Marijuana billboards dot I-95 despite interstate sales restrictions
It’s hard to miss the billboards advertising legal cannabis in New Jersey along I-95 through Philly. And while it might be tempting to take the highway exit after a long day at work, it’s still illegal to cross the Delaware, buy weed and bring it back to Pennsylvania.
So, how are these ads allowed and are Philadelphians still buying NJ weed? Absolutely, experts told BP intern Sarah Frasca. “It’s “high-larious” to think people won’t transport it over state lines,” says advocate Chris Goldstein. Continue reading…
Philly scheduled to host Fourth of July FIFA World Cup game
Philadelphia’s semiquincentennial Independence Day celebrations and annual fireworks over the Ben Franklin Bridge will need to make even more room in 2026, as a match from one of the world’s biggest sporting events will also be in the city on the Fourth of July.
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will have five group stage games in June and a round of 16 game on July 4 at Lincoln Financial Field. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• North Philly’s Nick Roman seeks to derail Trump’s Georgia case with Fani Willis allegations. [WaPo$]
• Health commish Dr. Cheryl Bettigole is stepping down after three years on the job. A nationwide search for her replacement is getting underway. [CBS]
• $25K reward offered for info on vandal who targeted Philly Holocaust memorial. [6ABC]
• Giant trolls now in residence at the Philadelphia Zoo, delivering a message a message about wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. [WHYY]
• Neighborhood Ramen is closing in June as its owners shift to open ESO Ramen Workshop nearby, returning to their pop-up roots ahead of an eventual move to Tokyo. [PhillyMag$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will appoint five more city officials to supervise city departments at a press conference at 10 a.m.
At 11 a.m., she’ll speak at at the opening of the Leaders and Legends Exhibition hosted by Smith Memorial Playground in celebration of Black History Month.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍽️ Dine at dozens of eateries taking part in Northern Liberties Restaurant Week which runs though Feb. 11. Multi-course prix fixe two-course lunches for $15 and $20 and three-course dinners for $20, $25 and $40.
🎷 Jazz concert for all ages featuring Leon Jordan, Jr. and his band at David Cohen Ogontz Library. (Monday, February 5, 4 p.m.)
🎤 Philly Rising Open Mic World Cafe Live partners with REC Philly to create a free night of musical collaboration, inspiration, and networking, with featured performer Lavonne Nichols. (The Lounge at World Cafe Live, Tuesday, February 06. Doors: 6pm/ Show: 8pm.)
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