Your Daily Guide

Does Philly Actually Value Its Cultural History?

City Council began investigating the sudden closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences, the nation’s oldest natural history museum, but a rep from the mayor’s office was a no-show at its hearing this week — and the president of Drexel University, which closed the facility, also bailed. Host Trenae Nuri and contributors Lauren Vidas and Conrad Benner explore what’s next for the museum and whether reopening is possible.

Election Monitors Coming to Philly

The Trump administration will send election monitors to Philadelphia ahead of Tuesday’s midterms. They’re there to “observe and take notes” and the Department of Justice claims they won’t interfere with the voting process. Election monitors aren’t uncommon, but these officials won’t wear badges identifying them as DOJ representatives or speak directly with voters at polling places. [KYW]

Franklin Mall to Remain a Mall … For Now

If you were looking forward to the redevelopment of the former Franklin Mills Mall, you’ll have to wait. Real estate investor Dean Adler is no longer pursuing the property. Currently about 40% occupied, the mall is being taken off the market while a court-appointed receiver works to attract new tenants and make improvements before relisting it for sale. [Philadelphia Business Journal]

Where You’ll Adopt Your Next Kitty or Puppy

Philly PAWS is headed South. The new 18,000-square-foot facility in deep South Philly is triple the size of its Grays Ferry location, expanding veterinary care, spay and neuter services, and emergency services. PAWS has secured $10 million towards the $15 million project and is raising funds for the rest. [Philly Voice]

Skill Games Industry Fuels Garrity’s Final Campaign Push

In her final campaign push, Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity has received at least $4.5 million in contributions linked to the skill games industry that manufactures slot machines found in small businesses. The machines were recently deemed illegal after lawmakers failed to regulate them. Despite the cash infusion, Garrity says she’s not getting support from fellow Republicans in her bid to knock off Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro. [🔒 Politics PA / Spotlight PA]

Now You Can Finally Get That Mawn Reservation… at Home

If you couldn’t get that reservation to Mawn, don’t worry! James Beard Award-winning chef Phila Lorn is teaming up with Philadelphia-based meal delivery service Home Appétit for its Chef Charity Collab. The limited-time menu features chicken curry and papaya salad, with a portion of sales benefiting Lorn’s alma mater, Francis Scott Key School. [Philadelphia Magazine]