If you ventured outside anywhere in the state early Wednesday you know that the extreme heat that was blanketing the midwest the last few days has arrived in Pennsylvania.

We’ll be feeling it through the Fourth of July holiday and The National Weather Service was blunt in its forecast, labeling conditions as “dangerous.” 

Brutal heat and humidity is expected to drive the heat index to up to 110 degrees each day across Pa., with Thursday and Friday predicted to be the most sweltering. Sunset “will not offer any relief” as overnight temperatures remain in the mid 70s and low 80s, the NWS warned.

If you need information on finding cooling centers and other resources in your area, what to do in a power outage, and general tips on staying safe during this heatwave, you’ll find it all in this story.

L-R: Andy Warhol, Benjamin Franklin, Ed Bradley, Bayard Rustin, Taylor Swift, Dr. Jonas Salk. (AP/Shutterstock)

As the celebration of America’s 250th birthday was approaching a couple of months back, we set about highlighting the significant contributions Pennsylvanians have made to our country, and asked you to share your thoughts on the most influential Pennsylvanians of all time. 

As expected, William Penn received a lot of love—there may have never been a Pennsylvania without him, after all. So did the industrialists who shaped Pittsburgh; Pennsylvanians who fought for civil rights; game-changing athletes who were either from here or made their mark here; along with beloved actors, authors, artists, and singers (of course, Taylor Swift made the cut).

Based on reader input and staff suggestions, we’ve put together this list of the 76 most influential Pennsylvanians of all time. We believe it’s a thorough representation of the many and varied ways Pennsylvanians have shaped the course of our country, highlighting important voices of the 21st century, agents of change from the 19th and 20th centuries, abolitionists, religious leaders, politicians, entertainers, and… the inventor of the Big Mac. 

We hope you enjoy reading it. And if you feel there are some glaring omissions, you know how to reach us.

There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Pa. this weekend. But there’s also plenty of other stuff to do once the smoke from the fireworks has cleared. 

Here’s a rundown of some July events in Pennsylvania you should know about: 

Independence Week at the National Constitution Center – Philadelphia, now through Saturday

The National Constitution Center is celebrating the semiquincentennial with a chance to battle Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham in a US history-themed game of Trivial Pursuit, a town hall-style discussion on the shared principles at the heart of the American idea, an event honoring Pope Leo XIV, free hoagies, and more.

The return of the US Brig Niagara – Erie, beginning Thursday

This Brig is back! On Thursday, the tall ship U.S. Brig Niagara makes its return to the Erie Maritime Museum after more than a year away for repairs. The ship’s Parade of Sail will allow the public to welcome the Niagara back to Erie—the vessel will also be joined by as many as 40 other boats participating in the fanfare. The Niagara will then be open for guided deck tours all weekend.

A Gettysburg Fourth – Gettysburg, Saturday

Gettysburg is planning a large celebration in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with a focus on Gettysburg history and the Civil War. A Gettysburg Fourth is an all-day festival at Gettysburg Rec Park with live music, food and drink, and family-friendly activities. The evening features a performance by the US Army Field Band followed by a fireworks display.

Easton Heritage Day – Downtown Easton, July 11

Easton was the site of one of three public readings of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, an event the town celebrates each year during July’s Easton Heritage Day. This year’s free, all-day festival features colonial reenactors, live music, local food vendors, and, of course, a live reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Picklesburgh – Pittsburgh, July 16-19

Picklesburgh—with its pickle juice drinking contests, Dill-cathalon, pickle-flavored beer and pierogi, and live entertainment—has become a can’t-miss festival since its debut in 2015. Last year, the festival expanded its footprint, operating on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, the Andy Warhol Bridge, and throughout several other downtown locations. This year features some new wrinkles like Pickleball at Arts Landing.

• For the fifth time in as many years, Pa. lawmakers missed the June 30 deadline for finalizing the state budget. Find out what happens next here.

• After previously blocking payments, state Treasurer Stacy Garrity has agreed to pay the roughly $1 million bill for security upgrades at the private home of her political rival, Gov. Josh Shapiro, in the face of possible litigation. Get the details here.

• The Giant Eagle supermarket chain, which has nearly 80 locations in western Pa., has a new owner. Find out more in this story.

• The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold laws in Idaho and West Virginia banning transgender girls and women from playing on the teams they identify with doesn’t impact Pa. athletes, yet. Learn more in this report.

We’re off Friday for the Independence Day holiday, so this will be our last newsletter until next Monday, July 6.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July. And if you MUST set off fireworks, keep in mind that there are pets in your neighborhood who get extremely stressed by the sound of your Roman Candles, snappers, and smoke bombs bursting in air. Please exercise caution and restraint. Thank you, from the owner of two dogs who hate fireworks. 

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from The Associated Press and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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