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How Philadelphia threw America a 250th birthday party to remember

Will Smith, a heat wave, and a World Cup match.

News

Triple-digit heat. A canceled parade. An evacuation of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. None of it could spoil Philadelphia&#x27;s party for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s 250th birthday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/01/philly-is-taking-center-stage-for-americas-250th-birthday" data-vars-content-id="f012f8f7-25a2-435a-ae61-c811f4933a5f" data-vars-headline="How Philadelphia threw America a 250th birthday party to remember" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/01/philly-is-taking-center-stage-for-americas-250th-birthday" target="_self">America&#x27;s 250th birthday</a>.Why it matters: The nation&#x27;s birthplace delivered the kind of weekend only Philly could — reminding the country that Philadelphia remains at the heart of the American story.

This is what Pennsylvania included in America's Time Capsule

The time capsule will be buried at Independence National Historical Park on July 4.

Culture

Pennsylvania&#x27;s message to future generations gets buried this weekend inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/27/america-is-burying-a-time-capsule-in-philly-for-the-nations-250th-birthday?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDQ1LuDXn6oQr5u9EId2Z71yO&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jWEuf9nkGf3ztBzUsgUIqnnyhx-uZmnDEVC31SVKAlRiWqYsz4kCyRoCMNMQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="97e5e1d0-859b-42a2-8374-50ebf2485135" data-vars-headline="This is what Pennsylvania included in America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/27/america-is-burying-a-time-capsule-in-philly-for-the-nations-250th-birthday?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDQ1LuDXn6oQr5u9EId2Z71yO&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jWEuf9nkGf3ztBzUsgUIqnnyhx-uZmnDEVC31SVKAlRiWqYsz4kCyRoCMNMQAvD_BwE" target="_self">America&#x27;s Time Capsule</a> at Philly&#x27;s Independence National Historical Park.Why it matters: The steel capsule — which includes hundreds of letters and artifacts from all 56 states, D.C., and territories — is part of the country&#x27;s 250th anniversary festivities intended to give future Americans an authentic record of 2026 life.<ul><li>The time capsule will remain sealed until America&#x27;s 500th birthday in 2276. </li></ul>State of play: Pennsylvania&#x27;s two contributions to the time capsule are bureaucratic and, well, a bit uninspiring: <ul><li>✉️ A letter from Gov. Josh Shapiro, titled &quot;Greetings from Harrisburg.&quot;</li><li>📙 A booklet listing several of the state&#x27;s 250th anniversary commemorations. </li></ul>How it works: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Some of the content" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/news/america250-officially-seals-americas-time-capsule-and-reveals-final-contents-ahead-of-july-4-burial-in-philadelphia/" data-vars-content-id="97e5e1d0-859b-42a2-8374-50ebf2485135" data-vars-headline="This is what Pennsylvania included in America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/news/america250-officially-seals-americas-time-capsule-and-reveals-final-contents-ahead-of-july-4-burial-in-philadelphia/" target="_blank">Some of the content</a> for the time capsule was selected by America250, the Congress-approved organization planning this and other anniversary events.<ul><li>But the bulk of the items in the capsule were determined by the states and territories.</li></ul>Zoom in: Some states sent a bunch of stuff.<ul><li>For example: New Mexico included a Pueblo seed pot, vial of sand from the White Sands National Park, a silver squash blossom necklace, bolo tie and recipe card for biscochito, the state&#x27;s official state cookie. </li></ul>Meanwhile, other notable contributions include a whale bone from Maine, a copper ingot from Arizona, a diamond from Arkansas, and beaded artwork from Montana.What&#x27;s next: America250 will bury the time capsule at Independence National Historical Park on Saturday, July 4 at 8:30am. 💭 Mike&#x27;s thought bubble: Seems like Pennsylvania really phoned this one in. <ul><li>Let&#x27;s hope that future generations think of Pennsylvania in 2026 as more than a little letter and booklet. </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🗣️ Your take</h2>What do you think Pennsylvania should have buried in America&#x27;s Time Capsule? Send your suggestions to philadelphia@axios.com.

Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene exits after July 4 festival

DelBene's exit comes days after the city held its biggest-ever festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Michael DelBene is out as CEO of Welcome America, a surprising shakeup coming just days after Philly celebrated its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest-ever festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/05/philadelphia-july-4-concert-fireworks-will-smith-meek-mill" data-vars-content-id="13655c26-1f16-4f76-a980-fb259809415e" data-vars-headline="Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene exits after July 4 festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/05/philadelphia-july-4-concert-fireworks-will-smith-meek-mill" target="_self">biggest-ever festival</a> for the nation&#x27;s 250th birthday.Why it matters: DelBene was instrumental in helping plan two of the city&#x27;s biggest events this year: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA Fan Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" data-vars-content-id="13655c26-1f16-4f76-a980-fb259809415e" data-vars-headline="Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene exits after July 4 festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" target="_self">FIFA Fan Fest</a> and the Fourth of July festivities on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Why Philly is the perfect final act for LeBron James

Let's call this legacy-defining chapter in James' career "The Invitation."

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeBron James" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/30/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers" data-vars-content-id="4e42cb03-72d1-4ab0-914b-e59676d95596" data-vars-headline="Why Philly is the perfect final act for LeBron James" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/30/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers" target="_self">LeBron James</a> is on the move — and if the &quot;Chosen One&quot; is looking for the perfect final act, Philly should be at the top of his list. Why it matters: A championship in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia" 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="4e42cb03-72d1-4ab0-914b-e59676d95596" data-vars-headline="Why Philly is the perfect final act for LeBron James" 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">Philadelphia</a> would give James a legacy achievement that even Michael Jordan couldn&#x27;t pull off.

What we know — and don't — about Philly-based Comcast's split

Any changes to Comcast are a big deal in Philadelphia, where the company ranks among the city's largest for-profit employers.

Business

Philadelphia-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Comcast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/comcast-nbcuniversal-nbc-split" data-vars-content-id="800c5f06-5802-4fda-8274-e2f5d126d2b9" data-vars-headline="What we know — and don&#x27;t — about Philly-based Comcast&#x27;s split" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/comcast-nbcuniversal-nbc-split" target="_self">Comcast</a> is splitting into two publicly traded companies — separating its media assets from wireless and broadband services. Why it matters: Any changes to the telecommunications giant could have an outsized effect on the city, where it ranks among Philly&#x27;s largest companies and employers.

More than a 3rd of Philly Airbnb listings lack valid licenses

The findings could force the city to rethink how it enforces its short-term rental regulations.

Despite Philadelphia&#x27;s efforts to crack down on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unlicensed short-term rentals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/27/philadelphia-airbnb-vrbo-short-term-rental-license" data-vars-content-id="84e9eae8-7aeb-4c85-99d3-47f03878b618" data-vars-headline="More than a 3rd of Philly Airbnb listings lack valid licenses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/27/philadelphia-airbnb-vrbo-short-term-rental-license" target="_self">unlicensed short-term rentals</a>, more than a third of the city&#x27;s Airbnb listings still aren&#x27;t properly licensed, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://controller.phila.gov/philadelphia-reports/short-term-rentals-in-philadelphia-compliance-licensing-and-enforcement/" data-vars-content-id="84e9eae8-7aeb-4c85-99d3-47f03878b618" data-vars-headline="More than a 3rd of Philly Airbnb listings lack valid licenses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://controller.phila.gov/philadelphia-reports/short-term-rentals-in-philadelphia-compliance-licensing-and-enforcement/" target="_blank">new report</a>. Why it matters: The city controller&#x27;s findings could force Philly to rethink how it enforces its short-term rental regulations.

