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.
July 25, 2025
Investigations
9-year-old girl dies after incident at Hersheypark wave pool
A 9-year-old girl died Thursday night after an incident at Hersheypark's Boardwalk water attraction. The incident happened in the wave pool, but the other circumstances of the girl's death have not been released. An investigation of the girl's death is underway, officials said.July 25, 2025
Business
New PLCB fee will raise prices for wine and spirits in 2026, industry groups say
A coalition of wine and spirit industry groups are criticizing the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for voting to create a new $1 bailment fee on products shipped to state-owned distribution centers. The industry groups say the fee will cost suppliers millions of dollars and will result in higher prices for consumers at state stores, supermarkets, bars and restaurants. PLCB claims the fee is in line with other liquor control states.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.July 24, 2025
Business
Amazon Fresh sets Aug. 14 opening for long-delayed Northern Liberties store
Amazon Fresh will open in Northern Liberties on August 15. The new location will be the chain's first in Philadelphia, joining five others that have opened in the suburbs over the past several years. The new store at the corner of Sixth and Spring Garden streets was announced five years ago, but its opening was delayed by changes the tech giant made to its grocery store concept.July 24, 2025
Courts
Ex-Flyers goalie Carter Hart found not guilty in Hockey Canada sexual assault case
Former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart and four other players on Canada's 2018 World Juniors championship team were found not guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a London, Ontario hotel room in June 2018. The verdict in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case was revealed by Judge Maria Carroccia on Thursday morning.July 24, 2025
Travel
Norwegian Cruise Line adds more 2027 voyages out of Philly port
Norwegian Cruise Line has added more trips to its itinerary out of the Port of Philadelphia in 2027, including voyages to Bermuda and Canada. The American cruise line will have two ships — Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl — operating out of Philly over the next two years. The city has not had a cruise industry since 2011.July 23, 2025
Social Media
Ocean City pizza shop worker throws slice at teen on boardwalk; no charges will be filed, authorities say
A viral video taken outside Primavera Pizza on the Ocean City Boardwalk shows a worker throwing a slice of pizza at a teenager's face during a dispute on July 18, 2025. Ocean City police say no charges are being filed as a result of the incident. The video was shared widely on social media, where various posts racked up more than 2 million views.July 23, 2025
Transportation
Despite SEPTA's budget cliff, Roosevelt Boulevard subway backers seek path to Northeast Philly extension
As SEPTA prepares to make drastic service cuts and raise fares in the coming months, transit researchers continue to examine the feasibility and cost of building a Roosevelt Boulevard subway line that extends into Northeast Philadelphia. The Transit Costs Project at New York University recently published an analysis of ridership potential and cost considerations for the project.July 22, 2025
Courts
Drunk driver who killed CHOP doctor riding bike sentenced to 6-20 years in prison
Michael Vahey was sentenced to 6-20 years for killing Dr. Barbara Friedes, a CHOP physician, when he struck her bike while driving drunk in Center City.July 21, 2025
Arts & Culture
Dilworth Park fountain soon will let people re-create famous Mickey Mouse scene in 'Fantasia'
An art installation coming to Dilworth Park will invite people to recreate the famous Mickey Mouse scene in 'Fantasia' by waving a wand to control the fountain's water jets and the classical music playing in the park. The installation honors the Philadelphia Orchestra's role in performing the score for the 1940 Disney film.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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