5 years after Philly’s first marijuana dispensary, what’s next?
Five years after Pa. legalized medical marijuana, there are 17 dispensaries in the city, out of 178 across the commonwealth. Industry experts say the city is underserved as a result of strict zoning requirements — and more may be coming. As Harrisburg edges closer to approving recreational weed, City Council is moving to block retail stores from opening.
Who benefits and who gets left out? Ben Seal takes a look at the state of marijuana sales in Philadelphia, and what comes next.
AC’s Shelburne Hotel was almost a Benihana-themed resort
Want a story that somehow ties together Irving Berlin, the New York mob, and Benihana? Then you want a story about Atlantic City’s Shelburne Hotel. The property — now Bally’s Casino — grew into one of Atlantic City’s beachfront gems, a must-visit destination for early 20th century celebrities.
But like the rest of the Jersey Shore town, it fell on hard times, Avi Wolfman-Arent reports in this edition of Headlines of Yore, and was almost turned into a Benihana-themed resort.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Seven people were arrested on Sunday during their “civil disobedience action” outside the Moms for Liberty summit in Center City. [WHYY]
• Overdoses from xylazine, known on the street as tranq, are rapidly rising in Pa. and other East Coast states, per a new CDC report that found Black people had the highest rates of death by OD. [Inquirer$]
• SEPTA changes in effect as of July 1: Second transfers are free across bus, trolley, and subway, and Center City and airport Regional Rail trips are included with a monthly or weekly TransPass. [Billy Penn]
• A bike ride this weekend honored Siddeeq Shabaaz, 33, a leader in the local cycling community who was shot twice during an attempted robbery on 40th and Spruce streets last month. [NBC10]
• Harriett’s Bookshop is temporarily closing for the summer as the founder takes her literary activism across the pond to opening an installation in Paris called Josephine’s Bookshop. [Instagram/Jeannine Cook]
• Why did Bryce Harper chat with police in the parking lot after Friday night’s game? The internet was abuzz with rumors his car was stolen (not so, says Phillies Nation’s editorial director) or that his wife had been in a fender-bender. [Crossing Broad/@TimKellySports]
• Jason Kelce’s beer-chugging fundraiser at the Jersey Shore brought in $380k for the Eagles Autism Foundation — and featured Donna Kelce, aka “the most famous football mom ever.” [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
No public appearances for Mayor Kenney on this pre-holiday Monday. However, law enforcement officials and DA Krasner hold a briefing to remind everyone about the dangers and potential consequences of firing guns into the air — something people are known to do on the Fourth of July.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍺 BP Quizzo is on North American Street this month! Join us for a night of Philly news and history trivia at Punch Buggy Brewing Co. Expect $5 pours, discounted nachos from Puerco Loco, and a $50 gift card for the winning team. Free with RSVP, see you there. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 12)
🧆 The Point Breeze Night Market brings food trucks, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun to Point Breeze Avenue. Free to attend. (4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 6)
🍻 Taste beers from more than two dozen local breweries at the Local Love Philly Beer Fest at Attic Brewing Co. in Germantown, where your $55 ticket includes four hours of sipping plus a souvenir glass. (5 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 7)
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