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If you know anyone who might like this newsletter, send it to them. If this was sent to you by someone else, subscribe here — it's free!  Dear New Yorkers, Weed has been legal in New York since 2021, but the state is still working out regulating, licensing and taxing it differently than any other place — and that new system is still budding. As THE CITY has reported, the licensing of retail dispensaries has been rocky and slow. In the vacuum, illegal pot shops have proliferated across the five boroughs. And much of the rest of what’s supposed to be a “seed-to-stem” in-state legal cannabis system — delivery, home growing and on-site consumption — has hardly gotten off the ground. If you’re new to the topic, THE CITY has a guide to where things stand in the legal weed world in New York City and the state. Which weed dispensaries are officially open? What about legal delivery? Can you grow a plant? For answers to those burning questions and more, read more here. In other news: MTA Reveals 5 Fare-Free Bus Routes The MTA on Monday unveiled the five local bus routes that will be free of fares, starting September 24. For six months to a year, the MTA will test a fare-free pilot program on the Bx18 A/B, B60, M116, Q4 and S46/96 — routes that serve close to 44,000 daily weekday riders across all five boroughs. The MTA, which has more than 200 local bus routes, is following the lead of Kansas City and Boston in testing fare-free buses. — Jose Martinez New Police Commissioner Sworn In Edward Caban was officially sworn in Monday as New York City’s police commissioner, the first Latino to hold the post. Born and raised in Parkchester, The Bronx, Caban, the son of a first-grade detective, was first assigned to the 40th Precinct in Mott Haven. “Given how many great leaders of Hispanic descent have come before me in the NYPD, to be the first Hispanic police commissioner is an honor of the highest measure,” Caban said. He told people curious about joining the police department: “The NYPD wants you, the NYPD needs you, and your commissioner has plenty for you to do.” He also thanked his predecessor, Keechant Sewell, who was the NYPD’s first Black female commissioner. Sewell recently left her role after just 18 months on the job, following reports that her authority was challenged and she was at odds with Mayor Adams over disciplining Jeffrey Maddrey, the chief of the department, THE CITY reported.  — Katie Honan Some other items of note: Last month, the Department of Parks and Recreation unveiled a proposal to make Flushing Meadows Corona Park more accessible to large-scale and multi-day events. That plan would restrict multi-day events in Flushing Meadows Corona Park to just twice a year and 40,000 attendees per day in order to limit “unreasonable interference with the enjoyment of the park by other users.” But at a public hearing earlier this month, small promoters and major ones like Live Nation, AEG Presents and Founders Entertainment expressed some concerns. “At the end of the day, it would be nice if there were more than two [multi-day] events,” one said. For the latest local numbers on COVID-19 hospitalizations, positivity rates and more, check our coronavirus tracker.  Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Tuesday's Weather Rating: 3/10. We find ourselves here yet again. Warm, very humid and unsettled — with wildfire smoke still overhead. Highs in the upper 80s with a chance of storms, some of which could produce localized flooding. The vibes need some help. Things To Do Here’s what’s going on around the city this week. Wednesday, July 19: Mayor Adams’ “Rise Up NYC” concert series — eight events, across the five boroughs — begins with live performances by Luciano, Ding Dong, Farmer Nappy, Pumpa, Edwin Yearwood, Bobbi Konders and Jabba and Shamah Levy at Brooklyn Wingate Park. 6-9 p.m. Free.  Friday, July 21: An outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red,” at Queensbridge Park. 8:15-9:55 p.m. Free. Friday, July 21: “The Chelsea Symphony feat. Lady Jess and Lucrecia Dalt,” a BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Concert. Arrive early for a conversation with Nabil Ayers, son of jazz-funk legend Roy Ayers, about music careers and finding family in unexpected places. 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. showtime. Free. THE KICKER: The latest trend in Bushwick is a stew that’s more than 30 days old, and apparently rich in puns. It’s served every Tuesday night at the Fermi Playground. Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Tuesday. Love, THE CITY   P.S. If you liked something about today's newsletter, or didn't, let us know at zshah@thecity.nyc

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