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.
June 20, 2023
Government
More than $7 million in COVID relief for New Jersey fisheries may need to be paid back, state says
Nearly half of the federal relief money paid to New Jersey fisheries and related businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic may need to be returned to the state due to the improper review of applications by the state Department of Environmental Protection, officials said Tuesday. The New Jersey DEP administered a total of about $14.4 million in CARES Act funds to fisheries, approving awards for seafood processors, dealers and charter fishing companies that submitted applications.June 20, 2023
Food & Drink
New spirits company created by Cape May Brewing Co. debuts Beach Blends cocktails
Cape May Brewing Co., one of the largest craft brewers in New Jersey, has created Cape May Spirits Co., which just rolled out a pair of canned cocktails called Beach Blends. Tropical Vodka Punch and Orange Vodka Crush are both 5% ABV and are now being sold in four-packs at retailers in New Jersey. Last month, Cape May Brewing announced the acquisition of Flying Fish, one of the state's oldest breweries.June 20, 2023
Transportation
Collapsed segment of I-95 in Northeast Philly to reopen this weekend
I-95 will reopen this weekend in Northeast Philly following the completion of the backfill and paving project at the site where a truck fire destroyed the highway earlier this month, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said. A temporary roadway will have three lanes of traffic in both directions that remain open throughout the construction of a permanent bridge to repair the highway. The full cost of the federally funded project is expected to be $25-$30 million.June 20, 2023
Mental Health
Can probiotics help with depression? Link between mental health, gut bacteria points to benefits
Probiotic supplements are emerging as possible aids in the treatment of depression and anxiety. The link between gut health and mental health has become a growing area of study due to the common overlap of bowel dysfunction and problems with mood. A new study from King's College London found that probiotics improved depression symptoms in people who were already taking antidepressants compared to a placebo group. The research paves the way for further studies on the gut-brain axis and how probiotics might help with emotional problems.June 19, 2023
Food & Drink
Tired Hands Brewing Co. teases plans for 15-acre beer park in Delaware County
Tired Hands Brewing Co. appears to be working on a beer park that will open on a 15-acre site in Newtown Township, Delaware County. The company shared limited information about its plans in a pair of Facebook posts, saying the upcoming location will partner with food trucks and beer will be served out of a cabin. The company's Fermentaria and Brewcafé are located in Ardmore, and it has a restaurant, St. Oner's, in Fishtown. Tired Hands also has a general store in Kennett Square and a beer garden it operates in Northwest Philadelphia during the spring and summer months.June 19, 2023
Health News
Smoking, drinking habits may explain why night owls tend to die younger than morning people
Does being a night owl increase the risk of death and disease compared to early-rising morning people? New research out of Finland suggests that bad habits like smoking and drinking may have more to do with these discrepancies than bedtimes. A long-term study found that night owls who died earlier than their counterparts tended to have issues stemming from other unhealthy behaviors.June 19, 2023
Sixers
Former Sixer Lou Williams, who once defused a Christmas Eve robbery attempt, retires from NBA
Former 76ers guard Lou Williams has retired from the NBA after 17 seasons. He won three Sixth Man of the Year Awards, tying Jamal Crawford for the record. During his final season in Philly, Williams was nearly robbed at gunpoint in North Philly on Christmas Eve, but the would-be robber recognized him and let him go. Williams bought the man food at McDonald's.June 16, 2023
Government
This weekend, Ocean City enacts new curfew for minors, backpack ban on boardwalk
Ocean City leaders have approved a new 11 p.m. curfew for minors and a ban on backpacks on the boardwalk after 8 p.m. for all people. The measures are now in effect as part of a wider effort to discourage unruly teen behavior that has become a problem at the shore town. The new policies were created in response to a large number of disturbances over Memorial Day weekend.June 16, 2023
Arts & Culture
Shining, 60-foot-tall sculpture proposed along Delaware River at soon-to-be-built Northern Liberties apartments
In Northern Liberties, at the former Festival Pier site, a plan has been submitted to construct a 60-foot-tall illuminated sculpture as part of the forthcoming Rivermark Northern Liberties complex, which will also have 470 apartments and retail spaces.June 16, 2023
Recreation
Six Flags to reopen El Toro roller coaster; Kingda Ka remains closed due to mechanical failure
Six Flags Great Adventure will reopen its El Toro roller coaster this weekend for the first time since the wooden ride was shut down last summer. A malfunction caused injuries to 14 people in August 2022, prompting an indefinite closure for repairs and a state investigation. Now Kingda Ka, the world's tallest roller coaster, is closed after a launch cable snapped mid-ride earlier this month. The state is investigating what happened to the steel ride, which is the world's tallest roller coaster.Just In
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