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 18, 2024
Transportation
Tolls may increase to $6 on Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman and other DRPA bridges
The Delaware River Port Authority is considering increasing tolls from $5 to $6 for crossing the Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Walt Whitman and Commodore Barry bridges from New Jersey into Philadelphia. The proposed toll hike would be the first DRPA increase since 2011. The proposal does not include raising PATCO fares.June 18, 2024
Arts & Culture
Mural in Washington Square West will stay despite one disgruntled neighbor's complaints
Ukrainian artist Yuliya Semonova's mural "Home Is Where We Are" will remain on the wall of Tuck Barre & Yoga in Washington Square West, Mural Arts Philadelphia officials said. The community rallied around keeping the one-year installation after a critical resident lobbied city officials and Mural Arts to take it down.June 18, 2024
Business
New Jersey fines Walmart $1.64 million for not accurately using unit pricing
New Jersey has fined Walmart over allegations that the company didn't follow unit pricing requirements at its stores that are intended to make it easier for consumers to compare the value of products. The $1.64 million fine is the largest ever handed out by the Division of Consumer Affairs' Office of Weights and Measures.June 14, 2024
Wellness
Day-to-day loneliness linked to fatigue and headache symptoms, study finds
Temporary feelings of loneliness are linked to more daily physical health issues, including headaches, fatigue and nausea, according to new research out of Penn State University. Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General warned about the nation's epidemic of loneliness and how it impacts long-term health.June 14, 2024
Investigations
North Philly fraud ring stole $200,000 by cashing checks taken from USPS drop boxes, Pa. attorney general alleges
An alleged gang in North Philly stole more than $200,000 in a check washing scheme that involved taking mail from USPS drop boxes and recruiting outsiders to set up bank accounts to launder money, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said. The scheme allegedly was run by a group known as SaySlide; 15 people are facing charges.June 13, 2024
Investigations
Tanker truck fire that led to I-95 collapse was likely caused by fuel spilling from unsecured hatch, report says
The fuel truck fire that caused a portion of an I-95 overpass to collapse in Northeast Philly on June 11, 2023, was intensified by an unsecured hatch that allowed about 2,500 gallons of gas and ethanol to spill from the overturned vehicle, according to an investigation report released Thursday.June 13, 2024
2024 Election
Joseph Salerno wins Democratic primary for N.J.'s 2nd District
Joseph Salerno has defeated Tim Alexander in the Democratic primary for New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District. He will face incumbent Republican Jeff Van Drew in the general election. The outcome of the primary hung in the balance due to a group of mail-in ballots that were mistakenly opened before Election Day. A judge ruled they should be counted.June 13, 2024
Government
Philly's Licenses & Inspections is behind on thousands of necessary demolitions, repairs of unsafe buildings, audit says
Roughly 4,000 unsafe properties in Philadelphia are not being effectively monitored and dealt with by the city's Department of Licenses & Inspections, according to a report from CIty Controller Christy Brady. An audit of the department's list of imminently dangerous buildings — about 120 of them found — found that L&I is too understaffed to keep up with inspections, demolitions and required repairs to damaged structures that are susceptible to collapse.June 13, 2024
Wildlife
Rare beaked whale found dead on Jersey Shore beach
A rare beaked whale was found dead Thursday morning on a beach in Spring Lake, New Jersey, in Monmouth County, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The animal was taken to a wildlife lab in Trenton to undergo a necropsy that will determine the cause of death.June 12, 2024
TV
A second season of 'Mare of Easttown' is in 'early discussions,' HBO exec says
HBO's crime drama 'Mare of Easttown' could return for Season 2, according to a network executive. Discussion are underway with star Kate Winslet and creator Brad Ingelsby. The 2021 limited series drew rave reviews for its depictions of a gritty community in Delaware County and a murder investigation that turned the town upside down.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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