#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Not-so-secret garden
(Photo by @postcardsfromsouthphilly)
Labor leader says he wants detente with teachers union
Ryan Boyer leads the influential Building & Construction Trades Council and was a crucial supporter of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s successful 2023 campaign. He has been critical of Philly city schools. In a wide-ranging interview last week, he said he hoped to meet with the head of the teachers union to close the gap. The response from the teachers union was … not warm.
He also spoke about building a power plant in South Philly’s Bellwether District. Continue reading …
Corporate investors are targeting Philly single-family homes in a tight housing market
A new study finds investors are snapping up properties in neighborhoods like Germantown and Cobbs Creek — and it could change who can afford to live there. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• School districts across Pennsylvania are cutting after-school programs, freezing hiring, and taking on costly loans as the state fails to make significant payments thanks to the nearly four-month-late budget. [Spotlight PA]
• Billions of gallons of raw sewage from Philly are released into the Delaware River annually. [Inq$]
• Drug-related seizures in Philadelphia ERs doubled in recent years, city data show. [WHYY]
• Security officers who guard Philadelphia hospitals, high-rises and college campuses say they could soon go on strike. [CBS3]
• What does the future hold for the next Latine generation in Philadelphia? Their concerns range from gun violence and economic disparities to aspirations for education and the pursuit of a better future. [Kensington Voice]
• Saving the “sky puppies”: How one wildlife rehabilitator is working to rescue bats in Pennsylvania. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker, city officials, and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) will celebrate the completion of the Philly Streetlight Improvement Project, at John M. Patterson School, 7000 Buist Ave. (3 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🎞️ Scary Movie screenings
🎃 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
👻 Dia de los Muertos events
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, Oct. 28: Dutch Blitz card event
Show up, blitz, and maybe walk away with some Dutch Blitz goodies. Only at Queen & Rook Game Cafe. Free. (6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Oct. 28: Malala Yousafzai: Finding My Way Book Tour
The young global icon for women and girls’ rights visits Philadelphia during her book tour, in conversation with Kylie Kelce, at the Fillmore. Tickets from $53 to $113. (8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 29: Boktoberfest Pumpkin Painting
Ticket includes a beautiful little pumpkin and everything needed to paint your masterpiece, including brushes and acrylic paints. All ages welcome. Grab food and drinks from the bar. $21.40 tickets. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 29: The Business of Making Art in anEmergency
The arts and culture sector has been operating in emergency mode for years — it’s time to talk about it. Join a solutions-focused discussion on how to survive and thrive amid funding shifts, AI disruption, safety concerns and political pressure. Walk away with practical tools and renewed resilience. At CultureWorks in Center City. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 29: 16th annual Witch Craft Crawl
Let East Passyunk Avenue cast its spell on you with seasonal special brews and cocktails, crafts, charms and shopping specials. Tickets include your choice of a witch hat or light necklace (while supplies last!) and Witch Craft stamp card. Earn stamps by purchasing business specials; 5+ stamps enter a raffle! Tickets are $6.66 online and $10 in-person. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 29: Philly Archives Film Fest
Seldom-seen, weird and wonderful short films from Philadelphia archives and museums. Free and in-person at PhilaMOCA. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 31: LGBTQ Women’s Vendor Market
Networking hour from 2-3 p.m. for entrepreneurs and creators. Market from 3 to 7 p.m. Free, at the William Way Community Center.
Thursday, Oct. 30: An Improvised Horror Comedy
This completely improvised horror comedy show pulls from classic horror tropes and your suggestions to inspire a brand new “movie” produced just for you. Featuring the cast of Not Yet Rated. PG-13. Your suggestions and the spin of the Wheel of Horror will inspire the show, making each night completely different. $16.95 tickets. (8 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 31: 27th Spruce Hill Halloween Tot Parade & Party
The gathering for the parade begins at 45th and Larchwood at 4 p.m. The parade will kick off at 4:30 p.m. and head east on Larchwood. The parade concludes with a party at “Little Osage” (42nd and Osage) where participants are treated with cider and baked goods provided by local businesses and neighbors.
Friday, Oct. 31: All Hallows Reggae Bash
Root Settaz is an original five-piece Reggae, Dub, Jam band unit based out of the Philadelphia region. At the Black Squirrel Club in Fishtown. $21.40 tickets. (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 31: Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun: A 90s–Y2K Haunted Prom
The Twisted Tail hosts this party, where you can dance the night away with spooky tunes and wicked fun. $17.85 tickets. (8 to 11:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 1: CultureFest! Día de los Muertos
Penn Museum hosts this full-day festival, including an arts activity, altar competition, artisan market, dance and music performances, and an enormous traditional ofrenda (altar) installation created by artist Virginia Rivera. $13-18 tickets. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 1: Painted Bride Jazz Presents Satellite Sound
Satellite Sound returns with three extraordinary concerts from September through November that honor the past while shaping the sound of tomorrow. Tonight: Lafayette Gilchrist & New Volcanoes: Move With Love. Fusing jazz, funk, go-go, and hip-hop, Gilchrist delivers a pulse-pounding ride of rhythm and resistance. $21.40 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
