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 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.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
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 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 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.Just In
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