#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Gourd crazy in Fitler Square
(Photo by @leslie.sllvn)

Philadelphia is poised to once again have a proper bus station for Greyhound and other intercity carriers — back in the same spot where the terminal previously operated for decades.

More than two years after Greyhound shut down its station at 10th and Filbert streets, forcing riders to wait for buses at outdoor curbside pickup locations in all kinds of weather, the Philadelphia Parking Authority announced today that it plans to lease the old space, renovate it, and reopen the building ahead of next year’s celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Continue reading …

Passengers waited to board a Peter Pan bus at Philadelphia’s intercity bus terminal on Spring Garden Street near Front Street. July 3, 2024. (Meir Rinde/Billy Penn)

Artificial Intelligence is tempting students with the ultimate writing shortcuts. How are they, and teachers in Philadelphia, navigating?

Amy Stornaiuolo is a professor of education at the University of Pennsylvania who researches AI in schools. She has advice for students and parents, as does a current high school student. Continue reading …

School District of Philadelphia headquarters at 440 N. Broad St. (Danya Henninger/Billy Penn)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• How Philadelphians can support Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa’s deadly impact. Batteries, flashlights and tarps are among the items needed most. [WHYY] 

• ‘Not right’: Wilmington mayor announces new homeless strategy, blames Philly for rise in city’s unhoused population. [WHYY] 

• Four people were arrested during a contentious immigration protest outside Philly’s ICE office. [Inq$] 

• City Council approved a 10-cent fee on paper bags — which would not apply for deliveries, drive-thrus or takeout — but the mayor could still veto the bill. [PhillyVoice] 

• As Philadelphia struggles to retain and recruit teachers, education groups and leaders are doubling down on initiatives to inspire Philly teens to embark on careers in education. [Chalkbeat]

• The Philly Download (TPDL), a hyper-local, “hyper-black” digital newspaper, is releasing a free limited-edition 2025 Election Zine that will serve as a one-stop shop voting guide for the Tuesday, Nov. 5 General Election. [West Philly Local] 

• Michael Vick sparked protests when he joined the Eagles in ’09. Some fans can’t forgive his cruelty. [AP] 

• Top Olympic ice skaters are coming to Philadelphia before making their way to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games for the American Gold – LIVE show. [NBC10] 

MAYOR WATCH

The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.

ON THE CALENDAR

🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🎞️ Scary Movie screenings
🎃 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
👻 Dia de los Muertos events
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide

Ongoing: 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.

Saturday, Nov. 1: 2025 Philadelphia Heart Walk
Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just looking for a great day out, join us to celebrate heart health, honor survivors, and remember loved ones affected by heart disease and stroke. At Citizens Bank Park. (7:30 a.m.)

Saturday to Sunday, Nov. 1 to 2: Pierogi Fest
Two days of pierogi, halupki, kielbasa, halushki, pelmeni, blini, soups and more at St. Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in Northern Liberties. Feat. an outdoor beer garden, live music, free admission and more. (12 to 9 p.m. Saturday; 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday) 

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: Spooky Creature Feature—Bats!
November’s First Saturday Open House at the Wagner Free Institute of Science features live bats from PA Bat Rescue, and helps you learn how these spooky creatures help our ecosystem thrive. (12 to 4 p.m.)

Saturday, Nov. 1: Then and now: What can Philly learn from past school closures in Germantown
Join Chalkbeat and Germantown Info Hub for a conversation on potential school closures, bringing together Germantown families from the Northwest neighborhoods to reflect on how school closures in 2013 and prior years affected the community and connect those experiences to the present day. (2 to 4 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 13 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.)

Saturday, Nov. 1: Haunted Circus
Spooky Season’s premiere circus-themed event is back for one night only! A 5 p.m. family circus is $10-20 tickets. The 8:30 p.m. adults-only circus is $20-25 tickets.Haunted Circus 2025 is focused on honoring spooky films! Celebrate your favorite scary movie (or TV Show) with a tribute on stage.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.)

Sunday, Nov. 2: Day of the Dead: Understanding the Sacred Tradition
Gather on South 9th Street between Federal and Christian streets for a monumental Community Altar, pre-Hispanic dances and folkloric performances, live mariachis, live DJs, free professional Catrina makeup, Catrina/Catrin family contest, pet Catrinas contest, and more. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Sunday, Nov. 2: 3rd annual Philly Flannel Fest 
At the Braid Mill in Germantown, join the attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest flannel-wearing gathering! Feat. food, local wine, live music, and a craft marketplace. Rain or shine, fully accessible, service pets welcome. Get 50% off the $23.18 tickets while supplies last. (12 to 5 p.m.) 

Sunday, Nov. 2: Dia de los Muertos at Cantina La Martina
Celebrate life, memory and community together in Kensington on the restaurant’s last day open. Feat. kids crafts, face painting, live music and dancing, a best dressed Catrina contest, special food and drinks menu, audience-made Calaverita Literaria poem contest, and Altar invitation — BYO framed photos of loved ones to remember. (1 to 10 p.m.)

Sunday, Nov. 2: An Evening of Lights
Celebrate Diwali at Sura Bistro with South Asian Americans For Change. Enjoy performances, music, mehendi, a buffet and more. $20 tickets. (4 to 7 p.m.)