💰 Fight in the legislature costs Philly schools $30 million

🧠 What Can We Learn From the Dead?

The Mütter Museum has developed a reputation for toeing the line between educational and controversial when it comes to its display of human specimens, from a massive colon to disembodied eyeballs. After a few years of leadership changes and ethical reviews, the museum is forging ahead with a new approach on how to educate the public on medical mysteries and the human body. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

• Related: Before the Mütter Museum completed its Postmortem Project, earlier attempts to reexamine the collection had been met with pushback. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🏫 State Budget Delay Is Costing Philly Schools Big Bucks

As lawmakers tease that a state budget is imminent, school districts are forced to bridge the funding gap. The School District of Philadelphia is borrowing $1.5 billion to cover bills through December – which will deprive our kids of $30 million that must be spent on borrowing costs. Meanwhile, Philly-area Catholic schools are missing required textbooks and materials due to the impasse. [ 🔒 The Inquirer]

🔥 Shapiro Tight-Lipped on Mansion Restoration Details

Speaking of taxpayer money, Pennsylvanians are footing a $6 million bill to repair the governor’s mansion that was damaged in an arson and assassination attempt against Gov. Shapiro in April. Officials have yet to say how much the total renovation will cost, when it’ll be completed, and who or what some of that money was spent on. [Spotlight PA]

🏀 Proposed Sixers Arena Not Priority for City Council

The Sixers better get comfortable at the newly renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena because it’ll be a while before they get approvals for their future home. While the Sixers, Flyers, and Comcast Spectacor hope to open a new arena by 2031, Council President Kenyatta Johnson said there’s no information on when legislation to allow for construction will move forward. [WHYY]

The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler, but Philly’s getting busier. Throughout the fall season, we’ll direct you to Philly’s best autumnal events from pop-up bars to fall markets, harvest festivals to spooky tours. Keep returning to this page as we update it with more events.

Craftsman Row Saloon Halloween Pop-Up

⏰ When: Now through Oct. 31

Craftsman Row Saloon has made a name for itself with its seasonally themed pop-ups. The laidback bar is back with a new theme inspired by spooky movie classics like the “Nightmare Before Christmas,” “The Addams Family,” and "Beetlejuice."

Nightmare on Main Street Halloween Pop-Up Bar

⏰ When: Now through Oct. 31

Manayunk’s Taqueria Amor promises “blood-curdling cocktails” and “scream-worthy bites” at its Halloween pop-up.

Lincoln Mill Haunted House

⏰ When: Nov. 2

Visit the historic mill in Manayunk and face the restless spirits haunting its halls.

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary

⏰ When: Now through Nov. 8

Eastern State Penitentiary will once again be home to its Halloween Nights experience. Explore haunted houses (if you dare), hang out at a speakeasy in Al Capone’s cell, and dance with the Boogie Monsters.

Frankford Fall Fest

⏰ When: Sept. 20

Celebrate the fall season with a carnival, live music, and games at the Frankford Pause Park from noon to 5 p.m.

Oktoberfest & Family Fun Day

⏰ When: Sept. 20

Explore local business, listen to live performances, and get your face painted at this family-friendly fall event. Oktoberfest will take over Frankford Avenue between Thompson and Master Streets from noon to 6 p.m.

South Street Oktober Fest

⏰ When: Sept. 27

If you missed Maifest, join Brauhaus Schmitz on South Street for its 17th annual Oktoberfest. Enjoy live oompah music, German beer, and a stein-holding contest. The event is pay-as-you go, but a VIP ticket gets you extra perks.

Oktoberfest at Yards

⏰ When: Sept. 27

Over in Northern Liberties, Yards Brewing will have live music from Polkadelphia, a costume contest, and Bavarian-inspired brews.