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 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.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
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 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.Just In
- New Jersey man charged with operating 80 illegal marijuana vending machines
- Joel Embiid listed doubtful for Sixers-Celtics on Friday; full injury reports ahead of Game 3
- Suicide deaths among young people fell after 988 lifeline debuted
- Approval of 'ICE Out' legislation shows Philly 'is not afraid' to stand up to Trump, council member says
- Parks & Rec resource center offers Philly residents free access to gardening tools, compost and mulch
- Struggling Phillies release RHP Taijuan Walker
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