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.
December 26, 2023
Mental Health
A constant worry about being sick increases risk of death, study finds
People with hypochondriasis – a mental health condition in which people have excessive fears about falling sick – are more likely to die an early death, according to a new study from Sweden. Researchers say chronic stress may explain why they are more likely to die of conditions like heart disease, suicide and blood and lung diseases.December 26, 2023
Food & Drink
Nifty Fifty's sets opening date for new Abington restaurant
Retro diner chain Nifty Fifty's will open its newest location in Abington Township in early January. The restaurant at 1140 Old York Rd. will have a soft opening on Jan. 6 followed by a grand opening on Jan. 8. The restaurant is known for its neon signage, burgers, shakes and breakfast.December 26, 2023
Government
Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker names Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel as city's next managing director
Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker has tapped former Philadelphia Fire Department Commissioner Adam Thiel to be her managing director when she takes office after her inauguration on Jan. 2. Thiel has served as fire commissioner since 2016 and also was director of the city's Office of Emergency Management between 2019-2022.December 25, 2023
Music
Charles Barkley sings horrendous karaoke rendition of 'Frosty the Snowman'
Charles Barkley sang a terrible karaoke version of "Frosty the Snowman" on the "Steam Room" podcast, joined by Ernie fellow NBA analyst Ernie Johnson. Barkley has a history of bad singing, including a March Madness commercial in which he once sang "One Shining Moment."December 25, 2023
Investigations
Security guard stabbed during ugly sweater party at Chicken or the Egg in Marlton, police say
Evesham Township police are investigating the stabbing of a security guard at Chicken or the Egg, the popular bar and restaurant that opened in Marlton earlier this year. Investigators say the security guard was stabbed twice when he attempted to break up a fight during an ugly sweater party. Marcus Brown, 28, of Voorhees, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.December 25, 2023
Investigations
Spirit Airlines boarded unaccompanied boy on wrong flight out of Philly airport
Spirit Airlines mistakenly put an unaccompanied 6-year-old boy on a flight out of Philadelphia International Airport to Orlando when he was supposed to be going to Fort Myers to visit his grandmother. The airline said it is conducting an internal investigation into how the mistake occurred. The boy's family drove to pick him up in Orlando, which is about 160 miles from Fort Myers.December 21, 2023
Development
Studies on impact of 76ers arena proposal won't be released until next year
The independent studies evaluating the Philadelphia 76ers proposed new arena will not be released until 2024. The reports on economic and communities impacts of the Market Street proposal were expected to be made public before the end of this year. The studies were commissioned in April and got underway during the summer.December 21, 2023
Opioids
A new test lets doctors screen patients for risk of opioid addiction, but some fear it will provide a false sense of security
AvertD, a new genetic tests that screens for the risk of opioid addiction, has received FDA approval to assess patients who may be receive short-term opioid prescriptions to manage acute pain after injuries or surgeries. But some doctors fear it will provide a false sense of security or prevent non-opioids from being prescribed.December 20, 2023
Development
American flag mural on Northern Liberties warehouse may be repainted on another building
Plans to renovate a former warehouse in Northern Liberties could require the repainting of a prominent American flag mural that was added to the building in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The eight-story building at 500 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd. is on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. Developers want to add apartments to the property, but the costly project would require Meg Saligman's 'Our Flag Unfurled' mural to be repainted on a nearby building.December 20, 2023
Investigations
Action News' Chopper 6 helicopter crashes in South Jersey; pilot and photographer killed
Action News' Chopper 6 crashed in South Jersey late Tuesday night, killing pilot Monroe Smith and photographer Christopher Dougherty, the station in Philadelphia said. The helicopter went down around 8 p.m. in Washington Township as it was returning from an assignment at the Jersey Shore.Just In
- 15 players who make sense for the Eagles in Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Rare Kobe Bryant card sells for $3.15 million, topping recent records
- City Council expands renter protections by approving Safe Healthy Homes Act
- 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
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