The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is notifying travelers of a possible measles exposure that occurred recently at Philadelphia International Airport.
The Health Department noted that the exposure would have taken place on Saturday, July 4, between 7:30-11:15 a.m. at Terminals A, B, and C. The person with measles was traveling through Philadelphia and health officials are encouraging people who might have been exposed to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.
“We believe there is no threat to the general public associated with this case of measles,” city Health Commissioner Palak Raval-Nelson said in a statement. “We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles. Measles activity remains elevated both internationally and in areas of the United States, including the ongoing outbreak in Pennsylvania west of the city, concentrated in Lancaster and Lebanon counties, with spread to Chester County.”
Raval-Nelson encouraged parents to follow the CDC’s immunization schedule and have children fully vaccinated “as soon as they are able.”
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air through coughing, sneezing, or talking. People who aren’t protected against measles can contract the virus up to two hours after someone else with measles left the same room or airspace. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by rash. In some people, it can be a serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, and death.
The All-Star festivities continued this weekend as the MLB draft was held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, marking the first time that Philadelphia has hosted the event.
However, for the second consecutive year, there wasn’t a single draftee in attendance. Spectators certainly showed out. Fans repping jerseys from across the league filled the space to celebrate future MLB talent.
MLB Network’s Siera Santos and Robert Flores, along with Eliza Andrus served as the draft hosts, and fans were treated to a parade of mascots, karaoke, and Home Run Derby prize tickets while teams were on the clock. The West Powelton Steppers, also known as the Phillies Bassline, also contributed to energizing the crowd.
League commissioner Rob Manfred was met with a chorus of boos as he offered his opening remarks, where he highlighted the city and America’s 250th.
“There’s no place more fitting to celebrate the games future than a city that has helped define its past,” Manfred said.
Fans cheer during the 2026 MLB draft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
“From Hall of Fame legends Dick Allen, Richie Ashburn, Steve Carlton, and Mike Schmidt, to World Series champions Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Chase Utley, generations of Phillies greats have inspired the passionate fans in this city. [On Saturday], that historic spotlight turns to a new wave of players who may one day evoke the same type of admiration for these young men and their families. Today marks a life-changing milestone on their journey.”
Rollins was in attendance and made an appearance on stage with Greg Luzinski. Hamels was also present as one of the analysts for the draft coverage, alongside Mark DeRosa, Harold Reynolds, and Dan O’Dowd. MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger was the broadcast’s host.
Saturday consisted of the first four rounds and Sunday will conclude the remaining 16. Here’s a look at the locals who were selected on Day 1.
Texas outfielder Aiden Robbins during an NCAA baseball game against Coastal Carolina on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).Michael Wyke
Third round
The first area player off the board was Holy Ghost Prep graduate Aiden Robbins, a Yardley native, who was selected by the New York Mets with the 92nd overall pick.
The 6-foot-2 outfielder transferred to Texas this past season after spending his first two years of college at Seton Hall, where he led the Big East with a .422 batting average.
With the Longhorns, Robbins was among the team leaders in average (.333), OPS (1.122), runs (68), hits (79), total bases (165), and slugging percentage (.696). He also was a key contributor to Texas’ run to the College World Series. The Longhorns were eliminated by Georgia and finished fifth nationally. Robbins capped his junior season with 24 homers and was named SEC Newcomer of the Year.
Moorestown High product Ryan Lynch was drafted 97th to the San Diego Padres.
Lynch, a 6-3 right-handed pitcher, spent most of his freshman year with North Carolina in a reliever role, before earning starts in the postseason. Following his freshman season, Lynch earned freshman second team All-American honors by D1Baseball and Baseball America, along with a spot on the 2025 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.
As a sophomore, Moorestown native Ryan Lynch started in 18 of his 19 appearances, finishing the season with a 4.21 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 98⅓ innings pitched.Vera Nieuwenhuis
This year, as a sophomore, he started in 18 of his 19 appearances, finishing the season with a 4.21 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 98⅓ innings pitched. He finished his two years with a 10-5 record, 161 career strikeouts, 61 walks, and a 3.72 ERA.
During the Tar Heels’ run in the College World Series, Lynch pitched in North Carolina’s first win over West Virginia, throwing 4⅔ innings, giving up two runs. In Game 2 of the final series against Oklahoma, Lynch left the game in the fourth inning with an oblique injury after recording five strikeouts and giving up two earned runs.
