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 25, 2024
Courts
Former SEPTA official sentenced to prison for taking bribes from contractor
James Stevens, 71, was sentenced to three years in prison for accepting cash and other bribes in exchange for helping two companies land millions of dollars in SEPTA contracts for the transit authority's video surveillance unit, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.June 22, 2024
Entertainment
Lemon Hill will be site of FIFA Fan Fest when 2026 World Cup comes to Philly
When the World Cup comes to Philadelphia in 2026, Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park will be the site of the FIFA Fan Fest, a central destination for watch parties that will continue throughout the five-week tournament. The six matches scheduled to be played in Philadelphia will be held at Lincoln Financial Field.June 22, 2024
Investigations
Chester County couple drowns after getting caught in rip current during Florida vacation
A couple from Downingtown died on Thursday while swimming in the ocean during a vacation in Florida with their six kids. Brian Warter, 51, and Erica Wishard, 48, got caught in a rip current off Hutchinson Island, authorities said. Two of their kids managed to make it to shore, but couldn't rescue the parents. Lifeguards later located them, but medics were unable to save the couple.June 22, 2024
Investigations
Doorbell camera captures two thieves jockeying for same package at Berks County home
Two porch pirates were caught on video racing to steal the same package from a home in Lower Heidelberg Township on Wednesday. A FedEx delivery driver had just dropped off the package when two suspects raced from cars on the street to grab it. One of them got away with it. Police say they're searching for the two suspects.June 22, 2024
Family-Friendly
Ice Cream Festival returns to Reading Terminal Market in July
Reading Terminal Market's annual Ice Cream Festival on Filbert will be back on July 13, bringing more than a dozen vendors to the historic landmark in Center City.June 21, 2024
Women's Health
To prevent infant deaths, 250 pregnant women in Philly will get $1,000 per month – with no strings attached
To combat infant mortality, a new guaranteed income program called Philly Joy Bank will give monthly payments of $1,000 to 250 pregnant women in Strawberry Mansion, Nicetown-Tioga and Cobbs Creek. The program, which has no strings attached to the cash, will last for 18 months and will be studied by researchers at Drexel University.June 21, 2024
Real Estate
Neshaminy Mall finds buyer 4 months after being listed for sale
The Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem, Bucks County will be purchased by Paramount Realty after owner Brookfield Properties listed the struggling shopping destination for sale in February. The mall was built in 1968 near Route 1 and I-276. It's now half vacant after losing Macy's and Sears stores in recent years.June 20, 2024
Investigations
Woman allegedly bit police officer after assaulting boy at Wildwood Crest motel, authorities say
Fallan Turner, 43, of Philadelphia, is facing criminal charges in Wildwood Crest for allegedly shoving a 10-year-old boy underwater at a motel pool while drunk on Monday. Tuner also allegedly touched the boy's father inappropriately and bit the hand of a police officer after her arrest.June 19, 2024
Social Justice
N.J. changes clemency program with intent of streamlining process for certain offenders
New Jersey has established a new clemency program meant to speed up reviews of applications for pardons and commutations. The executive order, signed by Gov. Phil Murphy on Juneteenth, aims to address disproportionate negative impacts on Black and Latino people in the criminal; justice system. The program will provide early release to people with excessive sentences and will clear the records of survivors of domestic violence who committed crimes of retaliation in the past.June 19, 2024
Celebrities
Mark Ruffalo appears in Delco courtroom for filming of HBO series 'Task'
Film crews for the upcoming HBO crime drama "Task" made a stop at Delaware County's government center and courthouse in Media, where star actor Mark Ruffalo took photos with local officials and employees. The miniseries, which has been filming across the region this year, is led by "Mare of Easttown" creator Brad Ingelsby.Just In
- Report: Phils ace Zack Wheeler to return Saturday vs. Braves
- Educators, tech advocates weigh in on Mayor Parker's proposed rideshare tax
- For older adults, excessive daytime napping may be a sign of underlying health issues
- Philly's MLB All-Star Game schedule includes fan festival and new 3-on-3 competition
- Who's John Ternus, the Penn graduate named next CEO of Apple?
- Exploring scenarios for the Eagles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
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