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 3, 2022
Investigations
Theft ring preyed on people with heroin addictions to steal power tools, Montco prosecutors say
The alleged leaders of a retail theft ring, operating in Montgomery, Berks and Lehigh counties, were caught with nearly $100,000 in stolen power tools, authorities said Friday. According to police, the two alleged ring leaders preyed upon people addicted to drugs, recruiting them to steal the tools and other items from The Home Depot, Lowe's and other department store and then selling the stolen goods online.Authorities have charged Joseph A. Payea, 67, and Penelope L. McClain, 49, both of Macungie, in Lehigh County. The investigation began in September when Lower Pottsgrove police recognized a pattern of thefts at home improvement stores.June 3, 2022
2022 Election
McCormick concedes to Oz in Pa. Republican primary for U.S. Senate
Mehmet Oz is the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania and will face Democrat John Fetterman in the November election. Dave McCormick conceded the Republican primary race on Friday afternoon before the completion of a statewide recount that was set to conclude next week. Oz, the retired surgeon and TV celebrity, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, said McCormick called him Friday to congratulate him.June 3, 2022
Food & Drink
Five Iron Golf opens new Fishtown location with full-sized bar and kitchen
Five Iron Golf's new location at 27 East Allen Street in Fishtown is Philadelphia's second facility for the expanding golf simulation and training facility. The Fishtown location includes a full-sized bar and kitchen. Golfers can sign up for memberships, join competitive leagues, make one-time simulator reservations and book special events. The facility also includes private lessons and club fitting.June 2, 2022
Lawsuits
Security failures enabled fatal shooting at Jefferson Hospital, lawsuit claims
Nursing assistant Anrae James was fatally shot last October at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. His family has filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against the hospital, alleging that security failures allowed co-worker Stacey Hayes to enter the hospital heavily armed and target James based on a personal conflict between them. The family is seeking a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages.June 2, 2022
Arts & Culture
Black Thought, legendary emcee of The Roots, gets honored with mural in Olde Kensington
Tariq 'Black Thought' Trotter, the emcee of Philadelphia hip-hop legends The Roots, was at The Clay Studio in Olde Kensington to mark the unveiling of a new mural by Roberto Lugo. The mural is at 1425 N. American St. Trotter, 48, grew up in South Philly and became involved with mural arts at a young age through the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network. He now serves on the board of Mural Arts Philadelphia, led by the long-time executive director Jane Golden. The annual Roots Picnic returns to the Mann Center in Fairmount Park on June 4-5.June 2, 2022
Investigations
Former Cowboys running back Marion Barber, 38, found dead at Texas apartment
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber was found dead at an apartment in Frisco, Texas, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Barber was 38 years old. A cause of death remains under investigation. Barber spent eight seasons in the NFL, including six with the Cowboys, where he served as a power running back in the the mid- to late 2000's. Barber amassed 4,780 rushing yards and 53 rushing touchdowns during his NFL career.June 1, 2022
Development
Comcast Spectacor rethinks plans for Fusion esports arena, office tower at South Philly sports complex
Plans for an esports arena and an office complex at the stadium complex in South Philadelphia are being reconsidered by Comcast Spectacor in light of changing trends that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the company rethinks its plans, one idea is to emulate the fan experiences in cities like Toronto and Milwaukee, where Jurassic Park and the Deer District have become popular viewing areas for Raptors and Bucks fans. Comcast Spectacor is currently in the midst of a $300 million renovation of the Wells Fargo Center.June 1, 2022
Investigations
Identification of remains found at Philly's Awbury Arboretum in 2019 leads to charges against boyfriend
Keshaun Sheffield, 20, is charged with first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old Rashid Young in August 2019. Young's remains were found at the Awbury Arboretum in Philadelphia in the days after Sheffield and Young had a fight at Young's apartment in Pottstown, resulting in Young's death. For months, Sheffield pretended Young was still alive by communicating with his family member's using Young's cell phone and Facebook account. Sheffield also allegedly stole money from Young's $2 million trust fund.June 1, 2022
Investigations
Missing swimmer in Wildwood presumed to have drowned
A swimmer who went missing in Wildwood on Tuesday afternoon is presumed to have drowned, the Wildwood Fire Department said Wednesday. The identity of the missing swimmer has not been released. Search crews are now involved in a recovery operation to locate the body of the swimmer. Three other swimmers who were in distress on Tuesday afternoon were rescued. There were no lifeguards on the beach.May 31, 2022
Investigations
Eagles' Jalen Reagor mourns death of best friend, TCU teammate in Dallas car crash
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor mourned the loss of best friend and former college teammate Jeff Gladney, the Arizona Cardinals cornerback who was killed in a car crash on Memorial Day. Gladney, 25, and his girlfriend suffered fatal injuries in the crash that happened after midnight along the Woodall Rogers Freeway in Dallas. Reagor and Gladney became close friends at Texas Christian University and were both first-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.Just In
- Philadelphia Eagles 2027 draft picks
- A 50,000 gallon Dixie Cup removed from roof of shuttered Lehigh Valley factory
- Spirit Airlines, one of three carriers at Atlantic City's airport, is preparing to shut down
- Sabrina Carpenter, Madonna drop new song they debuted at Coachella
- In Crust We Trust joins Fishtown's growing pizza scene at former Vince's storefront
- Flyers-Hurricanes starts Saturday night in Carolina for Game 1
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