Why Pennsylvania is worried about the screwworm threat

Officials are trying to shield cattle herds after the parasite reached the U.S.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="screwworm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/new-world-screwworm-ebola-infectious-disease-trump" data-vars-content-id="1e02df77-0785-4e55-a175-f8e7c3d195d0" data-vars-headline="Why Pennsylvania is worried about the screwworm threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/new-world-screwworm-ebola-infectious-disease-trump" target="_self">screwworm</a> has arrived in the U.S., and Pennsylvania is taking steps to guard against a creeping invasion. Why it matters: The parasite is threatening the nation&#x27;s cattle, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$700 million industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/farmshow/pa-farm-show/agexplorer/beef" data-vars-content-id="1e02df77-0785-4e55-a175-f8e7c3d195d0" data-vars-headline="Why Pennsylvania is worried about the screwworm threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/farmshow/pa-farm-show/agexplorer/beef" target="_blank">$700 million industry</a> in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania sees the World Cup as a global audition

Inside the $50 million effort to show the state off.

Pennsylvania&#x27;s message to the world this year: There&#x27;s a little jawn in us all. The big picture: The state has poured more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$50 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov--shapiro-and-america250pa-announce-the--commonwealth-concert" data-vars-content-id="3d18b412-eda2-47ac-9da7-4af08599e64f" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania sees the World Cup as a global audition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov--shapiro-and-america250pa-announce-the--commonwealth-concert" target="_blank">$50 million</a> into selling Pennsylvania to travelers ahead of the summer&#x27;s big events.

These Philly bars and clubs can stay open till 4am during the World Cup

They're allowed to sell alcohol for two extra hours through July 20.

Things to Do

Three dozen Philadelphia bars got the green light for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extended operating hours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/26/nightlife-world-cup-4am-permits" data-vars-content-id="e3b7ef16-a5e2-4014-9d6b-b7bd3703cb28" data-vars-headline="These Philly bars and clubs can stay open till 4am during the 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/2026/05/26/nightlife-world-cup-4am-permits" target="_self">extended operating hours</a> during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/11/world-cup-fifa-fan-festival-philly-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="e3b7ef16-a5e2-4014-9d6b-b7bd3703cb28" data-vars-headline="These Philly bars and clubs can stay open till 4am during the 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/2026/06/11/world-cup-fifa-fan-festival-philly-what-to-know" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: These spots could push back last call to 4am throughout the tourney.

Walmart delivery drones are coming to Philly

It's part of a larger plan to expand service to seven new metro areas.

<figure><img alt="Image shows a drone dropping a Walmart package at a house." height="405" id="7a1a539b-8595-4cf1-8a0e-d313df5b80f4" src="https://images.axios.com/urnJq_k8DSWglIhR05SQcRahRKU=/2026/06/09/1781028324370.gif" width="720"/><figcaption>Wing uses a tethered drop to put Walmart deliveries in customers&#x27; driveways. Courtesy of Wing and Walmart</figcaption></figure>Drones could start dropping off Walmart packages in Philly by next year.The big picture: The retail giant and drone delivery company Wing are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expanding service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/walmart-drone-delivery-wing-los-angeles-miami" data-vars-content-id="e92f52c5-84a4-4756-92c5-00e2a085d801" data-vars-headline="Walmart delivery drones are coming to Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/walmart-drone-delivery-wing-los-angeles-miami" target="_self">expanding service</a> to seven new metro areas as part of a plan to reach more than 40 million customers by 2027.

Gayborhood bars brace for fallout from Philly Pride move

Some owners say they were blindsided by the decision to move the festival outside the neighborhood.

Philly Pride Festival&#x27;s move to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday is roiling some Gayborhood business owners, who fear the neighborhood will miss out on a major economic boost. Why it matters: For the first time in years, the Gayborhood won&#x27;t be the epicenter for the massive festival and march, which draws tens of thousands of revelers.

Airbnb hosts ask City Council to reject Parker's short-term rental tax

Philly lawmakers are expected to vote on the plan this month.

