🇺🇲 Your guide to the best July 4 events

Can You Buy and Sell Fireworks in Philly?

Philadelphia’s laws on pyrotechnics have changed a lot in the past few years. Plus this year’s drought conditions and the high number of wildfires have complicated the issue. So is it legal to purchase and sell fireworks? Technically yes, but there are a lot of caveats you should be aware of. [Billy Penn]

• Related: July 4th is a big deal in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation and its former capital. We’ve got a great guide on all the ways you can celebrate Independence Day this weekend. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

New Efforts to Reduce PA Maternal Deaths

Using information from hospital discharges, the state Department of Health will be required to publish data on severe maternal morbidity every year and work with the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee to identify ways to reduce mortality rates, among other efforts. This undertaking is a result of a bill unanimously passed by the General Assembly this month. [PhillyVoice]

Home Prices Are Up, Again

The costs to purchase a home continue to increase in Pennsylvania — and don’t expect that to change anytime soon. The median sale price for a home in the state has nearly doubled in the past five years. What’s contributing to these spikes? [WHYY]

PA Teachers Concerned Over New Curriculum

State educators say they fear the Philadelphia Board of Education’s vote to purchase $70 million in new teaching materials for the next school year may further widen the learning gap as they'll be required to use the same materials instead of materials tailored for each school. One teacher told Billy Penn a major problem with the new materials is the assumption all students are at grade level when in reality most students need to desperately catch up. [Billy Penn]

🇺🇲 Revolutionary War Encampment | Saturday - Tuesday | 10 a.m.

Check out this reenactment on the National Constitution Center’s front lawn. [Free, Old City]

🇺🇲 Red, White, and Brew Bar Crawl | Saturday | 1 p.m.

Meet at Howl at the Moon to experience some of the best bars in town offering exclusive drink specials. [$10.99, Center City]

🇺🇲 Sound of Liberty Concert | Saturday | 2 p.m.

Pay tribute to American composers through musical performances and a dramatic reading of Frederick Douglas’ famed speech. [$25 donation, Navy Yard]

🇺🇲 Reconstructing Rights | Sunday | 11:30 a.m.

Participate in this webinar for a deep dive into the Reconstruction Amendments and how they transformed the Constitution. [Free, online]

🇺🇲 Fourth of July Rooftop Party | Sunday | 5 p.m.

Get your party on at Stratus Rooftop Lounge where they’ll be providing tastings of the new Don Julio tequila. [$30, Center City]

🇺🇲 Celebration of Freedom Ceremony | Tuesday | 10 a.m.

At Sixth and Chestnut streets, listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances by the Black Pearl Orchestra, and more. [Free, Old City]

🇺🇲 Independence Day Parade | Tuesday | 11 a.m.

Celebrate the birthday of the U.S. with a patriotic parade. The fun starts at 2nd and Market and ends at Arch and North Broad streets. [Free, Center City]

🇺🇲 Food Festival | Tuesday | 5 - 9 p.m.

Grub on some amazing food, try your luck at some obstacle courses, listen to live music, and more at Pleasant Hill Park. Plus, stick around for the fireworks show over the river. [Pay as you go, Torresdale]

🇺🇲 Dinner Cruise | Tuesday | 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Enjoy a delicious meal, a DJ playing your favorite hits, and a top-shelf open bar on this cruise. [$260+, Penn Landing]

🇺🇲 Where to Watch Fireworks | Tuesday | Vary

We found too many places to list! So check out the above link for an extensive list of where you can enjoy fireworks in town.

Congratulations to Hey Philly readers Taylor, Greg, and Sarah who correctly identified last week’s Where Is It? challenge. This mural is located at 29 E Allen Street, the location of club The Fillmore Philadelphia, and was created by the artist Amberella.

Ready for this week’s challenge? Thanks to Sarah J. who submitted this image:

Email us your guesses! If you get it right, you can submit next week’s challenge! How fun is that 😀

Conservative Summit in Philly, Driving I-95 Again, and Alternative Walking Tours

Life is busy, and it’s increasingly hard to stay up to date on the news. Never fear, City Cast Philly’s Friday news roundup is here! In this podcast episode, host Trenae Nuri will fill you in on the new temporary lanes on I-95 and some alternative walking tours in the city to explore more than just colonial history.

Plus, hear from Thomas Fitzgerald, transportation reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Meir Rinde, an investigative reporter at Billy Penn, on why the conservative school board group Moms for Liberty is hosting a summit in Philly this weekend.