Michael Tanenbaum
Michael Tanenbaum is a senior staff writer for PhillyVoice.com, with interests ranging from technology and behavioral health to local community initiatives and cultural life. Michael has written for the Argentina Independent and Bespoke Magazine and previously served as a news editor for Xfinity.com before joining PhillyVoice. He received his B.A. in The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University.
August 1, 2025
Courts
Actor Gary Busey, 81, pleads guilty to groping woman at 2022 Cherry Hill event
Actor Gary Busey pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sexual contact stemming from a meet-and-greet during the August 2022 Monster-Mania Convention at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.August 1, 2025
Video Games
New video game set in 'Philabieldia' invites jokes about Philly lore
'The Adventures of Elliot: Millennium Tales,' unveiled at a Nintendo Direct showcase Thursday, takes place in a land of beasts and monsters called Philabieldia. It drew reactions on social media about the name's similarity to Philadelphia.July 31, 2025
Investigations
Two North Philly men arrested with foreign shipment of gun switch devices, authorities say
Michael Rodriguez and Khalil Jenkins, both 19, of North Philadelphia, face gun and drug-trafficking charges after they were arrested Tuesday with a package from China containing illegal gun switches. The devices are used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic, rapid-fire machine guns. Investigators also found marijuana in the car and at a home connected to the suspects.July 31, 2025
Transportation
Sections of Kelly Drive to close at night for road resurfacing in August
From Monday, Aug. 4, through Friday, Aug. 29, milling and paving will take place on two sections of Kelly Drive from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., resulting in detours for drivers.July 31, 2025
Business
PECO offers $500 grants to customers behind on electricity bills
PECO is offering one-time $500 grants to customers who have unpaid balances on their utility bills. Electricity costs have been rising in recent years amid increased demand placed on regional grids.July 30, 2025
Business
The cost of cheesesteaks are soaring, with one Philly shop raising prices three times in the last year
The owner's of Pat's King of Steaks and Joe's Steak and Soda Shop are feeling the effects of rising beef prices. The cost of a cheesesteak is rising in Philly, but owners say they're not going to change their recipes just yet.July 29, 2025
Recreation
Six Flags Great Adventure cancels Holiday in the Park and delays Kingda Ka coaster replacement
The annual Holiday in the Park festival at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey will end after nine seasons at the amusement park. Six Flags also is delaying the timeline to complete a new roller coaster that will replace Kingda Ka, the beloved ride that was demolished in February. The original goal was to finish the new ride in 2026, but the timeline is now unknown.July 28, 2025
Investigations
9-year-old girl who died after rescue attempts at Hersheypark wave pool is identified
Sophia Subedi, of Harrisburg, has been identified as the 9-year-old girl who died after an incident at the wave pool at Hersheypark on Thursday. Subedi is the first guest to die at the theme park in its 119-year history. The cause and manner of her death have not been released by the Dauphin County Coroner's Office amid an ongoing investigation.July 28, 2025
Marijuana
Take a look at one of New Jersey's four new cannabis consumption lounges — now open for a toke
New Jersey now has four cannabis dispensaries with lounges where people 21 and older can legally use marijuana on-site. Two of the new consumption lounges are in Atlantic City, including the SunnyTien dispensary that opened on Atlantic Avenue last week. The 50-seat space will have regular events, owner Spencer Belz said. Other lounges are in Merchantville and Newark.July 25, 2025
Government
Airbnb questions legality of Ocean City's 3% tax on online rentals
Airbnb says a new ordinance in Ocean City that will tax visitors 3% for using its platform and other online booking sites violates New Jersey state law. The company claims the measure is unconstitutional because it will not be applied to hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and other short-term rentals booked directly with property owners or through real estate agencies. Ocean City officials project the tax will generate $1.8 billion in revenue next year.Just In
- Federal audit finds N.J. nursing homes let workers start without background checks
- Pennsylvania State Police commissioner leaving to join FBI
- Trump reclassifies marijuana, easing federal restrictions but stopping short of legalization
- Flyers suspend radio announcer Tim Saunders for explicit comment caught on hot mic
- Philadelphia Eagles 2026 opponents
- Eagles are repeat NFC East champs for the first time in over 20 years
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