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.
February 8, 2024
Investigations
Motorcyclist pleads guilty to smashing windshield, assaulting woman outside City Hall
Motorcyclist Cody Heron pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and weapons charges for stomping through a woman's rear windshield and pointing a gun at her during an incident outside City Hall in October 2023. Video of the encounter spread online, leading to Heron's arrest three days later.February 7, 2024
Lawsuits
Widow of Pa. state trooper sues drunk driver who killed her husband, 2 others in I-95 crash
Brittany Sisca, the widow of Pennsylvania state trooper Brandon Sisca, who was among three people killed by drunk driver Jayana Webb on I-95 in South Philly in March 2022, has sued Webb and other defendants. The lawsuit alleges Vibe Hookah Lounge, in Germantown, illegally served Webb alcohol in the hours before the deadly crash.February 7, 2024
Travel
Frontier Airlines adds flights from Philly airport to 10 more destinations
Frontier Airlines is introducing nonstop flights from Philadelphia to 10 new destinations beginning in May. They include Portland, Maine; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Indianapolis, Indiana; Columbus, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri, Pensacola, Florida; St. Louis, Missouri; Detroit, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. Fares begin at $19.February 7, 2024
Development
Boathouse Row's new lights to debut in March after a year of darkness
Boathouse Row's new lighting system will be revealed during a public ceremony on March 7, 2024. The new lighting system features 6,400 LED lights that can change color in 16 million combinations and be programmed with various effects. The historic site's lights were turned off in March 2023 so they could be replaced.February 6, 2024
Investigations
Chadds Ford man charged with illegally flying drone above AFC Championship Game in Baltimore
A Pennsylvania man is facing federal charges for allegedly flying a drone over the AFC Championship Game in Baltimore on Jan. 28. Matthew Hebert, 44, of Chadds Ford, allegedly violated a temporary flight restriction by flying the drone above M&T Bank Stadium. The incident caused a brief delay in the game between the Ravens and Chiefs.February 6, 2024
Business
Neshaminy Mall put up for sale; listing touts its possibility for redevelopment
The Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem has been listed for sale by owner Brookfield Properties. The mall was built in 1968, but has suffered the loss of anchor tenants Macy's and Sears in recent years. A listing from commercial real estate agent JLL touts the mall's location as a coveted suburban site that can be redeveloped and repurposed.February 6, 2024
Investigations
Mütter Museum receives unusual package with jars containing two preserved fetuses, police say
An anonymous package opened by staff the Mütter Museum on Tuesday morning contained a pair of glass jars with two preserved fetuses, Philadelphia police and museum officials said. Authorities did not immediately confirm whether the fetuses were human. They were turned over to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office for further investigation, police said.February 5, 2024
Environment
Part of Cape May Co. beach, legendarily haunted and a haven for nudists, closes for ecological work
A portion of Cape May County's Higbee Beach Wildlife Protection Area will be closed until 2026 for a $37.5 million ecological restoration project led by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Higbee Beach, on the Delaware Bay and known for its wildlife, is popular among bird watchers, hikers and sunbathers. It also has tales of ghosts. About 428 of the preserve will be closed until December 2026.February 5, 2024
Education
Penn lecturer's political cartoons about Israel condemned by university president as 'antisemitic'
University of Pennsylvania interim President J. Larry Jameson condemned recent political cartoons drawn by lecturer and artist Dwayne Booth, aka Mr. Fish, who has published images critical of Israel's war in Gaza. Jameson called Booth's work 'reprehensible' and 'antisemitic' as the Ivy League school continues to navigate turmoil on its campus and concerns about safety for Jewish students. Booth said his art is being misinterpreted.February 2, 2024
Parenting
Strong parental support lowers the depression risk of young adults, study finds
Young adults who receive ongoing parental support are less likely to have depression than those who lack sustained involvement from their mothers and fathers, according to new research out of Penn State University. The study found this to be true even if the children have moved out of the home.Just In
- Delaware County police chief placed on leave over a work schedule dispute, lawyer says
- New dietary guidelines call for eating more meat and full-fat dairy, but less sugary foods
- Surveillance footage shows suspect wanted for Roxborough High School vandalism, police say
- The Shops at Liberty Place in Center City are up for sale
- Sixers power ranking roundup: With another climb happening, who should be the fifth starter?
- My dad is gone, I'll just keep swinging
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