Yesterday in Philly
Extreme Heat, A Joe Frazier Comeback, and Fourth of July Prep
Another scorcher, traffic chaos, and a local legend in bronze. Here's what you missed yesterday:
🔥 Weather & City Disruptions
- Heat Wave Incoming: This week is shaping up to be the hottest Philly’s seen in 15 years. If you thought last week was bad, buckle up for days in the high 90s, especially heading into July Fourth. Hydrate and try to avoid outdoor events during afternoon hours. More on how hot it will get and what it'll mean for July 4th plans.
- Fourth of July Detours: Prepping for welcome parades, fireworks, and concerts? Plan around closed roads and packed transit. Full list of closures here. The FIFA Fan Festival will shift to new hours because of the heat.
🥊 Philly Icons & Culture
- The Joe Frazier Statue Has a New Home: Smokin’ Joe now stands at the foot of the Art Museum steps—where Rocky used to be. Frazier’s family hopes it corrects history a little: Philly's real champion front and center. Photos and reactions.
- First Bank of the United States Reopens: After a $43 million renovation and 50 years closed, you can finally step inside America’s OG national bank again—just in time for the 250th. Details here.
- Free Museum Days Everywhere: Wawa Welcome America means free entry at a bunch of museums this week (including special exhibitions at the Art Museum in July). Good excuse for a little air conditioning. Full list | Art Museum details
🚦 How Philly Moves
- Airport Delays: Power outages at PHL yesterday knocked out elevators and escalators. Heads up if you’re flying this week. Latest here.
- SEPTA Scene: Yes, a man was stabbed on a Center City SEPTA bus. Otherwise, transit rolled with standard July drama. Incident details.
🏀 Philly Sports Shorts
- Sixers’ Offseason Wheel-Spin: Dalen Terry and Dominick Barlow are back, Trendon Watford and Tyrese Martin are out, and free agency primer season is in full swing. All you need: Sixers roster moves | Free agent targets | Trade rumors.
- Phillies: Everyone’s wondering—is this really the best Phillies team in years? They keep hanging near the top in the MLB power rankings. Where they stand.
🗞️ Quick Hits
- Sheraton Workers Get a Deal: After a nine-day strike, Center City hotel workers reached a tentative contract, so those rooms will be staffed again for the holiday rush. More here.
- Comcast Big Split: Philly’s own Comcast is breaking up with NBCUniversal (and Peacock, and Sky). What it means.
- Historic St. Peter’s Village Up for Auction: The little town along French Creek hits the block in September, if you’re in the mood to buy a whole village. Background here.
Stay cool. Drink water. See you tomorrow.