In 2023, the Phillies used their first-round pick on an infielder who graded highly among high school hitters but slipped in the draft because of an injury.
With the 36th overall selection — a 10-pick penalty for exceeding the second luxury-tax threshold last year — the Phillies took Tyler Spangler, an 18-year-old shortstop from De La Salle High School in Northern California who didn’t play at all this year because of a back injury.
“We have an extensive medical review on the player and just felt comfortable taking him,” scouting director Brian Barber said Saturday from the Phillies’ draft room in Citizens Bank Park. “We’ve looked at everything that there is to look at there and felt completely comfortable taking the player.”
Barber declined to discuss the nature of the back injury.
Spangler, a 6-foot-3 left-handed hitter, was projected in early mock drafts as a first-round pick, in which case he would’ve been off the board long before the Phillies picked. But he injured his back after a mid-January tournament that the Phillies attended, Barber said, and missed his senior season.
Teams were finally able to see Spangler hit last month at the MLB draft combine in Phoenix. The Phillies watched him again in a workout on June 30. Barber said he has been given “a clear return to action,” and the Phillies are “hoping to see him on the field in [minor-league] games at some point this season.”
Tyler Spangler is back 👀
After missing his high school senior spring with a back injury, Spangler is on the field participating in drills at the MLB Draft Combine. He ranks No. 32 on BA's latest draft rankings and at one point ranked among the top high schoolers in the class… pic.twitter.com/0GvM39v2Dr
That would suggest the Phillies are confident that they can sign Spangler, who committed to attend Stanford. It may require a bonus larger than the $2.76 million slot value assigned to the 36th pick. But without a pick in the first round, the Phillies are likely to meet Spangler’s price.
Clubs have until July 27 to sign their 2026 draft picks.
If Spangler’s injury saga sounds familiar, Miller slid to the Phillies at No. 27 overall three years ago because of a broken hamate bone in his left hand. He recovered from that injury and became the organization’s top prospect, but hasn’t played this season because of a lower back condition that necessitated a spinal procedure in June.
In Spangler’s case, there’s also the matter of De La Salle suspending its varsity baseball team for the first five games this season for what the school described as “violations of school policy, team rules, and code of conduct.”
Barber said the Phillies interviewed Spangler at the combine and were confident that whatever happened (De La Salle officials didn’t specify the violations) “had nothing to do with Tyler.”
The Phillies drafted Spangler one pick before catcher Daniel Jackson went to the Rockies. Jackson won the Golden Spikes Award this year as the top collegiate player in the country.
Spangler is tall for a shortstop, prompting comparisons to lefty-hitting Corey Seager. Barber said the Phillies believe Spangler “probably moves a little bit better than, let’s say, Corey did at 18″ and that he won’t need to switch positions.
Ty Spangler goes to the Phillies at pick No. 36.
55-grade hit and power tools with not one tool projecting below 50.
But it’s his bat that most impressed the Phillies.
Barber said Spangler showed “a little bit of rust and stiffness” at the combine. But when the Phillies saw him hit a week later, he appeared “more loose and free,” as they remembered when they scouted him as a junior.
“We think it’s just a really advanced 18-year-old swing,” Barber said. “The path is just perfect to be able to add to his power game, as well. It’s a hit-first with a really good feel for the power in the future.
“The opportunity to be at pick 36 and get this player that we identified going back two years, saw him play all throughout the summer and fall last year, we just think he’s a very good player.”
Here’s how the Phillies rounded out the first day of the draft:
Caden Bogenpohl broke Ryan Howard’s Missouri State school record with 20 homers as a freshman in 2024 and finished with 39 homers in three seasons.Colin E Braley
Round 2
Caden Bogenpohl, OF, Missouri State
A few weeks ago, after the college season, the Phillies took the unusual step of inviting the 6-6 left-handed hitter to their facility in Clearwater for a one-on-one workout with farm director Luke Murton.
“Unfortunately, we did that before the Combine, where he was able to [go to] the Combine and put on an absolute show out there,” Barber said, laughing. “But it did help us answer some of the questions about why the exit velocity was at the elite level, but the home runs didn’t go with it.”
