Fitness star Alexis Rose is bringing her “experience” to the Orangetheory Freedom Fit Fest as part of Wawa Welcome America Festivities.

"The Alexis Rose Xperience is literally about empowerment of movement, empowerment of freedom of expression," Rose said. "It’s about bringing fitness and your lifestyle together inside the room where you can literally sweat everything out and have an amazing time."

ARX is about more than just what happens during a class (currently held in Fort Washington and Philadelphia) but how it makes you feel in the outside world.

Rose is "bringing the positivity" and "the hottest music" with a version of her Rosé and Slay class to the fit fest at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (at 9 a.m. Sunday). The cardio dance class it free to all ages (you could burn up to 500 calories) but the watermelon rosé afterward is 21-plus.

Rose’s incredible journey has been filled with amazing ups and difficult downs. She grew up dancing (starting as young as 3 years old) in her hometown of New York and would go on to tour as a backup dancer and choreographer for artists including Ciara, Chris Brown, Fabolous, Trey Songz and others.

"Being able to speak through movement was something that was very comfortable for me," Rose said.

After leaving dance, Rose said she lost herself both physically and emotionally. She credits her two daughters, one 14 and the other 4, with being her strength after she topped out at 286 pounds during her second pregnancy.

She got back to dancing, picked up SoulCycle, ate healthy, drank a gallon of water daily and dropped more than 100 pounds. It was all about overcoming her fears and taking not just the first step but the second and third step.

"I learned that emotionally there’s a connection to losing weight," Rose said. "Emotionally as I got better, physically I looked better, I felt better. I wanted to really deliver that to as many people as possible."

She became an in-demand SoulCycle instructor in New York City and came to the Philadelphia region with the company two years ago. She still teaches SoulCycle but ARX is her own.

"I feel like I belong in Philly," Rose said.

Along her fitness journey, Rose has trained with Michelle Obama, Tinashe and others. Now she wants to train alongside you at the Wawa Welcome America Orangetheory Freedom Fit Fest or at any of her classes. Everyone, man or woman, old or young, good dancer or bad, is welcome.

"I believe that we can really, really connect with so many people," she said.

Her favorite quote from author Jen Sincero sums it all up: "When you love yourself enough to stand in your truth no matter what the cost, everyone benefits."

NBC10 obtained body cam footage and the 911 calls for the mass shooting at a Trenton festival earlier this month.

Although the fireworks and live performances gather the large crowds, there's another part of the Wawa Welcome America Festival that many look forward to every year: Free museums!

Museums across Philadelphia provide free access on certain days of the festival -- one of the most unique aspects of the week-long Independence Day celebration. Check out schedules and information about all participating locations below.

Thursday, June 28

National Constitution Center
525 Arch St., Philadelphia

To kick off the week, the National Constitution Center will offer free admission from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Relive the founding of the American government through exhibits such as "Freedom Rising," "We the People," and "Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped a Nation." Guests do not need to receive tickets ahead of time. To find out more about the museum, visit its website.

Friday, June 29

Penn Museum
3260 South St., Philadelphia

The largest university-affiliated museum in the United States is home to about 1 million total pieces -- including the largest Egyptian sphinx in the Western Hemisphere. Check out their new Middle East galleries, outdoor garden spaces, and much more at no cost from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the Penn Museum, check out its website.

Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia

Historic Eastern State Penitentiary used to be the most expensive prison in the world and home to criminals including “Scarface” Al Capone. Visitors can participate in the “Voices of Eastern State” audio tour, "Hands-On History" interactive experiences, and a number of other exhibits. Free admission will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. Check out its website for more information on tours and the history of the museum.

Saturday, June 30

First Bank of the United States
116 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia

For the first time in more than three decades, the nation’s oldest-surviving federal building will give interior tours to the public. The bank, established by Alexander Hamilton in 1791, became the foundation for America’s financial system. Tours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are first-come, first-served. For more information on America’s first national bank, check out its website.

Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Books
1901 Vine St., Philadelphia

The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Rare Book Department has one of the largest collections among America’s public libraries. The department’s latest exhibition, "In Our Nature: Flora and Fauna of the Americas," includes historical texts and illustrations demonstrating human relationships with native and introduced species. It will be open for free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are free but recommended due to the limited size and capacity of the Free Library; reserve yours by clicking here.  For more information about the Rare Book Department and the Philadelphia Central Library, click here.

The Rosenbach
2008 Delancey Pl., Philadelphia

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., The Rosenbach will allow visitors to view important pieces of American history at no cost. The museum includes artifacts such as handwritten documents from George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. While the museum is free for the day, guests must register for a timed ticket. For more information on The Rosenbach, check out its website.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
118-128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia

PAFA’s museum is recognized internationally for its impressive collections of 19th and 20th century American art. The school and museum work together to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for students and visitors. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., check out their two newest exhibits, "Swarm" and "Infinite Spaces." For additional information, check out its website.

Sunday, July 1

One Liberty Observation Deck
1650 Market St., Philadelphia

Start Sunday’s festival with the best views in all of Philadelphia. From 8 a.m. to noon, The One Liberty Observation Deck will open up its rooftop view to the public at no charge. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in a bird’s-eye view of the city. There is no requirement to get tickets ahead of time. Check out its website for any additional information. Don't forget your camera!

Fort Mifflin
1 Fort Mifflin Rd., Philadelphia

Fort Mifflin was the site of a historic 1777 battle, the Colonial defense against the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution. On Sunday, the fort will host a flag-raising ceremony, guided tours and craft demonstrations. Parking is also free. Join then from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Delaware riverfront -- rain or shine. Visit its website for any additional information.

Philadelphia Museum of Art (July 1 and 2)
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to some of the most important collections of art in the world, including a renowned collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art, a trove of folk art and an armory collection that will delight anyone who thinks knights are cool. If your exploration has only extended to the famous Rocky steps, why not come in and take a look at masterpieces including Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflowers" and Auguste Rodin's "Eternal Springtime" in person, while it's free? The museum will be free for two days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, click here.

The Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia

Just down the Parkway, the Barnes also has one of finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modernist paintings in the world, with pieces from Picasso, Matisse, Renoir and others. Though the Barnes' state-of-the-art building also includes a shop, restaurant, and multiple event spaces, the museum took pains to hang its artwork in the eclectic style of its founder, Albert Barnes, who mixed furniture, metalwork and other objects among his masterpieces. The Barnes will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit its website to find out more.

African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch St., Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s African American Museum is the first institution built by a United States city to celebrate and interpret the life and work of African Americans. The museum brings alive the importance of African-American history and culture in each of its exhibits. Check out the museum for free from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit its website.

Monday, July 2

Mütter Museum
19 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia

America’s finest museum of medical history will participate in the free museum series for the first time. The exhibits inside the museum detail medical practices involved in many different eras and include slides of Einstein’s brain, a jaw tumor of President Grover Cleveland and much more. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the medical museum, visit its website.

Tuesday, July 3

National Liberty Museum
321 Chestnut St., Philadelphia

The National Liberty Museum is dedicated to preserving America’s heritage of freedom and encourages guests to find their own place in the story of liberty. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., check out the exhibits and get yourself in the spirit for the upcoming holiday. Visit its website for more information about the museum and their exhibits.

Rodin Museum
2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia

The only institution outside Paris dedicated to French sculptor Auguste Rodin is located in the heart of Philadelphia. With nearly 150 bronzes, marbles and plasters, the collection represents every phase in his illustrious career. Guests don't need to pre-register, and the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on Rodin and the entire museum, click here.

Wednesday, July 4

National Museum of American Jewish History
101 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia

Take some time out of a busy Independence Day to check out the National Museum of American Jewish History. With spotlight talks, story times, Independence Day arts and crafts projects, and more, the visit is recommended for both kids and adults. Explore the educational programs and experiences that preserve and celebrate the history of Jewish people in America. You can visit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for more information.

