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N.J. recreational weed sales begin today. Can Philly partake?

Recreational marijuana officially becomes legal in New Jersey today, and Philadelphians might be wondering if they can cross a bridge to snag some.

• The short answer: N.J. regulations say you can, but bringing it back to Pa. runs afoul of federal law, with potential penalties including a 1-year prison sentence and a $1,000 fine.

If you consume while you’re in Jersey, that’s different. Beatrice Forman and Lizzy McLellan Ravitch explain the details, with a map of spots starting sales.

Spotify highlights Philly podcast ‘Draws in Spanish’

Last month was a milestone for podcaster Fabiola Lara, a Latina illustrator in Philadelphia.

• Her podcast, “Draws in Spanish,” won a $2.5k grant, and an episode featuring Cuban and Bahamian artist Reyna Noriega was named one of Spotify’s best episodes of the week.

BP intern Bibiana Correa talked to the 29-year-old Chilean American artist about why she launched the series, and what’s coming next.

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled 

• The Pa. Dept. of Health gets its fourth leader since the start of the pandemic last week: Gov. Wolf tapped Physician General Denise Johnson to replace Acting Secretary Keara Klinepeter, who replaced Alison Beam, who replaced Rachel Levine. [AP/Billy Penn]
• Pennsylvania doesn’t use a lot of renewable power — 44th out of 50 states — but high fossil fuel prices and climate change worries are boosting interest in alternative energy sources. [StateImpact]
• Pew released its latest “State of the City” report for Philadelphia. Takeaways: the economy is rebounding, with unemployment and delinquent bills down, but the population has dipped and safety is a major concern — 70% of people said it’s the city’s biggest issue. [Pew/Inquirer$]
• Who has the advantage if Councilmember Johnson’s federal bribery case goes back to court? Experts are divided. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• The sisters behind Rittenhouse boutique Dope Botanicals trademarked the description “A’plant’ecary” for their business offering herbal remedies, teas, tonics, and powders. [Green Philly]
• A fully staged live opera returns to the Philadelphia Academy of Music this month for the first time since November 2019. [Axios]
• Surprising observers, legendary basketball coach Jay Wright announced his retirement after 21 seasons at Villanova. During his tenure, the Wildcats won two NCAA Championships and made four Final Four appearances. [CBS Sports/@VUCoachJWright/NBC Sports Philly]

MAYOR WATCH

Busy day for Mayor Kenney, who starts at a big job fair at Citizens Bank Park with over 50 employers (9 a.m.). Then he swings up to Temple University Hospital to join U.S. Rep. Evans to announce what’s referred to as “a new plan to fight gun violence in Philadelphia” (10 a.m.).

Afternoon sees Kenney face a national audience during a live Q&A with the Washington Post. Titled “Leadership During Crisis,” the event teases a discussion of Philly’s mask mandate (1:30 p.m.).

ON THE CALENDAR

?️ Billy Penn Event: Head to our Instagram on Earth Day for an IG Live with CravePhilly about the benefits of buying hyperlocal. She’ll be joined by Rival Bros. co-founder Jonathan Adams and Philly Jerk founder Ben Doar, whose brand of spicy, plant-based jerkies began in his East Passyunk kitchen. (3 p.m. Friday, April 22)

? Billy Penn Philly Quizzo with Newbold Exchange: Our monthly trivia night heads to South Philadelphia this month — and there’s free beer for everyone who registers! Test your local knowledge and win prizes while hanging out at a new coworking space in a former silent motion picture house. Free with RSVP. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28)

? It’s the first weekend for Spring in LOVE, a pop-up marketplace in Love Park featuring dozens of mostly Black and brown vendors. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 22-23)

? A wine tasting, a silent auction, a dessert table and live music are part of a fundraiser for Ukraine at The Fallser Club in East Falls. Tickets are $50. (6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 23)