Indeed, Bogenpohl broke Ryan Howard’s school record with 20 homers as a freshman, then hit only 19 over the last two years. But after their private workout, the Phillies believe they can unlock the power that has gone missing.
A farm system that lacks home-run hitters can use it.
After pitching as a reliever for two years at Texas-San Antonio, he transferred and became a starter. That’s how the Phillies plan to use him in the minors because of a five-pitch repertoire from multiple arm slots.
The 23-year-old righty is on the older side, but Barber believes he’s also more advanced than most draftees.
“It’s now stuff,” Barber said. “It’s now strikes. It’s now pitchability.”
Deven Sheerin (RS-SO @LSUbaseball) funky crossfire with lively heater 96-97 T98. Sweeper has an extra gear to miss barrels. Backend mentality on the hill. ‘26 elig. pic.twitter.com/ajUxgnKjQD
— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) May 20, 2026
Round 4
Deven Sheerin, RHP, LSU
Most relief pitchers get drafted as starters and move to the bullpen as they go through the minors. But Barber left no doubt about the 20-year-old righty’s future role.
“We see him as a high-upside leverage reliever,” he said.
Sheerin throws a slider and upper-90s fastball from a low-slot delivery, a combination that Barber described as “just completely loud stuff.”
Oh, and he grew up in Reading, home to the Phillies’ longstanding double-A club.
Kentucky pitcher Jaxon Jelkin had a 4.08 ERA in 17 games last season.Mike Buscher
Jaxon Jelkin, RHP, Kentucky
A collegiate nomad, he left Nebraska as a freshman for junior college in Arizona, then transferred to Houston, where he had Tommy John elbow surgery before going to Kentucky. But he’s 6-5 with four pitches from a low three-quarters arm slot. At age 23, he could start at a more advanced level of the system than younger draftees.
“It’s older, but we’re just not using a lot of projection there,” Barber said. “What we try to do with these [older college] guys is acclimate them to pro ball, get them on a professional routine, and then just try to optimize their pitch package a little bit more.”
DETROIT — Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler declined to be added to the National League All-Star team when approached by MLB on Friday, he said.
“Because they disrespected me, so I’m not going to participate in it,” Wheeler said. “I’m not going to be disrespected.”
Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski was named a replacement instead on Saturday for Reds pitcher Chase Burns. Wrobleski has a 2.69 ERA and 1.01 WHIP over 100⅓ innings pitched this year.
Despite a 2.28 ERA in his first 14 starts, Wheeler was not named to the initial roster through the player vote. Nor was he included in the first round of player replacements for pitchers who opted out of appearing in the game. Phillies lefty Jesús Luzardo was added to the NL team on Tuesday and is set to make his first career All-Star appearance.
Wheeler was almost certainly initially excluded because of the Phillies’ rotation schedule, which has him starting Sunday’s series finale in Detroit. Typically, pitchers who start the final game before the All-Star break are unable to appear in the All-Star Game.
However, following his start Tuesday in Cincinnati, Wheeler said he would be willing to throw an inning anyway. After striking out 14 Reds over seven innings, Wheeler said the snub had been on his mind.
After his start on Tuesday in Cinncinnati, Zack Wheeler said his seven inning, 14 strikeout start was “kind of a reminder for whoever needs to be reminded.”
Carolyn Kaster
“I feel like that’s kind of a reminder,” Wheeler said, “for whoever needs to be reminded.”
But because the league didn’t approach him until three days later, Wheeler said he felt like their “fifth option,” which he found disrespectful. If the league had invited him earlier in the week, his answer would have been different.
Making the All-Star team is one of three goals Wheeler sets for himself every year, along with winning a Cy Young Award and a World Series. He has three career All-Star selections, but has only appeared in the game in 2021. He did not pitch in 2024 or 2025.
“There’s other years where they ask me to be in it, and I said no, but I was maybe struggling through some stuff or whatever it may be, but this time it’s pure disrespect,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler believes his numbers speak for themselves, and doesn’t think that his return from thoracic outlet decompression surgery less than a year ago should have factored into the league’s decision. The right-hander had a rib removed last September to treat his venous thoracic outlet syndrome.
It’s a procedure that has ended other pitchers’ careers, but Wheeler has not missed a step.
