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.
January 3, 2024
Real Estate
Joel Embiid selling Society Hill penthouse for $5.5 million
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has listed his luxury condominium in Society Hill for sale at $5.5 million. The condo, which he purchased in 2018 for $3.2 million, is on the top floor of 101 Walnut St. The two-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom property covers 3,549 square feet in an open-concept design and includes a private, rooftop space with a pool, hot tub and outdoor kitchen.January 2, 2024
Government
Mayor Cherelle Parker delivers hopeful message at inauguration, says 'it's on us' to change Philly
Cherelle Parker was sworn in Tuesday as Philadelphia's 100th mayor and the first woman ever to hold the office. During a speech at The Met Philadelphia, Parker talked about the the historic significance of a Black woman leading the city and her intent to foster a new approach to government. She shared a 100-day action plan that outlines a series of steps her administration will take in the coming months to improve various facts of public life.January 2, 2024
Government
Kenyatta Johnson takes over as president of Philadelphia City Council
Kenyatta Johnson is now the president of Philadelphia City Council, making him the second most powerful government official in the city behind Mayor Cherelle Parker. Johnson is now in his fourth term representing the 2nd District in South Philly. He's replacing former Council President Darrell Clarke, who did not run for reelection in the city's 5th District after a 24-year run, including 12 years as president of the governing body.December 27, 2023
Development
Wildwood Crest will get massive resort with combination of Royal Hawaiian, Oceanview motels
Madison Resorts will combine the Royal Hawaiian Motel and the neighboring Oceanview Motel in Wildwood Crest to create a new resort with more than 200 rooms at the Jersey Shore. The combined motels will operate under the name Madison Resort Wildwood Crest, with the Royal Hawaiian renamed the Beach Tower. Both former motels are examples of the iconic doo-wop style architecture that emerged in the Jersey Shore community in the 1960s.December 27, 2023
Investigations
Fairmount Park rape suspect charged with three more sexual assaults, police say
Fairmount Park rape suspect Elias Diaz, 46, has been charged with three additional sexual assaults following his arrest last week, police said. Diaz allegedly raped and killed 30-year-old Rebecca Park in 2003 and sexually assaulted two other women during a six-month period at the time. Diaz also allegedly sexually assaulted a fourth woman in 2007 at Pennypack Park. He was arrested recently for a series of a machete attacks at Pennypack Park in November, enabling police to use DNA evidence to link him to the unsolved cases.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
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
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.Just In
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