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 2, 2021
Development
Parking lot near Temple could become 320-unit residential project
A 320-unit apartment project is planned near Temple University at 1600 North 11th St., which is currently a surface parking lot. Development geared toward student housing has multiplied around Temple's North Philadelphia campus in recent years, but surging violence in the city and a string of recent incidents have left many students and their parents worried about safety.December 2, 2021
Investigations
PSPCA investigating fatal shooting of two cats at South Philly's Pier 80 colony
Two cats were shot to death at Pier 80 along the Delaware River waterfront in South Philadelphia, an area that is know for multiple cat shelters and colonies of strays. Caretakers at the shelter found the two cats dead on Nov. 8 and necropsies determined both cats had bullets inside them. The PSPCA is seeking help from the public to find the person responsible for shooting the cats.December 2, 2021
Courts
Former Pa. state Rep. Margo Davidson pleads guilty in theft case
Former Democratic Pennsylvania state Rep. Margo Davidson pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges that she stole state funds by filing false per diem requests, failed to report campaign finances and solicited a witness to lie during the state's investigation. Davidson, who represented the 164th District in Delaware County, resigned in July when the charges were announced. Her vacant seat was won by Democrat Gina Curry in a special election held in November.December 1, 2021
Investigations
Former Phoenixville Area School District official allegedly embezzled $90,000
Christopher Gehris, the former finance director of the Phoenixville Area School District, was charged with embezzlement for allegedly stealing $90,000 in federal funding, prosecutors said. The money was to be spent on sporting events, field trips and summer camps. Gehris, 46, could face up to 10 years behind bars.December 1, 2021
Investigations
Missing New Jersey couple found dead in Pine Barrens, police say
Gary and Lorraine Parker, of the Warren Grove section of Stafford Township, New Jersey, went missing on Nov. 17 after they were believed to have taken ATVs into the Pine Barrens. Authorities found the couple dead in a densely wooded area on Nov. 30. Investigators do not suspect foul play.December 1, 2021
Investigations
Police identify suspect wanted in fatal shooting of Temple student Samuel Collington
Philadelphia police are searching for 17-year-old Latif Williams in connection with the fatal shooting of Temple University senior Samuel Collington on Nov. 28, 2021. Collington, 21, of Delaware County, was killed during an armed robbery nearby the North Philadelphia campus after returning home from Thanksgiving break.December 1, 2021
Nature
Belmont Plateau's iconic sugar maple tree, nearly a century old, will be cut down this month
A beloved sugar maple tree at Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia's West Fairmount Park is slowly dying and will be cut down to make way for new trees next spring. The tree, estimated to be 100 years old, has offered residents a gorgeous view of the skyline and a perfect place to picnic and take photos.November 30, 2021
Investigations
Two men found dead inside box truck in Northeast Philly, police say
Two men were found dead inside a Ford box truck in Northeast Philadelphia on Monday night, according to police. The victims were discovered unresponsive inside a vehicle along the 6700 block of Bustleton Avenue, authorities said. An investigation into what caused their deaths remains ongoing.November 30, 2021
Media
FOX Sports could face FCC fine for Eagles emergency alert promo before Giants game
A hype promo that aired on FOX Sports before the Philadelphia Eagles played the New York Giants could subject the network to an FCC fine for its use of the Emergency Alert System. The FCC prohibits false and deceptive EAS transmissions, and fined ESPN earlier this year for a similar infraction in a "30 for 30" documentary about the University of Alabama. The promo also included a unregistered website URL that was hijacked by a Donald Trump supporter, who used it as a landing page for "Let's Go Brandon" propaganda.November 30, 2021
Holidays
Northern Liberties to hold first Christmas Tree lighting on Second Street
Northern Liberties will host its first Christmas tree lighting ceremony on North 2nd Street along the neighborhood's restaurant row on Nov. 30, 2021. The event will include free food and dinner specials from Figo and Anejo, as well as the debut of an outdoor patio and bar and several igloos to match the holiday spirit.Just In
- Sixers vow to 'pour confidence' into struggling Joel Embiid after 0-for-9 line
- LeBron James: 'I know I damn sure wasn't good at all' in first Cleveland trip with Sixers
- Where to recycle pumpkins and leaves in Philly this fall
- Bill Hader jokes that he had to pretend to be from Philly to guest star on 'Abbott Elementary'
- Collingswood to allow alcohol sales for the first time in 153 years after voters end its dry town status
- Democrats' election rout is poised to dramatically reorder federal health policy
- Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will return to City Hall with 40-plus vendors and handmade gifts
- Cirque du Soleil performers will put on a free show at Philly library Monday, Nov. 9
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