“I don’t need somebody saying, ”Oh, he’s had major surgery. Look at him now.’ No, I don’t need that. That was my plan to come back as who I was, or even better,” Wheeler said.
Zack Wheeler has a 2.28 ERA in 14 starts since his return from thoracic outlet decompression surgery.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
Although he felt disrespected by the league, his teammates made sure that he knew they valued him. Following Wheeler’s postgame interview Tuesday, catcher Garrett Stubbs had T-shirts made with Wheeler’s quote on them, which he distributed to everyone. The shirts also featured a rooster with Wheeler’s No. 45, a nod to his walk-out song, “Rooster” by Alice in Chains.
“He deserves being an All-Star. And it’s [B.S.] that he’s not,” Stubbs told The Inquirer on Friday.
While Wheeler didn’t wear the shirt himself, many of his teammates did, along with Phillies staff and coaches. Even interim manager Don Mattingly wore one during his media availability on Friday.
“I really just don’t say much. So when I do, I guess they think it’s funny and stuff,” Wheeler said. “So they just made a funny T-shirt and supported me. So I appreciate it.”
Adding to Wheeler’s overall frustration was the fact that this snub could affect him post-career. Along with other factors, All-Star selections are sometimes taken into account by some Hall of Fame voters evaluating a player post-career.
“People who vote on stuff after your career might look at that too,” Wheeler said. “And for somebody to kind of take that away from me, it doesn’t sit well with me. So that’s why I’m kind of saying what I’m saying.”
He added that he doesn’t want to hate on the All-Star Weekend festivities and hopes his six teammates attending the festivities in Philadelphia — Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, Cristopher Sánchez, Jhoan Duran, and Luzardo — enjoy it.
“I don’t want to sit here and sound like I’m just hating on the whole thing. It’s fun. It’s a privilege,” Wheeler said. “There’s something to it, especially after your career, you have those accolades next to your name. Two-time All-Star, or seven-time All-Star. Obviously, the seven sounds a lot better.
“But at the same time, it was kind of just personal. I just don’t want to be disrespected as a person or at my job. I take it very seriously, and it’s just me as a person, too. Like I said before, maybe I didn’t earn it from the get-go, but maybe the second choice. Once I feel like they kind of messed that up, I’m out.”
Extra bases
Justin Crawford (left knee soreness) was out of the Phillies starting lineup Saturday for the second consecutive game after slipping on the grass pregame Friday. He woke up Saturday feeling better and without swelling, so Mattingly said there currently isn’t a plan for him to get imaging. He could possibly be a pinch-hit option Saturday. … Andrew Painter struggled Friday for triple-A Lehigh Valley, giving up seven earned runs on eight hits over just 2⅔ innings. He walked four batters. … Wheeler (9-1, 2.28 ERA) is scheduled to start opposite Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal (5-4, 3.06) Sunday in the Phillies’ final game before the All-Star break.
The union representing Philadelphia firefighters and emergency workers is defending a “warning” posted Friday on social media that shares a map of Philadelphia and tells people to “avoid the colored areas on the map of the city.”
The post, which racked up hundreds of shares and comments on Facebook, X, and Instagram, was heavily criticized for being misleading, inflammatory, and potentially racist.
Mike Bresnan, president of Local 22 of the International Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union, said the post, which went up four days before Philadelphia hosts the MLB All-Star Game, is simply intended to alert visitors about safety.
“It’s not so clean, green, and safe as the mayor says,” Bresnan said by text message Saturday afternoon.
🚨WARNING🚨 Visitors to Philly for th MLB ALL-STAR GAME. Please avoid the colored areas on the map of the city. It’s NOT SO SAFE, CLEAN, OR GREEN as you may have heard. Be very careful, your life could be in danger. pic.twitter.com/zJ0PsrVJnG
— Local 22 Philadelphia Firefighters & Paramedics (@Local22Philly) July 10, 2026
Bresnan said that the map image is taken from a gun violence heat map on the website of City Controller Christy Brady, who was not immediately available for comment Saturday.
The heat map tracks the 259 nonfatal and 71 fatal victims of gun violence in the city this year through June 28. “To date, there have been 83 homicides in 2026, a 27% decrease from 2025,” the website states.
Philadelphia is on track to mark fewer than 200 homicides this year for the first time since the 1960s — a significant decline and a reversal of the spike in deaths five years ago.
