🐁 The mice are evolving

Philly Loses President's House Battle

A federal appeals court ruled in favor of the Trump Administration in its effort to remove panels detailing the lives of people enslaved by President George Washington at 6th and Market Streets. The unanimous ruling stated the city doesn't have decision-making power over the President’s House exhibit. Mayor Parker vowed to keep fighting, but it’s unclear what legal pathways remain. [🎧City Cast Philly]

• Related: Need a refresher on the incident that initiated this legal battle? Here's a deep dive. [🎧City Cast Philly]

Mutant Mice May Already Be in Your House

A study has uncovered that a genetic mutation in mice makes them resistant to common chemical baits. This could be a big problem for exterminators and Philadelphians alike, since rodents with this mutation have already been found in the area. [🔒The Inquirer]

Property Assessments Are Back

Homeowners will get new property assessments from the city over the coming weeks. These will be used to determine property taxes next year. Most properties’ value will have increased in the two years since the last assessment. [WHYY]

Abandoned Bartram Village Site to Be Razed

Mayor Parker used a public safety emergency declaration to get around federal regulations and allow for demolition to start immediately on the vacant apartment buildings in Southwest Philly. They will be replaced by 688 mixed-income residential units, some of which are slated to open this summer. [🔒Philadelphia Business Journal]

Philadelphians are lucky to be surrounded by hiking opportunities, whether they’re right in the city at Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park, or in the surrounding counties. With so many routes to explore, you can cover new ground by finding people to share these adventures with.

The robust local trail system has fostered a community of hiking groups that bring together enthusiasts and newbies alike. Joining a trail club can introduce you to new hikes, help you feel safer on trails, and get you outside.

BATONA Hiking Club of Philadelphia

“BATONA” is an acronym for the phrase "back to nature," and the hiking club of the same name gave its moniker to a 53-mile trail in South Jersey back in 1961. This club goes back all the way to the 1920s and organizes meetups every weekend for both long and short hikes in and around Philly.

Body Liberation Hiking Club: Greater Philly Area

This national group gathers on the trails to celebrate the outdoors and all body types by making space for folks with marginalized bodies. The Greater Philadelphia chapter does more than just hike meetups; the group also organizes regional hikes paired with camping and swimming, and other day trips such as tubing and festival hangouts.

Black Girls Hike Philly

Focusing on wellness by prioritizing hiking and mental health, this group is for Black women who want to share outdoor adventures. For over three years the group has organized hikes, trail runs, and meetups, sometimes partnering with other local organizations such as Me vs. Me Training Club.