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 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
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.Just In
- PECO employees file unfair labor practice charges as contract expires
- Parkside council president charged with theft for allegedly using public funds to gas up his vehicles
- Mini soccer fields planned at playground in Northern Liberties ahead of World Cup
- Gas prices surpass $4 per gallon average in Philly metro area
- Eagles will have training camp joint practices with the Patriots this summer
- Philadelphia Wings announce they're ceasing operations
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