Bresnan pushed back against the notion that the use of the phrase colored areas was meant to have a racist undertone, and called those who would say otherwise “radicals.”
“That was the colored regions on the map,” Bresnan said. “We didn’t want to say orange not to offend the POTUS [President Donald Trump] as he seems already pissed at the city.”
Pedestrians take photos of the Budweiser Clydesdales in Old City, Philadelphia on Friday, July 10, 2026. The Budweiser Clydesdales have traveled from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia for the MLB All-Star game coming up on July 14th.Aidan T. Gallo / Staff Photographer
The Trump administration has been in a legal battle with the city over the President’s House Site, which detailed the lives of nine enslaved people who lived with and worked for President George Washington. Most recently, the federal government was cleared to install its own exhibit at the site.
The union endorsed Trump in 2020, a controversial move that divided members. The union did not endorse a presidential candidate in 2024.
The city is already flooded with baseball fans visiting the All-Star Village at the Convention Center and getting excited for Tuesday’s game.
The social media post came two days after the city and the union ratified a new contract with its members. The union was disappointed with the result, which for the first time in two decades leaves firefighters and emergency workers with a lower pay increase than what police got.
The office of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker declined to comment Saturday. In a statement released Wednesday, Parker said that the contract award recognized the contributions of the city’s firefighters and emergency medical personnel “while supporting the city’s efforts to remain fiscally responsible.”
Bresnan said the union is pursuing a change to the City Charter that would require the mayor to have the approval of two-thirds of City Council in order to appeal a contract. He said the threat that mayor would appeal too high of a raise had loomed over labor negotiations.
In response to the online post, even some supporters of the city’s firefighters seemed disappointed.
“Appreciate all you do for the city but this is an unbelievably bad look,” wrote Lauren Vidas on X.
Some online commenters said the post was just a bad way to attempt to agitate for union members disappointed in their contract. Others said it misleads people, warning them away from some of the city’s safest, most affluent, and most tourist-friendly areas, which had nonetheless borne witness to an instance of gun violence this year.
“Contrary to what is posted, you are safe in Philadelphia,” wrote Facebook user Michael Reed. “Have a good time while you’re here. Obviously there are better areas than others and you always should be aware of your surroundings. It’s not as dangerous as this post would imply. Enjoy our great city and get some good food while you’re here.”
The former Phillies World Series champion made his way to the Mitchell & Ness flagship store on Saturday morning to help Make-A-Wish dreams come true. Afterward, the three-time All-Star went to Dilworth Park for an All-Star rollout with Xfinity.
“I know a lot of us are doing things,” Rollins said. “Shane [Victorino] is going to be doing things. Chase [Utley] is doing a lot. … Ryan [Howard]. We’re the last team to win a championship for baseball here. So, it’s only right that we’re here representing the city the way we are.”
Fanatics hosted a private shopping experience for five Make-A-Wish kids at the new Mitchell & Ness flagship. Their families will also attend All-Star Weekend festivities.
Each child was given a $250 gift card and were surprised with a special appearance from Rollins, who was in charge of helping the children shop. For 11-year-old Braxton Ham, he had his eyes set on a classic Rollins Phillies jersey.
Fanatics hosted a private shopping experience at the new Mitchell and Ness flagship for five Make-A-Wish kids and their families ahead of attending their All-Star Weekend festivities.Fanatics
When Rollins noticed, he decided to gift Ham a separate item.
“I got Braxton over there the store exclusive All-Star basketball warmup for baseball,” Rollins said. “You can only get it at this store. He’s the only one that went for it. It’s fire, he’s wearing it right now. He got the green Phillie Phanatic hat on. And that was courtesy of me. He spent his $250 on my jersey and I couldn’t just let him walk away with one thing.
“So, I was like lets go through, lets get something. He was looking at me [with his] eyes big. I was like you bought my jersey, let me return the favor. He’s over there fitted. He’s going to look clean at the Home Run Derby.”
Throughout the hourlong shopping spree, Rollins searched the racks and got to know the kids a little more. The three-time All-Star even tried to make a few important Facetime calls.
“These events are very special,” Rollins said. “We have a chance to make an impact. … I was speaking to [one of the kids], a big Red Sox fan. Of course, I called David [Ortiz], no response. I called Pedro [Martinez], no response. But, Tuesday after the All-Star game, I told him I would be in the studio with Pedro and we’re going to Facetime him. So, little stuff that I can add on top of this experience.”
