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 3, 2023
TV
QVC hosts Carolyn Gracie, Dan Hughes among 400 laid off by network's parent company
Longtime QVC hosts Carolyn Grace and Dan Hughes were among about 400 people laid off by the TV network's West Chester-based parent company, Qurate Retail Group. Gracie said she setting up new Facebook and Instagram channels to remain connected with her audience. Hughes said fans can follow him on his public Facebook page.March 3, 2023
Social Media
Block of Market Street in Center City gets unofficially renamed for Matisse Thybulle
A sticker put on a Market Street sign in Philly unofficially changed Market Street to Matisse Street, named for former 76ers player Mattisse Thybulle. The sign was changed near 22nd Street. Before being traded to the Portland Trailblazers, Thybulle's jersey number was 22.March 3, 2023
Media
NBC10 hires Fred Shropshire to replace Jim Rosenfield as weekday evening anchor
NBC10 has hired Fred Shropshire as a new co-anchor for the station's weekday evening newscasts. He will fill some of the newscasts formerly co-anchored by Jim Rosenfield, who left the station at the beginning of the year. Shropshire has worked at WCNC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina and held TV news roles in Illinois and Texas. He will make his debut Monday, June 26, 2023. Jacqueline London co-anchors NBC10's evening newscasts.March 3, 2023
Investigations
Coworker charged with kidnapping, killing missing Sellersville man
Michael Stark, 49, of Royersford, has been charged with homicide, kidnapping and related offenses in the disappearance of 50-year-old Matthew Branning. Stark and Branning were coworkers at a small parts manufacturer, Encholor, Inc., in Bucks County. Branning went missing on Oct. 15, 2021 and his body was never found. Bucks County prosecutors allege Stark kidnapped Branning from their workplace and killed him before fleeing the state.March 2, 2023
Courts
Driver who fatally struck Lower Merion firefighter on I-76 sentenced to prison
Jacquelyn Walker, the driver who struck a group of first responders on I-76 in July 2021, killing 58-year-old Thomas Royds, was sentenced Thursday to 12 to 24 years in prison. Walker, 64, pleaded guilty last fall to third-degree murder, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. Royds, a firefighter with the Belmont Hills Fire Co., was among a group of first responders at the scene of an earlier DUI crash. Walker's Jeep Grand Cherokee slammed into them along the right shoulder of the highway between the Conshohocken and Gladwyne exits.March 2, 2023
Food & Drink
Love & Honey Fried Chicken plans to open new franchise locations
Love & Honey Fried Chicken, the southern style takeout concept in Northern Liberties, announced plans this week to begin a franchising effort that could bring six new locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The restaurant was founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife Todd and Laura Lyons. They serve fried chicken tenders, wings and sandwiches, along with biscuits, tater tots and sauces made from scratch.March 1, 2023
Addiction
FDA moves to restrict importation of xylazine, the animal tranquilizer exacerbating Philly's fentanyl crisis
Xyazine, the animal tranquilizer combined with fentanyl to make tranq dope, will be more tightly restricted by the FDA. Tranq dope, which has become common in Philadelphia's illegal opioid market, results in serious overdose complications and painful skin wounds.March 1, 2023
Transportation
SEPTA to purchase 10 fuel cell electric buses as it pursues a zero-emission fleet
SEPTA will purchase 10 electric, hydrogen fuel cell buses that produce no tailpipe emissions. The new buses will part of an experimental program in 2024 that will operate out of the Midvale depot in North Philadelphia, SEPTA's busiest bus hub. Currently, 90% of SEPTA's buses are diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. The new fuel cell buses will come from New Flyer of America at a cost of $17.05 million.March 1, 2023
Entertainment
Six Flags to enhance Hurricane Harbor with more water slides, tree house for young kids
When Six Flags Hurricane Harbor opens for the 2023 season on May 20, the New Jersey amusement park in Jackson Township will debut seven new water slides and a play area called Splash Island intended for younger and smaller children under 42 inches tall.February 28, 2023
Food & Drink
Rocco's Italian Sausage, a cult favorite at Home Depot stores in Philly, to expand in Bucks County
Rocco's Italian Sausage & Cheesesteak stands have been in the parking lots of Home Depot stores in Philadelphia for years. Now the unique business is expanding to Home Depot locations in Bucks County, including a newly opened location in Souderton and another one upcoming in Fairless Hills. The business originated in New York City before arriving in Philadelphia in 2006.Just In
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