DIY Halloween costumes; Renter protection laws; New Philly rat czar

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Figure eights
(Photo by @taoistpunk)

Philadelphia Gas Commission seeks ‘complete accounting’ of free trips taken by PGW CEO Seth Shapiro

The memo, dated Oct. 23, was sent to PGW less than three weeks after WHYY News reported that Shapiro disclosed dozens of trips, including to Phillies’ spring training in Florida, but didn’t include the value on his state ethics forms for 2022 through 2025. State law requires Shapiro to specify the value of each free trip he accepts. Continue reading…

PGW CEO Seth Shapiro, shown here in a screenshot from a video on PGW’s Facebook page from Jan. 6, 2026. (PGW Facebook)

Billy Penn’s DIY Philly Halloween costumes guide: 2026 edition

Left it too late to put together that perfect costume? As always, Billy Penn is here to help.

The team gathered suggestions for very Philly costumes inspired by the standout news events from the past year. Staff members even found time during their busy schedules to make them, keeping the designs as simple as possible with household supplies and materials that cost just a couple bucks. Continue reading…

Billy Penn’s DIY Halloween costumes 2026. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

BP Quizzo Question of the Day

What cult classic ‘80s movie was filmed at the Wanamaker Building?

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Sorting fact from fear: ICE at the polls, DOJ election monitors in Pa. and other Election Day concerns. [WHYY]

• New Philadelphia renter-protection laws set to take effect Sunday. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly

• Drexel students join emotional vigil as fight to reopen Academy of Natural Sciences continues. [Billy Penn]

• Philly appoints a “rat abatement manager” to address infestation issues. [Billy Penn]

• New Navy Yard training program prepares Philadelphians for pharmaceutical manufacturing jobs. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]

• Pa. announces funding for 515 new electric vehicle chargers, increasing the number in Philly by more than 50%. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]

When you donate to Billy Penn, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a pair of 76ers tickets to the Monday, Nov. 23 home game against the Portland Trail Blazers!

No donation is necessary, though. For details on how to enter and the eligibility requirements, see the official rules online here.

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker attends a meeting of the National Council on the Arts, an advisory body that provides guidance to the National Endowment for the Arts and reviews grant recommendations supporting arts and culture nationwide. (11 a.m.)

Parker then joins city commissioners at the Philly election warehouse to highlight preparations for Election Day and share information to help residents prepare to vote. (1:30 p.m.)

Parker then attends the grand opening of the South Philly Boxing Gym at 38 Jackson St. (5 p.m.)

Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide

Where can you enjoy film and movies in Philly?
Philly’s movie scene is extensive – but for many theaters, it has been a rough year.
How Philly became the ‘Mural Capital of the World’
Jane Golden walks Billy Penn through Philadelphia’s 40-year journey as a public art pioneer.

ON THE CALENDAR

Ravens on the Rooftop (Thursday),
Indonesian haunted house (Friday),
East Passyunk Fall Fest (Saturday),
Calloween – A Halloween Disco Dance Party (Saturday),
AND MORE!

See the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar at BillyPenn.com!