The Fanatics Foundation serves as the official sports partner of Make-A-Wish, dating back to Oct. 2023.
“In the last three years we have already granted 1,000 sports related wishes,” said Grace Farraj, the executive director of Fanatics Foundation. “And again today, we’ll have the honor to grant five more wishes. Our mission is to engage our network of athletes and teams and leagues to bring to bear some amazing experiences in our local communities around the globe.”
Rollins and Xfinity’s All-Star rollout
Nearly an hour later, Rollins greeted a number of fans at Dilworth Park. The former NL MVP climbed inside a purple Xfinity All-Star rollout truck, handing out autographs and items like iPads, baseball gloves, socks, and hats. He posed with fans in front of a purple Xfinity lowrider afterwards.
“It’s a good event for the city,” Rollins said. “Xfinity is putting on and I’m here just to bring some smiles. I’m handing out some autographs, I’m here just to put on for the city to be honest.
“I’ve been here doing a lot of things. This is another activation. So, everything I got to do to bring joy to the city. It’s been 30 years since the All-Star Game was here last. I was drafted 30 years ago by this team and it’s been a fun ride growing up in this city.”
Xfinity’s All-Star rollout truck and lowrider will continue to tour the city, making stops at FIFA Fan Fest, Spruce Street Harbor, and the Comcast Plaza. Sunday, the truck will return to Dilworth Park with an appearance from John Kruk taking place between 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s top legislative leaders and Gov. Josh Shapiro have reached a $50.8 billion budget deal, more than a week after a new state budget was due at the start of the fiscal year, according to two sources briefed on the closed-door conversations.
Details of the contents of the overall budget deal were not immediately available on Saturday, as lawmakers are expected to begin reviewing the bills in the coming days and a final budget is expected to reach Shapiro’s desk by early next week. The state Senate was scheduled to advance parts of the budget on Saturday evening, and the House was scheduled to do the same on Sunday afternoon.
Though the deal comes more thana week past due, the agreement on the state budget framework among Pennsylvania’s Democratic-controlled House, Republican-led Senate, and Democratic governor marks an improvement from last year’s nearly five-month budget impasse that required school districts, counties, and social service providers to take out expensive loans or close altogether.
Half of the state Senate and all 203 state representatives are up for reelection this year, and many are eager to approve a state budget and return to their districts to campaign. Many of the more contentious issues before the legislators appear to have been kicked to the General Assembly’s fall legislative session or will resurface in budget talks next year, when lawmakers are not scheduled to face voters. Shapiro, too, is up for reelection this year; his Republican challenger is State Treasurer Stacy Garrity.
Pennsylvania’s budget deal was crafted largely in secret over weeks of closed-door meetings involving top legislative staff and leaders including Shapiro, House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery), and Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana).
The overall budget deal presented to the General Assembly will feature a state spending plan, in addition to some policy changes as part of horse-trading of legislative priorities by top leaders.
One major policy change that appeared to be advancing as part of the overall deal on Saturday evening is a bill to allow local municipalities to pass ordinances placing a moratorium on data center development for no longer than 18 months. That bill, Senate Bill 1345, sponsored by Sen. Jarret Coleman (R., Bucks/Lehigh), was scheduled for a committee vote Saturday evening, when amendments to the bill were possible.
Gov. Josh Shapiro arrives on the state House chamber to make his annual budget proposal in Harrisburg Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
Shapiro hinted that a deal was near on Thursday at a news conference in Altoona, saying, “You’re going to see a lot of activity in the Capitol this weekend.”
“We’ve been working hard, really hard, to bring both sides together, to bring togetherDemocrats and Republicans, and I think you’re going to see a result that benefits the good people of Pennsylvania really soon,” Shapiro added.
It was not immediately clear how legislative leaders and Shapiro agreed to fill the state’sbillion-dollar structural deficit without creating any new revenue streams as part of the 2026-27 fiscal year budget. Even if lawmakers did not increase spending this year — which they are expected to do — the state would need to make up $1.2 billion to balance the budget.
The deal’s 1.4% increase over last year’s $50.1 billion budget does not allow much room for new spending, unless other existing programs have been cut.
