Good morning, Philadelphia.

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia startup Albacore hosted SBA head Kelly Loeffler and DoD official at its new South Philly facility—formerly a Colonial Marble and Granite factory—as it began making unmanned underwater drones for defense and climate research with plans to triple its 25-worker team to produce 1,000 drones a year.

Philadelphia researchers expressed concern that proposed federal rules, which would make it easier to cancel funded projects and require alignment with presidential priorities, could undermine local scientific progress and support for early career researchers & delay advances in treatments like those for celiac disease.

A delay in state test scores is complicating the magnet school application process as families face uncertainty since results may not be verified until November despite applications opening Sept.

8. The district will announce its plan soon to address the gap.

Two unvaccinated people in Lancaster County died from measles—Pennsylvania’s first measles-related deaths in 35 years.

State health officials confirmed nearly 400 cases this year and provided over 3,600 MMR vaccinations at pop-up clinics.

Richard Sperry was told he had ALS but learned he had MMN, a rare disease that weakens his muscles.

He got plasma infusions (from hundreds of donors) that let him move his right hand and now needs regular doses while working with a nonprofit for similar patients.

Plasma donation centers across the area are seeing long lines as locals use donations to supplement low wages amid rising prices.

Centers like CSL Plasma in Olney open early, and donors earn $50 per donation + some can make up to $520 a month.

Homegrown and chain bagel shops have burst onto the Philadelphia scene since early 2025 with nearly a dozen openings in the city and suburbs, including spots like Kismet and PopUp Bagels (from Connecticut).

Local entrepreneurs are gauging how much demand there is for fresh bagels as competition heats up.

Eagles rookie Makai Lemon returned to full team drills Monday after weeks sidelined by a hamstring injury (his first full practice since Aug.

3) and said he is working hard for Friday’s preseason game against the Bengals.

Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler struggled on Aug.

25 as he gave up eight runs, including four home runs and multiple walks, in a 9-2 loss to the Mariners. The team plans to review video to fix his command before his next start on Sunday against the Angels.

With LeBron James joining the Sixers, the team is shifting roles to boost their championship run in Philadelphia.

VJ Edgecombe will focus on defense and hustle while Joel Embiid gains extra breathing room to maintain his health.

The MLB Players Association supports banning players from endorsing sportsbook VIP programs amid congressional scrutiny after a Bryce Harper video raised concerns, and it will propose changes during upcoming bargaining talks (general counsel Jeffrey Perconte confirmed).

North Philly blacksmith John Rais is self-commissioning six trophies for winners of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic, which returns after a decade.

The awards will be presented on Sunday—celebrating local craftsmanship and the race's homecoming.