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.
May 20, 2022
Investigations
ATV rider, 29, dies after crashing into car in Northeast Philly
Victoria Rose Walker, 29, died after her ATV collided with a car in the Holmesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia on Thursday night. Walker was part of a group of ATV and dirt bike riders traveling in the wrong direction on State Road. The crash occurred as Walker was trying to return to the correct lane to avoid oncoming traffic, police said. The incident comes after a 17-year-old skateboarder was killed Sunday when he was struck by a dirt bike ride on Allegheny Avenue in the Fairhill section of North Philadelphia.May 20, 2022
Television
Original 'Jersey Shore' cast decries MTV's plans to revamp series with new housemates
MTV announced plans for "Jersey Shore 2.0," a reboot of the reality series that will feature a brand new cast. The show's original cast members, who now appear on "Jersey Shore: Family Reunion," blasted the network's decision in a statement on Twitter. Meanwhile, Seaside Heights and other Jersey Shore towns have reportedly told 495 Productions, the company that will produce "Jersey Shore 2.0," that they don't want to be filming locations for the new series.May 19, 2022
Transportation
New Wildwood jitney shuttle to connect boardwalk, entertainment district
A new jitney shuttle service for Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood will debut in advance of Memorial Day weekend. The shuttles, which initially will offer weekend-only service from 5 p.m. to midnight, will make on-demand stops along routes running from the Boardwalk to the downtown entertainment district. Daily service will run June 20 through Labor Day. The cost of a one way ride will be $3 and $4 for a planned late night service to North Wildwood that will be introduced on a date to be determined.May 19, 2022
Investigations
Stabbing death of 82-year-old woman at Mount Laurel nursing home may have been mercy killing, investigators say
Dan Mook, 84, allegedly stabbed his wife to death in their bedroom at an assisted living facility in Mount Laurel on Sunday, May 15. Burlington County Prosecutors believe Mook, who also stabbed himself multiple times, may have taken Sharon Mook's life as a mercy killing due to her poor health and suffering, authorities said. Dan Mook survived his injuries and was taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden to be treated. He's charged with first-degree murder and related offenses.May 19, 2022
Transportation
Judge halts PennDOT's controversial bridge tolling plan amid lawsuit
A controversial PennDOT plan to introduce electronic tolls on up to nine interstate bridges has been put on hold by a Commonwealth Court judge, who issued a temporary injunction in response to a lawsuit filed by Cumberland County and seven municipalities. In South Philadelphia, the Girard Point Bridge over I-95 is among the proposed bridges to get a toll of $1-$2 to undergo repairs and ongoing maintenance. The future of the bridge tolling initiative, which faced staunch resistance from local communities and governments, is now in legal jeopardy.May 19, 2022
Courts
Drunk driver, who caused crash that injured four Neshaminy High School students, sentenced to 15-30 years
Shane Brolly, the 25-year-old driver in a DUI crash that seriously injured four Neshaminy High School girls, will spend 15 to 30 years in state prison for the crash in Northampton Township, Bucks County on March 27, 2021. Brolly, a U.K. citizen from Northern Ireland, was living in the United States illegally on an expired work visa and had been drinking in Philadelphia for hours prior to the crash. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.21, more than twice the legal limit in Pennsylvania, and was speeding when he crossed into oncoming traffic to pass a vehicle in a no-passing zoning. Brolly also had a record of drunk driving in Northern Ireland prior to his arrival in the U.S., where he fled to avoid sentencing in a 2019 police chase in the United Kingdom.May 18, 2022
2022 Election
McCormick, Oz locked in tight race; no winner yet in Pa. Republican primary for U.S. Senate
Dave McCormick and Mehmet Oz, two of the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, led the pack in Tuesday's primary election, but the race between them was too close to call. Oz leads McCormick by .2%, fewer than 1,200 votes, with 95% of votes counted. It is close enough now to trigger an automatic recount. The campaign for the seat being vacated by Sen. Pat Toomey could have major ramifications on the balance of power in the Senate.May 18, 2022
Investigations
18-year-old dies on Toms River beach after hole he and sister dug in sand collapsed on them
Levi Caverly, 18, of Union, Maine, died on beach in Toms River, New Jersey, on Tuesday when the hole he and his sister dug in the sand collapsed on them. Emergency crews freed the girl, 17, but her brother was fully buried and did not survive.May 18, 2022
Food & Drink
Puttshack to open upscale mini golf and restaurant venue in Center City
Puttshack, the tech-infused mini golf venue, will open a location in Center City Philadelphia at the Shops at Liberty Place on Chestnut Street in summer 2023. The company combines mini golf with a bar and restaurant for an upscale experience. The patented Trackaball technology keeps score for you as you go, eliminating the need to carry around a scorecard and tiny pencil. Semi-private and private event spaces will be available at Puttshack when it opens next year.May 18, 2022
History
Sun Ra House in Germantown gets historic landmark designation
The 19th century Germantown row home that served as the home of late jazz musician Sun Ra and his Arkestra collective has been designated a historic landmark by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. The property was the base of operations for the legendary avant-garde jazz ensemble. Several surviving members of the group still live at the three-story stone property at 5626 Morton Street.Just In
- Revamped Stateside Live! to open new rooftop bar, beer garden in late spring
- At redesigned Thomas Paine Plaza, skateboarders' new space keeps their last domino from falling
- Penn appeals order to release info on Jewish students and employees
- Howie Roseman explains trade for WR Dontayvion Wicks
- New York museum acquires rare Philly railcar from 1960s 'Almond Joys' fleet
- Full injury reports for Wednesday's Sixers-Magic Play-In Tournament game
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