Zamir is a unique young boy who has a knack for sound and music. He is looking for a forever family. Call 1-866-DO-ADOPT to adopt any Wednesday's Child.

 The creator of the Alexis Rose Xperience shares her personal fitness journey ahead of leading a cardio dance session at the Wawa Welcome America Orangetheory Freedom Fit Fest.

Here's your interactive guide to Wawa Welcome America! Drop down the arrow on the right to see events by day or locate toilets, first aid -- even nearby Wawa locations! Click on an icon to learn more, and scroll in to see exactly where each event will take place.

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Dave Schrader from NRG dropped by the studio to talk about a few ways you can conserve energy while staying cool this summer.

Michael Herskovitz is part of a local group of Holocaust survivors who are using technology to teach students all over the world about their experiences.

Police have identified and arrested a suspect in several mystery explosions  across a rural part of upper Bucks County that confounded federal and local authorities for months.

David Surman Jr. was arrested at his home on the 2400 block of Old Bethlehem Pike in Milford Township Thursday. He is charged with weapons of mass destruction, recklessly endangering other people, possession of offensive weapons, possession of instruments of crime, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officials executed search warrants at Surman's home as well as his business, Consolidated Chemicals and Solvents on the 2200 block of Spinnerstown Road in Milford Township. Investigators say they seized multiple explosive devices including a large bomb capable of mass destruction and chemicals that could be used to form bombs.

Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub said all the seized material will be sent to a lab at the FBI facility in Quantico, Va. 

In addition to the explosive devices, officials also say they found drawings in Surman's home. One pictured showed a swastika and homophobic remarks. Another picture showed cartoons of Surman and a woman who investigators identified as his girlfriend joking about setting off bombs.

Surman's girlfriend was questioned but she has not been charged. Officials say she is cooperating with the investigation.

At this point investigators are unsure of Surman's motivation.

"I don't want to speculate because I think that we don't know all there is yet to know about this gentleman or what his motivation may be," Weintraub said.

Since early April, a series of explosions left craters and rattled nerves throughout upper Bucks County and lower Lehigh County. Officials say 30 explosions occurred in a five mile radius of each other in Upper Bucks County near Surman's home and business.

NBC10 reporters at the scene of one of the search sites Thursday could see and hear huge detonations, which appeared to be explosives purposefully set off by investigators.

Hazmat crews, state troopers, ATF agents, FBI agents and other authorities could be seen at Surman's business on Spinnerstown Road around 9 a.m. Police and federal authorities could also be spotted around the same area going in and out of Surman's home about four miles away.

The Spinnerstown location remained an active hazmat site as of 1 p.m. Thursday while the other location was deemed safe a couple hours earlier.

Nockamixon Township resident Nick Zangli found a foot deep hole along Lonely Cottage Road shortly after hearing a blast at his home.

"That's not a natural hole," Zangli said in May tracing his fingers around the edge of the crater as he showed off a picture of it.

Most of the blasts were heard between 1 a.m. and 3:30 a.m.

"This is terrorism because everyone around here worries every night," Gary Rosenberger said earlier this month.

While investigators believe Surman was the person behind the bombings they are also asking the public to be careful and to still call 911 or 1-800-CALL-FBI Option 4 if they see anything suspicious.

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Friday will mark the beginning of the summer of 2018’s first heat wave. The Delaware and Lehigh Valleys will sweat it out with at least five days at 90 degrees or higher, possibly more.

While Friday will turn hotter with high temperatures in the lower 90s, the most intense heat and humidity will arrive over the upcoming weekend. Saturday through Monday actual highs will reach the upper 90s!

A First Alert for dangerous heat will be in effect from 2 p.m. Saturday through at least Monday night.

