#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Shadows, waving through a window, back at me
(Photo by @jim50tim)
“On a scale of 1 to 10, we’re a negative-2”: Airport workers struggle amid shutdown
Morale is low right now for Philadelphia International Airport workers as they face missing their first full paycheck of the federal government shutdown, said Joe Shuker, a VP in the union representing Philly’s TSA workers.
How low? “On a scale of 1 to 10, we’re a negative-2 right now,” he said. How is that affecting the airport? Is a breaking point coming? Continue reading …
It’s a Billy Penn tradition: Here are our annual last-minute Halloween costumes
You know when Halloween is, yet somehow, here you are, needing a costume for that party on Friday, and you haven’t prepared or haven’t a clue.
As is our tradition, Billy Penn has pulled together our suggestions for very Philly costumes, inspired by the more memorable happenings from the past year. The designs have been kept as simple as possible, made from things you either already have sitting around your home or could buy/make for a couple of bucks. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Gov. Shapiro joins a multi-state lawsuit against Trump’s Department of Homeland Security and FEMA over cuts to public safety programs. He also joined a separate multi-state lawsuit of the USDA over SNAP funding cuts. [WHYY/Capital-Star]
• John Fetterman keeps bucking Democrats, but lawmakers say he’s still part of their “big tent.” [Spotlight PA]
• As Pennsylvania health systems rapidly adopt AI, lawmakers take steps to regulate the technology. [WHYY]
• American Water Works will merge with Essential Utilities to create a $40 billion public water and wastewater utility, which will operate under the name of American Water. [WHYY]
• The Jordan Brand debuts World of Flight Flagship Store in Philadelphia. [6ABC]
• More than one billion pounds of pumpkin end up in U.S. landfills every year after being carved, decorated and painted. Here are green ways to discard leftover pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns and more. [Chestnut Hill Local]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Bethel will join state Attorney General Dave Sunday in announcing a comprehensive approach to combating fentanyl traffickers, at 1600 Arch St. (2:30 p.m.)
Mayor Parker will give Liberty Bells to former Eagles and now rival head coaches, DeSean Jackson (Delaware State) and Michael Vick (Norfolk State), at The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton, 1 Logan Square. Their teams meet Thursday at the Linc. (8 p.m.)
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- A domestic violence organization in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, faces uncertainty amid government shutdown. [CBS News]
- A school weapon alerts bill heads to Gov. Shapiro. [Penn Capital-Star]
- Ready or not, Delaware law requiring permit to buy handgun takes effect next month [WHYY]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 14: Shooting victims recorded from Oct. 19 to 25, including 7 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 17 shooting victims were recorded, including 4 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 189: Year-to-date homicides, down 10% vs. last year’s pace; down 53% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🎞️ Scary Movie screenings
🎃 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
👻 Dia de los Muertos events
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, Oct. 29: 16th annual Witch Craft Crawl
Let East Passyunk Avenue cast its spell on you with special brews and cocktails, crafts, charms and shopping specials. Tickets include a witch hat or light necklace (while supplies last!) and Witch Craft stamp card for a chance to win a raffle! Tickets are $6.66 online and $10 in-person. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Now through Friday, Oct. 31: Silent Classic Horror — PIPE UP! Opera Phila at Wanamaker
Enjoy Silent Classic Horror feat. 1920s horror films with live organ accompaniment on the Greek Hall Wurlitzer Organ every night at 7 p.m. Plus more programming throughout November.
Friday, Oct. 31: 3rd annual Spookeasy at Quig’s Pub 2025!
A spooktacular evening filled with eerie cocktails, haunted tunes, and ghoulish fun. This in-person event will be held at Plays & Players Theatre. Costume contest includes a $25 bar tab prize at 10:45 p.m. Must be 21+. Snacks included, plus small carnival games for $1 per play. $17.85 tickets. (8 to 11 p.m.)
Through Sunday, Oct. 29-Nov. 2: BalletX 20th Anniversary Retrospective Program A: The First Decade
Experience 10 highlights from BalletX’s first decade of groundbreaking choreography. $50-85 tickets. (7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. shows)
Saturday to Sunday, Nov. 1-2: VinylCon! Philadelphia
A two-day community celebration of collecting culture and new music discovery, feat. individual vinyl sellers from all over the region and beyond to set up a massive music selection you can’t find anywhere else. Plus other recorded media and memorabilia and ephemera. Plus a full bar, activities and live DJs. $30 early entry, or $11 Saturday or $7 Sunday. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days)
Saturday, Nov. 1: Philly Zine Fest
Celebrate the spirit of DIY publishing and unbridled creativity with us! Over 100+ artists slinging, selling, and swapping zines! FREE for all to attend at Mitten Hall at Temple University. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 1: 13th annual El Día de los Muertos
This Fleisher Art Memorial’s Day of the Dead celebrations has particular significance because in the Aztec world, the number thirteen is associated with the repeating cycles of change and the balance and harmony of opposites: the east with the west, the north with the south, Philadelphia with Amanalco, life with death, and night and day. Free. (2 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 1: It’s Always Punny in Philadelphia: Jawn of the Dead
Compete for groans, glory, and cash prizes, including in a punny costume contest! $16 tickets. (4 p.m.)
Sunday, Nov. 2: Girls in Science: Exploring Our Earth at the Rail Park
A vibrant afternoon at the Rail Park of discovery, inspiration, and community as we shine a spotlight on female voices in environmental science. Feat. interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and engaging activities. (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 29 and after: The Declaration’s Journey
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, WHYY has produced The Declaration’s Journey, a 10-part series highlighting how the Declaration of Independence has inspired movements around the world. The series was produced in collaboration with Museum of the American Revolution and launches Thursday on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
