🦕 The Academy of Natural Sciences to close doors

The city's school selection process has been postponed this year. Students usually start the selective admissions process at the beginning of the school year, but the delay means students and families will be waiting longer to find out which schools they've been accepted to for the 2027-2028 school year. The Philadelphia School District announced that the opening of the process has been changed from Sept. 8 to Oct. 5, with applications now closing on Nov. 25.

• What's Behind the Delay. Philly schools use standardized test results to choose which students to admit to which institution, but unlike in past years, these results have yet to be released. Although the district did get preliminary data from the Philadelphia System of School Assessment, it has decided not to share those numbers. The district says to expect official results later this fall, and that families do not need to take any action to secure the results.
• The Backdrop: This comes as the school district prepares to close 17 schools and upgrade 169 others starting in the 2027-2028 school year. While the plan is controversial, particularly the school closures, there is no doubt aging infrastructure has caused disruptions in students' learning. Just yesterday, 52 schools had to let out early due to heat.
• Get Involved. If you want to have a hand in planning for these changes, the district has opened applications for the official Philadelphia School District transition committee.

Philly Is Losing The Academy of Natural Sciences

The museum at Drexel University on the Parkway is closing its doors permanently at the end of the month. According to museum leaders, the decision was made because of a drop in visitorship and rising operational costs in recent years. The collections and research done by the institution will not be affected by this closing. [🔒 Inquirer].

City Political Candidates Could See More Campaign $$

Political parties got the go-ahead from the U.S. Supreme Court to coordinate with candidates on federal elections, meaning they can spend significantly more money on campaigns. While it's unclear where else this ruling could apply, Philly legal experts believe it could bolster the power of political parties and incumbent candidates if adopted for municipal elections. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

• Related: This fall, the Philadelphia Board of Ethics will review how the new ruling could apply to and impact the city. (🔒 Inquirer)

CDC Hasn't Counted PA Measles Deaths

Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that two people died from measles-related causes, but the federal government is challenging those claims. This comes after Gov. Josh Shapiro called out Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for spreading misinformation about vaccinations. Kennedy responded by calling the deaths "fabricated," and a note on the CDC website says the deaths are being investigated. [Philly Voice, CDC, X]

Pickle Tasting, Anyone?

Local specialty pickle producer Fishtown Pickle Project is expanding with its first brick-and-mortar location. The company purchased a property in Norris Square that will serve as a production facility and the city's first-ever pickle tasting room, which is expected to open next summer. [🔒 Philadelphia Business Journal]

We’re back with another “Where Is It?” challenge, our game where you name the location of street art and landmarks around the city.

Do you know where this moth art lives?

While you're out searching the blocks for this piece, you can:

• Stop for a coffee (or bike) in the Wissahickon Valley Park.
• Dine outside on a roof deck, patio, or streatery.
• Find the perfect Philly festival for you.
• Try a new restaurant.

Wednesday, September 2

• 🏌️ The Range Social at Cobbs Creek Golf Course (Overbrook Park)
• 🚶 First Prayer Tour at Carpenters' Hall (Center City)
• 🎷 Weekly Improvised Music Drop-in Jam Session at The Rotunda (University City)
• 🎣 Free Fishing at Bartram's Garden Community Boathouse (Kingsessing)
• 🥕 Rowhouse Grocery Community Cooking Event at Rowhouse Grocery (Point Breeze)

Thursday, September 3

• 🌳 Nature at Noon at Academy of Natural Sciences (Logan Square)
• 🛍️ The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll on Baltimore Ave, 40th–51st St (University City)
• 👑 The Beyoncé Eras Experience at Pentridge Station Pop-up (Kingsessing)
• 🥬 Vegan Night Market at Roxborough Pocket Park (Roxborough)
• 🏺 Pinch Pot Happy Hour at The Bok Building (East Passyunk)