The cause behind the heat is a huge high pressure system that has been delivering intense heat to the south and southwestern United States. This "heat dome" will shift east and cover most of the East Coast, including our area, through the upcoming weekend and even into early next week.

With feels-like temperatures around or above 100 degrees through at least Saturday and Sunday, outdoor activities may be dangerous. Particularly, elderly, children and those with respiratory problems (since air quality degrades in high heat) should be cautious outside. Everyone should limit time outdoors, especially in the afternoon.

Friday is forecast to reach 93 degrees, Saturday 97 and Sunday 98. Even Monday’s temperatures now look to stay in the upper 90s, with feels-like temperatures 100-105.

Cumulative heat can be a problem for people without air conditioning, as there will be little relief for a several day stretch. Low temperatures will only fall to the mid and upper 70s over the weekend.

Visiting shopping centers or public buildings with air-conditioning are good ideas. The Delaware beaches & Jersey Shore will have a cooling sea breeze during the hottest afternoon hours, which will bring major relief to those areas. Ocean water temperatures have climbed into the lower 70s, making the water extra inviting.

Stay with us on-air and online as we track this extreme heat into next week.

Police are searching for a kidnapped Philly business owner who remains missing a week after his wife paid an unidentified man his ransom money.

Police say Luis Alejandro Chueder Ramon, 27, arrived at a building on the 2000 block of N. Orkney Street back on June 19 for a pre-arranged meeting with two unidentified men. Ramon owns a construction company, flips houses and also owns a bar, police said.

Ramon’s wife said she didn’t hear from him after the meeting. She then received phone calls from unidentified men telling her Ramon had been kidnapped. They also demanded that she pay an undisclosed amount of money and warned her not to call police.

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On June 21, Ramon’s wife arrived on the 2300 block of Oregon Avenue with the ransom money in a bag, police said. She then gave the money to a man who she did not recognize. She described him as a thin, white Latino male between the ages of 40 and 50 with a thin build, a beard and what she believed to be a Colombian accent. The man was dressed in a multi-colored, blue buttoned down shirt and blue pants, she said.

The man then left with the money. After not hearing from her husband or the kidnappers for several days, the woman finally contacted police on Tuesday. Police then checked the building on N. Orkney Street and found signs of a struggle and a significant amount of blood.

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Police recovered evidence and video surveillance of three vehicles they believe belong to the suspects; a blue Lincoln Navigator, a blue Volkswagen Passat, and a silver Lexus ES 350.

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Police also found surveillance video of two men taking what appears to be a car seat from one of the vehicles and placing it in the trunk. Police believe those men are two of the at least six suspects involved in Ramon’s kidnapping.

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Police did not release a detailed description of the two suspects but described one of them as an extremely large man possibly over 6-foot-6.

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If you have any information on Ramon’s whereabouts or any of the suspects, please call Philadelphia Police.

Giana Graves still doesn’t see herself as anything more than an outspoken advocate for her community.

But the 22-year-old powerhouse has become much more than an activist. A self-described trans woman of color, Graves is being honored during Wawa Welcome America with the 2018 City of Philadelphia’s Magis Award for her work at The Attic Youth Center, which provides resources and a safe space for LGBTQIA youth. There, Graves worked closely with teens whose experiences mirrored her own.

“I feel like growing up, a lot of my issue was that I didn’t know how to advocate for myself and articulate the things that I was going through,” she said. “I just knew my teachers were mean to me because I was trans and kids on me because I was weird.”

During her time at The Attic, Graves provided support for kids and helped connect them with the resources they needed. She also addressed the Philadelphia Human Relations Commission during a hearing on racism in the Gayborhood and developed a curriculum to educate youth on the intersection of racism and sexism.

Her work has touched the lives of hundreds of queer teens in Philadelphia and continues to grow in her new role at the Mazzoni Center.

“I think it’s easy for me to talk to youth because I am a youth,” she told NBC10. “When they are talking to me, I’m talking to someone from my generation ... I can meet them where they’re at because I’m already speaking the same language.”

