Philadelphia is acting as the "drum major" of the nation's 250th birthday, throwing its biggest-ever party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this weekend.

Why it matters: Years in the making, the signature event — paired with a same-day World Cup knockout match — will test even the city that birthed democracy and could define Mayor Cherelle Parker's first term.

The big picture: The "One Philly Unity Concert for America" on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the France-Paraguay match in South Philadelphia are both kicking off at 5 p.m., setting up one of the busiest days of the year for city employees.

• More than 1 million people are expected to attend the festivities — roughly on par with the 2015 papal visit and last year's Eagles Super Bowl parade.
• That means a long night for city workers, who will stay into the early morning to clean up after hundreds of thousands of people leave after the fireworks.

Driving the news: The "legacy" spectacle will reach millions more on television, marking a moment Philadelphians will remember for generations, Parker said during yesterday's news conference outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

• Philadelphia is deploying thousands of officers on foot, bikes and horseback, while using drones to monitor crowds, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel told Axios.

What they're saying: "We only turn 250 years old once," Parker said. "We won't get a second chance to do this over again."

The latest: Road closures are already in place around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with more set to take effect as the festivities ramp up.

• The city is setting up large cooling tents, water stations and misting fans throughout the Parkway to help people beat the heat, with temperatures expected to top 100 degrees.
• Fan Fest will close early Saturday to allow the city to focus more resources on the Parkway.

Zoom in: To prepare for its closeup, Philadelphia moved the main stage — embossed with a giant Liberty Bell — from Eakins Oval to the iconic Art Museum steps.

• Comedian Wanda Sykes is emceeing the event, which includes everyone from hometown icons Will Smith, The Roots and Meek Mill to pop star Christina Aguilera and country singer Jordan Davis.

By the numbers: Philadelphia has committed $120 million to citywide semiquincentennial programming — a big but necessary investment intended to show the world the city doesn't lack "ambition," Parker said.

The bottom line: Drum roll, please.

• "This celebration belongs to all of us," Parker said.

Keep reading

For decades, former NFL tight end Tim Massaquoi never needed an alarm. Football dictated his mornings: up before dawn, then hours of stretching and treatment before practice.

Why it matters: When a knee injury ended his career after just 11 games, Massaquoi had to build a new morning routine — reading, meditation and exercise — to deal with panic attacks and depression that came with losing an identity that had defined him.

The big picture: Now a therapist, Massaquoi has joined forces with Black Men Heal, a Philly nonprofit behind a new campaign to raise $150,000 to provide therapy for 100 men.

• The group's mission: to get more men to realize it's OK to be open and vulnerable about their mental health struggles.

Driving the news: Massaquoi helped recruit former NFL players Dom Curry, Desmond Wynn and Nydair Rouse to appear with him last weekend for a barber shop-style conversation at Philadelphia's Candlelight Studios about life beyond the game.

• Their stories will appear in an upcoming documentary directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Kaloni Davis, Black Men Heal founder and therapist Tasnim Sulaiman tells Axios.

Zoom in: Therapy has become more mainstream as celebrities, athletes and politicians have opened up about their mental health.

What they're saying: The hope is that the documentary, expected to be released in the fall, will reach even more young men, Sulaiman says.

• "We call vulnerability sexy," she says.

Keep reading

🚆 SEPTA Regional Rail service resumed yesterday after a low-speed train derailment near North Broad Station disrupted train service during the morning commute. No one was reported injured. (Philly Voice)

🏀 The Sixers completed a blockbuster trade with the Celtics, swapping Jaylen Brown in exchange for Paul George and four draft picks, per ESPN.

• They also lost Kelly Oubre Jr. to Pacers, and Quentin Grimes to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The home of an Olney man raided by federal authorities last week and later linked to the investigation into the disappearances of two women was searched last year.

• Investigators found "telltale signs" of a drug operation, the Inquirer reports.

🎥 You still have a couple more chances to check out Philadelphia Film Society's free movie days: "Mean Girls" is playing today and Independence Day tomorrow.

🎺 The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus takes the stage at Independence Hall tonight at 8 for patriotic music honoring service members and veterans.

• Queen Latifah headlines the free concert, joined by a special appearance from Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan.

More events

It's time to address student screen time in Philly schools, dozens of Axios Philadelphia readers say.

By the numbers: 90% of the 30 people who responded to our unofficial poll say Philly educators should reduce student screen time in the classroom.

• Meanwhile, 87% voted that the district should allow parents to access their children's browsing history on school-issued Chromebooks.

Catch up quick: We told you earlier this week that the district does not provide students' browsing history on school-issued Chromebooks — except for emergencies, to resolve tech issues and when requested by law enforcement.

• Student screen time and the content they're accessing during school hours have become a growing issue for parents in the region, including nearby Lower Merion, and across the U.S.

What we're hearing: Here's what some of you are saying:

• Kids are already on screens at home. School should be a time for person-to-person interaction, and kids should be encouraged to socialize without them.
• The money schools currently spend on technology would be better spent on basic supplies.

Read more