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.
March 17, 2025
Business
Wonder Food Hall approaches big rollout in Philly area, with 7 of 10 locations set to open in next couple months
Wonder Food Hall, the New York concept that lets people order from multiple restaurants in one purchase, will open 10 locations in the Philadelphia area, including seven in the next couple months. A Drexel University professor thinks the company could face an uphill battle in the region.March 17, 2025
Transportation
Market Street Bridge to close for 14 months starting August 2026 during $149 million rebuild
The 93-year-old Market Street Bridge connecting Center City and University City will begin a four-year reconstruction in March, with a complete closure planned from August 2026 to October 2027.March 14, 2025
Courts
Thief who stole famed paintings, World Series rings from Pa., N.J. museums sentenced to 8 years in prison
Thomas Trotta, the Pennsylvania man who pleaded guilty to stealing famous artwork, sports memorabilia and other antiques from museums across the region, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in heists that spanned two decades and involved eight other people, federal prosecutors said. World Series rings and paintings by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock were among the stolen items.March 14, 2025
Development
Elmwood Park Zoo's expansion plans, which include new tiger exhibit and restaurant, move forward
The Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown is planning a multimillion expansion that includes a new Amur tiger exhibit, a restaurant and an education center. Last year, the zoo opened a new welcome center, outdoor plaza and renovated animal hospital.March 13, 2025
Odd News
N.J. man finds unopened whiskey bottles, possibly from Prohibition era, scattered on Margate beach
While walking his dog at the Jersey Shore, U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Austin Contegiacomo discovered a collection of whiskey bottles on the beach near the Margate Pier south of Atlantic City. The 11 bottles appear to have been produced in Canada some time during the Prohibition era in the United States.March 13, 2025
Donations
CHOP gets record $125 million gift from Comcast CEO Brian Roberts to help fund new patient tower
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and his wife, Aileen, are donating $125 million to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia — the largest gift in CHOP's history — to support the construction of a new patient tower that will have more than 700 private rooms, specialty imaging services and new amenities for families.March 12, 2025
Investigations
Man wanted for allegedly killing pregnant ex-girlfriend four years ago arrested in Georgia
Justin Smith, wanted since 2021 for allegedly killing pregnant ex-girlfriend Dianna Brice in Philadelphia, was arrested in Atlanta after four years as a fugitive. Smith faces murder charges and will be extradited.March 12, 2025
Transportation
As traffic on Delaware River Bridge rises, Pa. and N.J. turnpikes weigh options to ease congestion
The Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes are considering long-term plans to rehabilitate or replace the Delaware River Bridge, which makes Interstate 95 continuous in both states. They are reviewing a series of alternatives to ease traffic over the bridge, which closed for 7 weeks in 2017 when a crack in one of its trusses was found.March 10, 2025
Education
Penn freezes hiring to brace for 'severe' impact of cuts to federal funding
The University of Pennsylvania joined a growing list of colleges to freeze hiring on Monday amid concerns about looming federal funding cuts and other policies that could disrupt their financial stability. Penn leaders said the reduction in federal support could be more severe than challenges faced during the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.March 10, 2025
Transportation
Sewer project will close Market Street ramp to I-95 South for two weeks
The Philadelphia Water Department will complete a sewer improvement project that's slated to close the Market Street ramp to I-95 South from Monday, March 24, through Sunday, April 6, PennDOT officials said. Motorists will be directed to travel southbound on Columbus Boulevard and use the I-95 South ramp at Morris Street to access the highway.Just In
- Who's John Ternus, the Penn graduate named next CEO of Apple?
- Pa. court strikes down state ban on using Medicaid for abortions
- These Philly bars are offering Flyers-themed drink specials for the playoffs
- Sixers own No. 22 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft via Jared McCain trade after winning tiebreaker
- Mann Center concertgoers have to pay for parking again starting next month
- Full injury reports for Sixers-Celtics Game 2 on Tuesday
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