Airbnb is rushing to derail Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly proposed tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/28/philly-tax-hotels-short-term-rentals-airbnb-parker" data-vars-content-id="03190778-8c15-45c7-ac36-724370db5ef7" data-vars-headline="Airbnb hosts ask City Council to reject Parker&#x27;s short-term rental tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/28/philly-tax-hotels-short-term-rentals-airbnb-parker" target="_self">newly proposed tax</a> on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="short-term rental industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/17/world-cup-philadelphia-airbnb-costs-price" data-vars-content-id="03190778-8c15-45c7-ac36-724370db5ef7" data-vars-headline="Airbnb hosts ask City Council to reject Parker&#x27;s short-term rental tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/17/world-cup-philadelphia-airbnb-costs-price" target="_self">short-term rental industry</a>, days after it was revealed.Why it matters: Time is running short as City Council prepares to approve or reject the tax plan that&#x27;s linked to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Parker&#x27;s budget" 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="03190778-8c15-45c7-ac36-724370db5ef7" data-vars-headline="Airbnb hosts ask City Council to reject Parker&#x27;s short-term rental tax" 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">Parker&#x27;s budget</a> this month.

Exclusive: Uber turns up pressure campaign against Parker's rideshare tax

Mayor Parker's proposal would raise millions of dollars for Philadelphia schools.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Uber" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/31/uber-escalates-fight-over-parker-rideshare-tax" data-vars-content-id="3ee5ae02-8d72-4b31-b0ff-12b53c7161ef" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Uber turns up pressure campaign against Parker&#x27;s 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/2026/03/31/uber-escalates-fight-over-parker-rideshare-tax" target="_self">Uber</a> is escalating its campaign against Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed rideshare tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/07/philly-rideshare-tax-uber-parker-town-hall" data-vars-content-id="3ee5ae02-8d72-4b31-b0ff-12b53c7161ef" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Uber turns up pressure campaign against Parker&#x27;s 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/2026/04/07/philly-rideshare-tax-uber-parker-town-hall" target="_self">proposed rideshare tax</a> with a new last-minute blitz of TV and digital advertising.Why it matters: The latest push — which follows <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lobbying" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/31/uber-escalates-fight-over-parker-rideshare-tax" data-vars-content-id="3ee5ae02-8d72-4b31-b0ff-12b53c7161ef" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Uber turns up pressure campaign against Parker&#x27;s 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/2026/03/31/uber-escalates-fight-over-parker-rideshare-tax" target="_self">lobbying</a>, email outreach and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="six-figure ad spends" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/13/uber-mounts-six-figure-push-against-philly-rideshare-tax" data-vars-content-id="3ee5ae02-8d72-4b31-b0ff-12b53c7161ef" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Uber turns up pressure campaign against Parker&#x27;s 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/2026/04/13/uber-mounts-six-figure-push-against-philly-rideshare-tax" target="_self">six-figure ad spends</a> — comes as the deadline nears for the City Council vote on Parker&#x27;s effort to raise millions of dollars for Philadelphia schools.

Dozens of Philly nightlife spots want to party until 4am during World Cup

Philly is joining other host cities in pushing back last-call in order to capitalize on the inrush of tourists poised to visit for the global tourney.

Dozens of Philly bars, strip clubs, breweries and restaurants are seeking permits to serve alcohol till 4am during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/14/philly-activists-prepare-for-possible-ice-activity-during-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="8c08a589-37b5-45c4-b148-4f928947ddc2" data-vars-headline="Dozens of Philly nightlife spots want to party 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/2026/05/14/philly-activists-prepare-for-possible-ice-activity-during-world-cup" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: Philly&#x27;s nightlife wants to party like a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="global host" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="8c08a589-37b5-45c4-b148-4f928947ddc2" data-vars-headline="Dozens of Philly nightlife spots want to party 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/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" target="_self">global host</a> city.

Business 🏦

What we know — and don't — about Philly-based Comcast's split

More than a 3rd of Philly Airbnb listings lack valid licenses

Why Pennsylvania is worried about the screwworm threat

Pennsylvania sees the World Cup as a global audition

These Philly bars and clubs can stay open till 4am during the World Cup