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 14, 2025
Wildlife
While spotted lanternflies are sparse in Philly, an insect expert predicts a resurgence
Invasive spotted lanternflies swarmed the Philadelphia area during the COVID-19 pandemic, but their populations in the region have tailed off in recent years. An insect expert from Penn State University says the fight against the bugs — a major threat to vineyards — is far from over and evidence elsewhere points to an eventual local resurgence of the planthopper pests.July 14, 2025
Government
Pennsylvania should require front and back license plates, state lawmaker says
Pennsylvania drivers only are required to have rear license plates on their cars, but state Sen. Kathy Muth plans to introduce a bill that would require all cars to have front license plates too. The Democrat said adding front plates would aid law enforcement investigations and improve toll collections.July 11, 2025
Government
Pennsylvania 911 system experiencing intermittent outages statewide, officials say
Pennsylvania's 911 emergency service lines are experiencing technical issues statewide, officials said Friday afternoon in an alert that went out to millions of residents. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is working to restore service. People are advised to call their local 911 offices and police districts in the event of emergencies.July 11, 2025
Performances
The Roots to perform at Dilworth Park on July 18 as Phillies start countdown to 2026 MLB All-Star Game
The Phillies are looking ahead to hosting the 2026 MLB All-Star Game with a free event on Friday, July 18, beginning at Dilworth Park with performances by Philly hip-hop legends the Roots. Former Phillies All-Stars Mike Schmidt, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels and more will be on hand for celebrations that will make several stops in the city before the Phillies take on the Angels that night at Citizens Bank Park.July 10, 2025
Marijuana
Marijuana legalization bill in Pa. Senate is 'smart, fair and realistic,' co-sponsor says
Pennsylvania state Sens. Dan Laughlin (R) and Sharif Street (D) have introduced a bill to legalize recreational marijuana and create a Cannabis Control Board. The legislation adopts a private industry model, contrasting an earlier proposal from members of the House that had called for state-run stores to sell the majority of adult-use cannabis.July 10, 2025
Investigations
DNA match leads to murder charge in Camden cold case from 2011
Kenyar Hill, 46, of Camden, has been charged for allegedly fatally stabbing Brian Holden at an abandoned house in 2011, prosecutors said. A breakthrough in the 14-year-old cold case came when investigators matched Hill's DNA with evidence collected from Holden's girlfriend on the night of the homicide, authorities said.July 9, 2025
Government
Normal trash collection schedule to resume Monday as city workers return after strike
Philadelphia will return to a normal trash collection schedule on Monday, July 14, after the city announced a tentative contract agreement Wednesday morning to end the strike by workers with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33. The city's temporary trash drop-off sites will shut down immediately, and residents are advised to hold their trash until pick-up day next week or take it to one of six sanitation convenience centers.July 9, 2025
Investigations
Woman pleads guilty to fatally shooting her husband in front of witnesses at Bristol Wharf
Sammar Khan, 42, fatally shot her husband, 38-year-old Faisal Iqbal, at the Bristol Wharf on the Delaware River waterfront in Bucks County in May 2023. She pleaded guilty Wednesday to homicide and related offenses. Witnesses told investigators they saw Khan shoot Iqbal multiple times in a grassy area of the park between the coastline and parking lot after the couple had an argument. Kahn is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 30.July 9, 2025
Alternative Medicine
Anxiety diagnoses have fueled growth of Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program
Since Pennsylvania made clinical anxiety a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in 2019, the mental health disorder has become the leading diagnosis provided for patients seeking licenses from the state, a new study out of the University of Pittsburgh shows.July 8, 2025
Investigations
Philly man charged with stealing nude photos from phones and posting them online
Tyler Jones, 33, allegedly gained access to the phones of at least five victims or their partners to take their nude phones and post them on the internet, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General said Tuesday. Jones was convicted in 2013 of secretly filming women undressing in a bathroom in Switzerland and later uploading the videos online from his dorm room at Villanova University. Jones pleaded guilty in that case and now faces a slew of new charges.Just In
- Seven Philly bars, restaurants and chefs named 2026 James Beard Award finalists
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