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.
November 10, 2021
Investigations
Two teens charged for roles in Sharon Hill shootout before police killed 8-year-old Fanta Bility
Two teenagers have been charged with murder for their roles in the chaotic shootout that led to the death of 8-year-old Fanta Bility outside a high school football stadium in Sharon Hill, Delaware County on Aug. 27, prosecutors said. Angelo “AJ” Ford, 16, and Hasein Strand, 18, allegedly initiated the incident when they engaged in a shootout nearby the Knight Park, prompting three Sharon Hill police officers to open fire. Bility was one of four bystanders struck by police gunfire. A grand jury also will determine whether the police officers were justified in their use of deadly force, or whether they should be held criminally liable for the girl's death.November 10, 2021
Media
Legendary 6ABC anchor Jim Gardner to retire at the end of 2022
6ABC anchor Jim Gardner has announced that he will retire at the end of 2022 after 45 years at the Philadelphia news station. Gardner, 73, has been the face of "Action News" for decades and a fixture in homes across the Delaware Valley. Before his retirement, Gardner will scale back his schedule to anchor only the 6 p.m. newscast. He will no longer appear on the station's 11 p.m. newscasts starting early next year.November 5, 2021
Politics
N.J. Republican Ed Durr apologizes for anti-Islamic tweet that surfaced after upset victory over Steve Sweeney
South Jersey Republican Ed Durr, who defeated Senate President Steve Sweeney in a surprise upset in Tuesday's election, issued an apology on Friday for an anti-Islamic tweet that called the religion a "cult of hate" in 2019. Durr, a 58-year-old truck driver, came under fire from Muslim groups in New Jersey, which has one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States.November 5, 2021
Lawsuits
Philly Instagram influencer sued for allegedly scamming Black-owned small businesses
Dana Chanel, a popular Philadelphia-based Instagram influencer and founder of the hair and skincare brand Curl Bible, is facing a lawsuit filed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office on behalf of consumers who claim her businesses scammed them. The lawsuit details complaints about two of Chanel's companies, Alakazam Apps and Earn Company, formerly known as Credit Exterminator.November 5, 2021
Food & Drink
New Wawa in Northeast Philly joins list of stores that sell beer
Wawa's newest Philadelphia store, located at 9101 Frankford Ave. in Torresdale, is the second in the city and the seventh in Pennsylvania to sell beer. The company held a grand opening Friday morning with free T-shirt giveaways and brought attention to its latest collaboration with 2SP Brewing Company, a Winter Reserve Mocha Latte Stout that was revealed this week alongside a $10,000 charitable donation to Philabundance to relieve hunger in the region.November 5, 2021
Lawsuits
Delco election official sues Donald Trump, others for backlash over false voter fraud claims
James Savage, the head of the Delaware County Voting Machine Office, has sued former President Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani and others in a defamation lawsuit that contends repeated false claims about voter fraud destroyed Savage's reputation, provoked death threats and negatively impacted his health. The lawsuit was filed in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court.November 4, 2021
2021 Election
97-year-old New Jersey mayor re-elected for another four years
Tinton Falls Mayor Vito Perillo, a World War II veteran, was re-elected to a second term in the North Jersey borough at the age of 97 years old. Perillo defeated three other challengers in a non-partisan election in Monmouth County and campaigned on the strength of his first term, which he began at the age of 93.November 4, 2021
Health News
Dr. Cheryl Bettigole named commissioner of Philly health department
Dr. Cheryl Bettigole has been appointed commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Bettigole has served as acting commissioner since May, when Dr. Thomas Farley resigned amid a scandal over his handling of remains from the 1985 MOVE bombing in West Philadelphia.November 4, 2021
Politics
Republican truck driver Ed Durr pulls off improbable upset over N.J. Senate President Steve Sweeney
Republican New Jersey state Senate candidate Ed Durr defeated longtime Senate President Steve Sweeney, who has held the Third District seat in South Jersey since 2004. Durr, a truck driver, was not expected to pose a serious challenge to Sweeney, a key power broker in New Jersey politics. The Logan Township resident spent less than $10,000 on his campaign.November 4, 2021
Obituaries
La Salle College High School soccer player mourned after sudden death
Blake Barklage, a senior at La Salle College High School in Montgomery County, died suddenly on Saturday night after suffering a cardiac event, the school said. Barklage, 17, had just competed in a Catholic League soccer game and was celebrating with his teammates when he collapsed. A memorial service will be held at the school on Thursday, Nov. 4.Just In
- Heroes and zeroes from Day 8 of Eagles training camp: Saquon Barkley still has slick moves
- The end is nearing for Eagles star RT Lane Johnson, and 2026 is "probably" it for him
- Kennedy, Oz contend fraud crackdown, not skyrocketing prices, led millions to leave Obamacare
- While Philly's marquee events are over, some improvements the city made for 2026 are here to stay
- Philly's parallel parking contest will showcase drivers' skills. Its organizers hope it also spurs better etiquette
- Cape May County water systems targeted in cyberattack
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