In new spending, the deal appeared to include an increase to the state’s funding for public education through its adequacy and tax equity formulas, which were designed by lawmakers in 2024 to close a $4 billion “adequacy gap” following a landmark court ruling that found Pennsylvania was illegally underfunding students in low-income districts.
“If the adequacy number was not agreed to, we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” said State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D., Philadelphia), who is the minority chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, on Friday evening. “I think the adequacy number will be consistent with what the governor proposed.”
Shapiro proposed a $53.2 billion budget in February, which included a $565 million increase to adequacy funding for public schools. He also included new potential revenue generators from taxing and regulating skill games, legalizing recreational marijuana, and increasing the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. None of these potential revenue generators appeared to make it into the final deal.
Screens shows skill games and cannabis regulation and reform as Gov. Josh Shapiro makes his annual budget proposal in the state House chamber in Harrisburg Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
The state is on track to bring in $48.9 billion this year in revenue, according to the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office’s latest projections. Pennsylvania also maintains a $7.7 billion Rainy Day Fund that Senate Republicans have tried to prevent the state from tapping into. It is unclear whether lawmakers will agree to access some of the reserve dollars as many Pennsylvanians face an affordability crisis. Tapping into the Rainy Day Fund requires a two-thirds majority vote by both chambers.
The state budget topped $50 billion for the first time last year and has increased by 25% — approximately $10 billion — over a five-year period.
Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents’ Association intern Ethan Young contributed to this article.
A early-morning crash on the Schuylkill Expressway left three dead and snarled traffic on the roadway for hours Saturday, according to officials.
Just before 5 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police troopers saw a white Ford pickup truck traveling the wrong way on the westbound side of the highway in Upper Merion Township, according to a police report.
The truck nearly hit the troopers, who were unable to stop the vehicle. They continued their pursuit of the pickup truck, which sped away.
Not long after, the truck struck two vehicles-head on near the highway’s Belmont exit.
Three people were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names were not released Saturday, nor were any further details.
The westbound side of the highway near the scene of the crash was closed for eight hours to investigate the crash.
State police said their investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact them at 610-584-1250.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to have the All-Star game here,” said 21-year-old Eddie Mazurkiewicz. “There’s been a lot of excitement for a while now and I feel like people are ready for it.”
Numerous events will take place over the next four days in honor of the league’s All-Stars. And through all the festivities, there’s just one thing missing — or we should say, one person missing — Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler.
The right-hander has been left off the National League roster, which features six Phillies players: Brandon Marsh, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Christopher Sánchez, and Jesús Luzardo. The snub left many voicing their frustration, including World Series champion Jimmy Rollins.
“I 100 percent believe he was snubbed from being an All-Star,” Rollins said. “We’ve seen the guys they want to make stars come up and have five starts and become an All-Star because they have a name for themselves. Zack Wheeler has been doing it for a while and part of being an All-Star is having a reputation of being a great starter, that he is. He’s been Cy Young second place for a number of years. The guy over in Pittsburgh [Paul Skenes] is pretty good so we understand that.
“But for him to not be in the All-Stars, especially in this city, coming back with nine wins in the first half, that’s a pretty tough pill to swallow. And if I’m him I would be [ticked]. But I would want to make sure if I’m him, I’m taking it out on everyone who had a chance to vote me in. And we open against the Dodgers when we start the second half. So, that’s all I’m saying. I’m going to leave it at that.”
In Wheeler’s first 14 starts of the season since returning from thoracic outlet syndrome, he posted a 2.28 ERA.
Wheeler is currently scheduled to start on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers, making him ineligible to pitch for the midsummer classic two days later.
Various MLB players are displayed at the All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, and Zack Wheeler’s face is not among them.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer
“Most over-hated player in baseball,” said 17-year-old Caleb Garbcht. “He should’ve been in over Luzardo. Should have a Cy Young to his name. Should be in the All-Star Game. I think this motivates him. I think we’re going to see him come back in the playoffs, throwing 97, 98. Honestly, he’s going to be more motivated than ever.”
Haley Garbcht, 22, Caleb’s sibling, added: “Yeah, Philly loves an underdog. So, Wheeler will just keep getting better and finally get the recognition he deserves.”
Following the Phillies’ 4-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, which saw Wheeler tie a career-high with 14 strikeouts across seven innings, the 36 year old revealed he was bothered by the snub.
