kick off tomorrow at 7 a.m. in Old City, featuring a patriotic parade with 250 participants + Miss America delegates, a flag-raising ceremony at the Betsy Ross House, and evening events including a live concert and drone light show at Independence Mall.

Glen Foerd will host its annual RiverFest on Sunday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its historic riverfront estate along the Delaware River.

The free, family-friendly event features boating, archery, arts, and food vendors, with a rain date of July 26.

Temple President John Fry said layoffs are inevitable as the university works to cut $60 million in its 2026-27 budget to offset an $85 million gap.

The board will review the plan next week as colleges and units work to adjust spending and help return the university to a balanced budget over three years.

Local conservation groups and artist Pete Angevine will transform a vacant lot at 2717 Jasper St. in Kensington into a pocket forest by planting 1,500 trees using the Miyawaki Method this October, adding outdoor classrooms, picnic tables and community work opportunities + a boost in green space.

Philadelphia declared a Heat Health Emergency today through Saturday, July 4 due to expected triple-digit temperatures during Fourth of July celebrations including FIFA events and Wawa Welcome America, with expanded cooling centers + outreach programs to help residents and visitors cope with the heat.

The National Weather Service reports triple-digit temperatures will be seen today through Saturday with heat index values reaching up to 110°F.

The agency advises vulnerable residents to take action by staying indoors and drinking plenty of water (to help prevent heat-related illness).

Dr. Lauren Carr from St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children advises families to choose safer Fourth of July alternatives after many children have suffered firework burns (sparklers can reach 2000°F), recommending glow sticks, confetti poppers, and bubble wands.

This guidance aims to prevent serious injuries during the holiday.

Pennsylvania cut Medicaid coverage for obesity treatments on Jan.

1, leaving many vulnerable patients to turn to unregulated alternatives & lawmakers now propose a safety bill to curb illegal weight-loss drugs.

NBA free agency negotiations begin today as Sixers’ new president Mike Gansey (drafted Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. and picked up options for Dominick Barlow and Dalen Terry) sets his team’s roster course, while the Flyers kick off NHL free agency searching for key players.

On Tuesday, the Phillies beat the Pirates 8-0 behind Cristopher Sánchez’s seven shutout innings and Trea Turner’s two-run birthday homer, moving their record to 48-38 & sparking a fireworks show at Citizens Bank Park.