Here’s how to thrive as a Philly newcomer

🌿 PA Senators Push to Legalize Recreational Cannabis

State Sens. Dan Laughlin and Sharif Street have introduced a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania. The measure would also ban any marketing of cannabis products to children and expunge all non-violent marijuana convictions. The bipartisan duo sponsored a similar bill in 2021, but it failed to pass. The new proposal includes updates that seek to reduce harm from the war on drugs, which the senators hope will help it advance this time around. [Marijuana Moment]

⚖️ We learned how state cannabis laws could change this year. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🏠 Final UC Townhomes Residents to Leave

IBID Associates, owners of the University City Townhomes, are using Philly’s Eviction Diversion Program to help relocate the building’s remaining residents. Since 2021, tenants, local university students, and community members have protested the sale of the affordable housing complex. Under a recent settlement agreement, IBID will pay $3.5 million to the city to support the 70 households displaced by the closure. The existing complex is scheduled to close on August 15, and less than a dozen tenants remain. [WHYY]

🚎 All Aboard! Vintage Trolleys Returning in September

In the fall, SEPTA’s historic Route 15 trolleys will resume service from Port Richmond to West Philly via Richmond Street and Girard Avenue. Operators and mechanics are currently repairing and testing the iconic green streetcars that will return to service. So far, five of the vintage trolleys have been restored, and the transit agency plans to have at least eight up and running by September. [Billy Penn]

🦪 Eat Your Way Through Philly

Summer brings warm weather, time outside, and of course, great food. Philly food blogger David Wesolowski shares some of his favorite spots for water ice, oysters, and happy hours. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

In May, USA Today named Philly the most walkable city in the U.S. It turns out walking is also one of your top tips for thriving in Philly! (I already posted a few of your suggestions for making it here as a newcomer last month.)

Philadelphians’ Tips for Getting Around:

“Be cautious of other vehicles, and take advantage of SEPTA!” - Rhiannon R.

“Walk! Our city is so wonderfully walkable. And use SEPTA as much as you can.” - Jay S.

“The city is so walkable! Walk everywhere rather than always taking public transit or Ubers.” - Jordan K. 🚶🏽‍♀️

“Walk around. Explore our food scene and go hiking in the Wiss (Wissahickon Park.) It’s an oasis for nature lovers. Explore our history. Walk through Old City and Society Hill. Go to museums. Learn about the different cultures of people that have been here.” - Beth Ann R.

“Philly is a beautiful city, so walk as much as you can, look around, look up, check out those little historical side streets, and enjoy the nature on the Schuylkill Trail. Open yourself to Philly magic and the city will reward you.” - Amy L.

Secret Philadelphia recently published a list of 50 things that are only normal here. Do you agree with these, and can you think of any more? Send them our way!

🪷 Yoga | Monday | 6 p.m.

Unwind with an all-levels class at Bartram’s Garden. [$10, West Philly]

🪴 Poetry & Plants | Wednesday | 6 p.m.

Join Parkway Central Library for a plant and seed swap and poetry readings focused on our connections to plants. [free, Logan Square]

🎵 Flyphunk | Friday | 10 p.m.

Head to Silk City and dance the night away to music from some of Philly’s hottest DJs. [free, Northern Liberties]

🎺 Jazz Fest | Saturday | 12 p.m.

Enjoy live jazz performances, and food and merch vendors at Broad Street & Cecil B. Moore Ave. [pay-as-you-go, North Philly]

The Battle to Preserve Spruce Hill

In West Philly’s Spruce Hill, homeowners are hoping that the third time’s the charm to get the area declared a historic district, in order to protect its vast collection of Victorian homes from demolition. However, this plan isn’t popular with the companies that have turned these homes into apartments for nearby University of Pennsylvania students. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Jake Blumgart, commercial real estate reporter with The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what it looks like to try to preserve history in a changing neighborhood.