“I feel like that’s kind of a reminder for whoever needs to be reminded,” Wheeler said after his stellar performance.
The quote has now led to a new Garrett Stubbs T-shirt, featuring the outline of a rooster with Wheeler’s No. 45 inscribed on it, which pays homage to Wheeler’s walkout song “Rooster” by Alice in Chains.
“Stubbs always brings the energy and does everything he can to get the guys ramped up,” said 18-year-old Brian Donahue. “[Wheeler] will just prove that he deserved it during the season and in the playoffs, and people will regret not picking him.”
Ten-year-old Owen Villamayor approached the batting box with his bat held high and a determined look on his face.
As the pitching machine spat bright yellow balls across home plate, Villamayor, who plays Little League baseball in Chalfont, took a few strikes and hit a few fouls before he managed to drive a homer into the netting above left field.
“It’s a little harder than you think,” Villamayor said afterward. “The balls come in higher and you have to learn how to hit them.”
Villamayor was one of the dozens of early attendees Saturday morning inside the Convention Center at the Capital One All-Star Village, where the line for the home run derby quickly got as long as a theme park ride on a busy day. Old, young, boys, girls — everybody wanted to hit a dinger.
“This is so nice for all the families,” said his dad, Chris Villamayor, a 44-year-old nurse anesthetist. He said his family, decked out in Phillies gear, was excited for an All-Star Game where six Phillies were chosen to play.
A vintage Tug McGraw World Series jersey is seen on display in the Hunt Auction section at the All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, July 11, 2026.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer
Chris Villamayor said he was in middle school in 1996 when the All-Star Game last came to Philadelphia. So his excitement has been building since the league announced Philly would host the annual midsummer classic game that brings together some of its best players.
“Bryce Harper is definitely our favorite,” Villamayor said.
John Hoesle of Northeast Philly brought his two teenage sons to the All-Star Village, and they got in line to try their hand at a home run. When it was Hoesle’s turn, he was all business, hitting ball after ball, no big deal.
“It was fun,” Hoesle said. He said he played baseball with the Police Athletic League when he was a teen, and never lost his love of the game. Now, he coaches his sons’ team in Bensalem. That has given him countless opportunities to talk to his sons about the lessons that come with the game.
“You’re by yourself when the baseball is hit to you, you feel like you got to make the play, and your teammates are counting on you. It’s just a great feeling for kids to have,” Hoesle said.
Michael London, of Fort Washington, Pa., is at the “Home Run Robber” with his dad Stephen London, of Ambler, Pa., at the All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, July 11, 2026.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer
At a nearby scaled-down baseball diamond, an array of children tried their best on the turf, while their parents cheered them on.
Amber Green, 40, took the train from Deptford with her family so that her 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter could join in the fun.
“It’s really exciting,” Green said. She and her sister were at Game 5 of the 2008 World Series, when the Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park, winning their first World Series since 1980.
Her 4-year-old son has little connection to that generation, Green said, but he recently got to meet Phillies All-Star pitcher Cristopher Sánchez, and now he’s a fan.
“The season is so long, and they can start at such a young age,” Green said. “And to live so close to a major league team, we feel lucky.”
Green said her son had turned to YouTube to prepare for the “Home Run Robber,” a fan event that puts participants in aVelcrosuit and lets them jump into a Velcro wall that looks like an outfield wall, simulating what it would be like to rob a batter of a home run.
“You just jump right up there,” said Walt Diamond, a 14-year-old high school baseball player who came to the All-Star Village with his parents.
The All-Star Village, which is broken into five sections named for areas of Philadelphia, includes tons of other activities. One of the more moving displays charts the history of the Negro Leagues from baseball’s segregated past through the mid-20th century, when Jackie Robinson became the first Black player in MLB.
The MLB All Star Brass Band provided by BD Entertainment is seen performing at the All Star Village near the South Philly section at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, July 11, 2026.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer
One big draw is the autograph area and clubhouse, where retired Phillies greats Cole Hamels, Bobby Abreu, and John Kruk are set to make appearances, along with other pro players and even some mascots. With events and autograph signings scheduled through Tuesday, when the All-Star Game starts at 8 p.m., baseball fans still have plenty of time to take in the experience.
