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 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
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 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
Design chosen for Chinatown Stitch project would construct two caps above Vine Street Expressway
Philadelphia has selected a preferred design for the Chinatown Stitch, a project that aims to build two caps above the Vine Street Expressway that divided the neighborhood when it was built in the 1960s. The first cap would span the full block between 10th Street and a point midway between 11th and 12th streets. A second cap would later be built between 12th and 13th streets. City leaders are seeking federal funding for the project, which they hope begin building in 2027.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.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 19, 2023
Investigations
Philly police say suspect in recent Pennypack Park knife attacks is also the Fairmount Park rapist
Philadelphia police identified Elias Dias, 46, as the suspected Fairmount Park rapist behind a series of cold case sexual assaults and a homicide that happened between 2003-2007. Dias was arrested Monday and charged in a separate series of knife attacks that happened in November on the Pennypack Trail. Authorities say DNA evidence appears to link Dias to the 2003 killing of Rebecca Park, a 30-year-old medical student who was found dead at Fairmount Park.December 16, 2023
Labor
SEPTA reaches tentative contract agreement to end transit police union strike
SEPTA's transit police union ended its strike Saturday after reaching a tentative agreement on a new labor contract, officials said. Officers agreed to return to their patrols Saturday following the announcement of the deal, which still needs to be authorized by the SEPTA board and the membership of the Fraternal Order of Transit Police Lodge 109.December 16, 2023
Development
Rivers Casino opens boutique hotel at former PECO plant in Fishtown
The Riversuites, a new boutique hotel from Rivers Casino Philadelphia, is located inside The Battery redevelopment of the former PECO power plant on the Delaware River waterfront. The Riversuites Hotel began taking reservations this week for 62 apartment-style suites that occupy four floors of the complex, which also will have apartments, offices and event spaces. Hotel amenities include an indoor basketball court, pool table, lobby gathering spaces and co-working space.Just In
- Full injury reports for Sixers-Pacers on Wednesday
- Food pantry burns down at South Philly Community Fridge in Point Breeze
- Federal election monitors to be sent to Philadelphia polling places for midterms
- From Camden's youngest city attorney to papal knight, Martin McKernan left a lasting legacy
- PAWS to build new headquarters, pet adoption center in South Philly
- NFC Hierarchy/Obituary: Week 8 edition
- Gluten-free food expo with 100-plus booths coming to New Jersey Nov. 7-8
- PA Bacon Fest will bring chocolate-covered bacon, live music and piggy bank contests to Easton
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