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 17, 2025
Investigations
Customs officials in Philly seize $1.8 million worth of ketamine shipped from Europe
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 72 pounds of ketamine with a street value of $1.8 million in two separate shipments from Europe earlier this month, authorities. said. The anesthetic, commonly used as a party drug, has entered the city's port multiple times this summer en route to destinations in Florida.July 16, 2025
Education
How Trump's education cuts could have long-term impact on organizations that serve schools
Major cuts to the U.S. Department of Education and the deferred payment of more than $6.8 billion in federal funding for programs will create instability at the start of the upcoming school year, Philadelphia Education Fund president Farah Jimenez says. If the lawsuit to get the funds released is not successful, the impact could be devastating for organizations that have long provided services to schools — and some may not be able to survive.July 16, 2025
Health News
Virtua, ChristianaCare health systems to explore $6 billion merger
Virtua Health and ChristianaCare intend to explore a merger that would combine their health systems into a regional network spanning 600 sites in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The health systems said they would generate a combined $6 billion in revenue and employ more than 30,000 people.July 16, 2025
Development
Ocean City residents lean against hotel plan at Wonderland Pier, Rutgers poll finds
Plans to build a luxury hotel at the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier site on the Ocean City Boardwalk have driven debate in the Jersey Shore community about whether the project should be approved. A survey by Rutgers University's Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling found most residents lean against developer Icona Resorts' 252-room hotel. The survey was commissioned by Ocean City 2050, a community group opposed to the hotel project.July 15, 2025
TV
'Abbott Elementary' stars and Colman Domingo among this year's Emmy nominees
A handful of shows and stars with ties to Philadelphia were among the Emmy nominees revealed Tuesday ahead of the award show in September. ABC's 'Abbott Elementary' and three of its stars — Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James — all got nods. West Philly native Colman Domingo picked up a nomination for his role in Netflix's 'The Four Seasons' and Brian Tyree Henry is nominated for his performance in the Apple TV drama 'Dope Thief.'July 14, 2025
Parties
Registration for 'Great Gatsby'-themed Dîner en Blanc opens Wednesday
Le Dîner en Blanc will return to Philadelphia on Thursday, Aug. 21, for the city's 13th edition of the annual picnic where thousands of people dress in white to attend the event at a secret location revealed on the evening of the dinner. Registration for this year's picnic opens Wednesday. The theme for this year's event honors the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic Jazz Age novel 'The Great Gatsby.'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.Just In
- Lincoln Drive will be closed Saturday in East Falls for 'critical maintenance work'
- Everything we know about the next season of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'
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- Montgomery County realtor charged with possessing child pornography
- 5 Eagles draft thoughts: Cornerback is more of a need than you think
- Flyers playoffs: Game 1 vs. Penguins set for Saturday night in Pittsburgh
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