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Gut-wrecking stomach illness hits Pennsylvania

The illness is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food or water.

Health

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gut-wrecking parasite" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/cyclosporiasis-stomach-bug-cases-symptoms-outbreak" data-vars-content-id="5fd2b916-4054-46db-bf43-dffc9e5e78f7" data-vars-headline="Gut-wrecking stomach illness hits Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/cyclosporiasis-stomach-bug-cases-symptoms-outbreak" target="_self">gut-wrecking parasite</a> surging in the U.S. is also spreading in Pennsylvania. The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food.

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.

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.

Walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge this weekend

The Delaware River Port Authority is shutting down all lanes of traffic on Saturday for anyone looking to get their daily steps in.

Things to Do

If you&#x27;re looking for another 250th bucket list experience, block off your schedule because you can saunter across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge this weekend.Why it matters: Meek Mill has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="house parties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKFzPv9vnB8" data-vars-content-id="194c771d-1557-41f7-8391-d6a845956200" data-vars-headline="Walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKFzPv9vnB8" target="_blank">house parties</a>, Philly has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="block parties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaZfelPtPZJ/" data-vars-content-id="194c771d-1557-41f7-8391-d6a845956200" data-vars-headline="Walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaZfelPtPZJ/" target="_blank">block parties</a>, and the Delaware River Port Authority has walking parties.

Meet the North Philly artist behind MLB All-Star's Liberty Bell

Andre Chaney spent more than 70 hours hours in the studio designing and painting a 4-foot replica of the Liberty Bell.

Culture

When baseball needed something unmistakably Philly for the All-Star Game, city artist Andre Chaney answered the bell — the Liberty Bell, that is.Why it matters: Chaney&#x27;s hand-painted Liberty Bell is an ode to the Phillies that will show up starting this weekend at Citizens Bank Park.

Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank  Park

Ahead of Friday's kickoff, Axios Philadelphia got a sneak peek yesterday of what's new at Citizens Bank Park, the food, merch and vibes.

Philadelphia is the center of the baseball world as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MLB&#x27;s All-Star Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/07/philly-2026-events-mlb-all-star-cycling-classic-ufc-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="8dd645c1-6e88-49ab-a65f-e6332a15f23a" data-vars-headline="Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/07/philly-2026-events-mlb-all-star-cycling-classic-ufc-world-cup" target="_self">MLB&#x27;s All-Star Week</a> arrives.Why it matters: Days after South Philly hosted its final <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/06/fifa-world-cup-philly-matches-fans-travelers-stats" data-vars-content-id="8dd645c1-6e88-49ab-a65f-e6332a15f23a" data-vars-headline="Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/06/fifa-world-cup-philly-matches-fans-travelers-stats" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> match, the city is diving into another mega sporting event as its jam-packed summer rolls on.

Star Wars to mark 50 years with new exhibit debuting in Philly

"Star Wars: The Experience" opens Feb. 13 at the Franklin Institute.

No longer far, far away, the Star Wars galaxy is coming to Philly.Why it matters: The 18,000-square-foot &quot;Star Wars: The Experience&quot; exhibit is lightsaber-rattling fun for fans of one of the greatest film franchises.

RockyFest's triumphant return in 2026

Tourism officials have renewed excitement planning "RockyFest 50."

RockyFest isn&#x27;t down for the count — it&#x27;s come back with an even more powerful punch.Why it matters: After a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="yearlong hiatus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/03/scoop-rockyfest-2025-canceled-rocky-balboa-sylvester-stallone" data-vars-content-id="8fc07748-1a74-4d6e-84b6-475756fbed2f" data-vars-headline="RockyFest&#x27;s triumphant return in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/03/scoop-rockyfest-2025-canceled-rocky-balboa-sylvester-stallone" target="_self">yearlong hiatus</a>, Philly tourism officials are answering the bell like only Philly&#x27;s greatest fighter would: with plans for an even bigger bash marking the film&#x27;s 50th anniversary.

This is what Pennsylvania included in America's Time Capsule

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

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.

How Philly's "pigeon people" turned a pet bird into a walking tour

Their motto is simple: "Pigeon haters welcome."

Philly&#x27;s &quot;pigeon people&quot; want to change your mind about one of the world&#x27;s most maligned birds.Why it matters: Aspen Simone and Hannah Michelle Brower — often spotted carrying their pet pigeon, Primrose, around town in a transparent backpack — have created a walking tour that challenges the &quot;rats with wings&quot; stereotype and traces the birds&#x27; surprising history.

Rocky made way. Joe Frazier takes center stage in Philly

"Smokin' Joe" has landed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's steps.

The Joe Frazier statue that&#x27;s stood in South Philly for more than a decade has landed at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art&#x27;s steps.Why it matters: &quot;Smokin&#x27; Joe&quot; is getting one of the city&#x27;s most prominent public stages, taking over the site once occupied by Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocky statue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/23/rocky-statue-art-museum-exhibit-rising-up" data-vars-content-id="506bec39-7a49-4ec7-9df3-f432c62a0950" data-vars-headline="Rocky made way. Joe Frazier takes center stage in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/23/rocky-statue-art-museum-exhibit-rising-up" target="_self">Rocky statue</a>.

The cost of taking home a World Cup memory

Want a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/26/world-cup-tickets-cheap-travel-philly" data-vars-content-id="c5e91f3a-684b-46a0-935e-839cf04263cf" data-vars-headline="The cost of taking home a World Cup memory" 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/world-cup-tickets-cheap-travel-philly" target="_self">World Cup</a> souvenir? Be prepared to pay up.Why it matters: At FIFA stores inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/09/philadelphia-stadium-world-cup-linc-changes" data-vars-content-id="c5e91f3a-684b-46a0-935e-839cf04263cf" data-vars-headline="The cost of taking home a World Cup memory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/09/philadelphia-stadium-world-cup-linc-changes" target="_self">Philadelphia Stadium</a>, fans will find even basic souvenirs can carry steep price tags.