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.
February 23, 2024
Business
Dating app Bumble to pay New Jersey $315,000 over claims it misrepresented criminal background screenings
Dating app Bumble agrees to pay New Jersey $315,000 to settle allegations that it misrepresented its policies surrounding the use of criminal background checks to screen people who use the app. The settlement requires the company to clearly disclose whether and how it conducts background checks, how often it does so and whether the app allows convicted offenders to have access to its platform.February 23, 2024
Business
Wonder food hall opens first Pa. location inside Bucks County Walmart
Wonder food hall has opened at the Walmart in Quakertown, Bucks County, becoming the delivery start-up's first Pennsylvania location. Led by entrepreneur Marc Lore, Wonder's app lets customers order food from multiple restaurant with all the dishes prepared in the same kitchen.February 23, 2024
Development
Chinatown coalition touts study that warns new 76ers arena could drive away neighborhoods' businesses
The Philadelphia 76ers' proposed arena in Center City is criticized in a new analysis being promoted by opponents of the project in the Chinatown Coalition. A researcher claims the project on East Market Street could cost the city millions of dollars in tax revenue and threatens the survival of existing businesses. The 76ers called the new study 'fatally flawed.'February 23, 2024
Odd News
Runaway ram in Mount Laurel, horse that ran down I-95 join list of memorable animal escapes in Philly region
A ram that escaped from a property in Mount Laurel, New Jersey was captured Friday morning by police after it had been loose in the township for several days. The chase came after a horse escaped from a stable in Philadelphia and was seen galloping down I-95 in a viral video. Both incidents are the latest in a string of unusual animal escapes that have happened in the Philly region over the last decade.February 21, 2024
Health News
Poison control calls about 'gas station heroin' have risen sharply in New Jersey
Neptune's Fix products, commonly sold at gas stations and convenience stores, have been linked to a spate of poison control calls in New Jersey, prompting new warnings from the FDA and CDC. The elixir shots and tablets, sometimes called 'gas station heroin,' contain the drug tianeptine, which is not FDA-approved and has been linked to health risks. Regulators say Neptune's Fix products may include synthetic cannabinoids and other substances not listed on their labels.February 21, 2024
Development
Camden looks to add waterfront concession stand serving food and alcohol
Camden is seeking to open a new concession stand selling food and alcohol on the Delaware River waterfront, according to a request for proposals issued by the county. The stand could be located near the headquarters of American Water, which is on Water Street between Cooper and Penn streets.February 21, 2024
Food & Drink
Taco Bell to sell new Choco Taco-inspired dessert, reviving the ice cream treat invented in Philly
Taco Bell is planning to debut a new version of the Choco Taco, the frozen dessert that was discontinued by Klondike in 2022. The fast food chain announced it will be partnering with ice cream company Salt & Straw, which has a taco-style treat that blends sweet and spicy flavors. The new "Ice Cream Chocolate Tacos" will be sold at Taco Bell stores this summer and online for nationwide shipping.February 19, 2024
Investigations
Bucks County man allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend in front of police – and then tried to escape, prosecutors say
A Bucks County man has been charged with homicide after he allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death in Lower Makefield on Feb. 16, authorities said. Trevor Weigel, 23, was arrested after fleeing the scene where he allegedly stabbed Jaden Battista, 19, in front of a police officer outside her home.February 19, 2024
Recreation
New visitor center at Washington Crossing State Park in New Jersey will overlook Delaware River
New Jersey's Washington Crossing State Park is getting a new $14 million visitor center that has "commanding views" of the Delaware River and immersive exhibits to learn about the site's role in the Revolutionary War. George Washington and his troops landed there after crossing the Delaware on Christmas in 1776.February 19, 2024
Addiction
More fatal overdoses now caused by smoking drugs than injecting them, CDC says
The number overdose deaths caused by smoking drugs has risen rapidly in the U.S. in recent years, overtaking injection as the leading cause of fatal overdoses, a new CDC reports states. The sharpest rise in smoking-related overdose deaths is found in the Northeast.Just In
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- Looking back at 2025: State budget standoff left SEPTA on the brink of fiscal collapse
- 10 stats that defined 2025 Philly sports
- Joel Embiid questionable for Sixers-Grizzlies on Tuesday; updates provided on Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford
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