The countdown is on to America's birthday celebration, but Wawa Welcome America is already underway. Wawa Hoagiefest fed big crowds in Philadelphia on Thursday, and that's just the beginning of the celebrations.

Two teen girls who were struck in a triple shooting during a block party in Philadelphia are speaking out.

An investigation is underway after video of police in Lancaster, Pennsylvania tasing a man went viral.

Police say they were called to S. Prince Street around 10:15 a.m. Thursday in Lancaster after a person reported that a man armed with a bat was chasing after three other people near the intersection of S. Prince and W. Mifflin streets.

An officer who arrived at the scene says she saw three people telling a man, identified as Sean Williams, 27, to get away from them. The officer says she repeatedly told Williams to sit down but he didn’t listen. Williams kept telling a woman that he wanted her to give him his Social Security card, according to the officer.

A second officer then arrived at the scene. It was at this point that a witness, Juan Almestica, began recording the encounter.

The video, which was posted on Facebook, shows one of the officers instructing Williams to sit on a curb. Williams sits down and the officer then repeatedly tells him to put his legs “straight out.” As Williams’ knees remain bent, the officer tells him “legs straight out or you’re getting tased.”

A second officer also tells him “put your legs straight out and cross them now.”

“This is done as a measure of control to insure that if someone is going to flee or offer physical resistance, they will have to move their legs under them to do so,” a Lancaster Police spokesperson wrote. “Non-compliance is often a precursor to someone that is preparing to flee or fight with Officers.”

Williams puts his legs out and then moves them back toward the curb. The officer then shoots him with a taser causing him to writhe on the ground in pain.

“You’re really gonna tase him? He was sitting down,” Almestica says.

The officers then order Williams to lie on his stomach and put his arms out. A total of four officers then gather around him, place him in handcuffs and take him into custody.

Almestica later told WGAL Williams may have been confused by the officers’ commands.

“He first put them straight and then she said cross your legs, so he tried to cross his legs, tased him in the back,” Almestica said. 

Police say a group of people claimed Williams had been acting erratically in the days prior to his arrest. The group said Williams had wanted to fight with them and was also trying to keep a woman from entering her apartment, according to police. However, contrary to the 911 call, the group also said they did not see Williams holding a bat and a bat was never found at the scene.

Williams had an outstanding criminal warrant for his arrest prior to Thursday’s incident, according to police. He was originally charged with possession of a controlled substance (PCP) and public drunkenness. 

Williams was taken into custody on the outstanding warrant, transported to the station and checked by EMS, according to police. He was then cleared, arraigned and released on unsecured $5,000 bail.

Williams told WGAL he followed all the directions he was given and didn’t know why he was tased.

The video of police tasing and arresting Williams went viral and sparked anger from some who believed the use of a taser was not necessary. The video also prompted a response from Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace. Sorace posted a video on Facebook stating that an investigation was underway regarding the use of force in the incident.

“Like you when I saw the video I was upset by it and it is a great concern to me,” she said. “We take the use of force very seriously.”

Sorace said she was in contact with civil rights groups and that the investigation into the incident would continue over “the coming days.” Sorace also said the incident affirmed her resolve to implement a body camera program for Lancaster.

“We are currently awaiting word related to some federal grant funds from the Department of Justice related to funding and look forward to continuing to keep the public abreast of those developments as well as the outcome of this investigation,” she said.

Lancaster Police have not revealed whether or not the officers involved in the incident were placed on administrative leave.

The anticipated summer heat wave is nearly here, but the weather is cool this morning sitting at 60 degrees. That will heat up to 100 degrees later today.

Day two of Wawa Welcome America is outside today, but the heat could be a problem. Some events are featured inside with air conditioning while others are not. Attendees are advised to be careful about heat stroke and heat exhaustion during the celebrations.

On this Friday morning, we are continuing to learn more about the five people who were gunned down in Annapolis. Their families are now sharing their heartbreak.