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 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 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 25, 2025
Government
Trump administration releases billions in frozen funds for public schools
The Trump administration has released billions in funds for public schools that had been frozen over the past month during a review of federal education spending. 'People are happy that we'll be able to proceed with the after-school programs and other kinds of important interventions,' said Farah Jimenez, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Education Fund. Pennsylvania is due about $230 million and New Jersey will get around $140 million in unfrozen funds.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 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 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.Just In
- Flyers get Jamie Drysdale's extension done, for four years at $6.5 million per
- How a Penn professor influenced the modern language in 'The Odyssey' movie
- Pennsylvania's air quality has worsened to 'very unhealthy' levels due to wildfire smoke
- Philly science institute that studies human senses plans move to expand health research
- Emergency crews rescue man trapped under manhole cover in Northeast Philly
- Phillies announce 2027 schedule
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