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 27, 2023
Investigations
Fairmount Park rape suspect charged with three more sexual assaults, police say
Fairmount Park rape suspect Elias Diaz, 46, has been charged with three additional sexual assaults following his arrest last week, police said. Diaz allegedly raped and killed 30-year-old Rebecca Park in 2003 and sexually assaulted two other women during a six-month period at the time. Diaz also allegedly sexually assaulted a fourth woman in 2007 at Pennypack Park. He was arrested recently for a series of a machete attacks at Pennypack Park in November, enabling police to use DNA evidence to link him to the unsolved cases.December 26, 2023
Mental Health
A constant worry about being sick increases risk of death, study finds
People with hypochondriasis – a mental health condition in which people have excessive fears about falling sick – are more likely to die an early death, according to a new study from Sweden. Researchers say chronic stress may explain why they are more likely to die of conditions like heart disease, suicide and blood and lung diseases.December 26, 2023
Food & Drink
Nifty Fifty's sets opening date for new Abington restaurant
Retro diner chain Nifty Fifty's will open its newest location in Abington Township in early January. The restaurant at 1140 Old York Rd. will have a soft opening on Jan. 6 followed by a grand opening on Jan. 8. The restaurant is known for its neon signage, burgers, shakes and breakfast.December 26, 2023
Government
Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker names Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel as city's next managing director
Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker has tapped former Philadelphia Fire Department Commissioner Adam Thiel to be her managing director when she takes office after her inauguration on Jan. 2. Thiel has served as fire commissioner since 2016 and also was director of the city's Office of Emergency Management between 2019-2022.December 25, 2023
Music
Charles Barkley sings horrendous karaoke rendition of 'Frosty the Snowman'
Charles Barkley sang a terrible karaoke version of "Frosty the Snowman" on the "Steam Room" podcast, joined by Ernie fellow NBA analyst Ernie Johnson. Barkley has a history of bad singing, including a March Madness commercial in which he once sang "One Shining Moment."December 25, 2023
Investigations
Spirit Airlines boarded unaccompanied boy on wrong flight out of Philly airport
Spirit Airlines mistakenly put an unaccompanied 6-year-old boy on a flight out of Philadelphia International Airport to Orlando when he was supposed to be going to Fort Myers to visit his grandmother. The airline said it is conducting an internal investigation into how the mistake occurred. The boy's family drove to pick him up in Orlando, which is about 160 miles from Fort Myers.December 25, 2023
Investigations
Security guard stabbed during ugly sweater party at Chicken or the Egg in Marlton, police say
Evesham Township police are investigating the stabbing of a security guard at Chicken or the Egg, the popular bar and restaurant that opened in Marlton earlier this year. Investigators say the security guard was stabbed twice when he attempted to break up a fight during an ugly sweater party. Marcus Brown, 28, of Voorhees, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.December 21, 2023
Opioids
A new test lets doctors screen patients for risk of opioid addiction, but some fear it will provide a false sense of security
AvertD, a new genetic tests that screens for the risk of opioid addiction, has received FDA approval to assess patients who may be receive short-term opioid prescriptions to manage acute pain after injuries or surgeries. But some doctors fear it will provide a false sense of security or prevent non-opioids from being prescribed.December 21, 2023
Development
Studies on impact of 76ers arena proposal won't be released until next year
The independent studies evaluating the Philadelphia 76ers proposed new arena will not be released until 2024. The reports on economic and communities impacts of the Market Street proposal were expected to be made public before the end of this year. The studies were commissioned in April and got underway during the summer.December 20, 2023
Development
Design chosen for Chinatown Stitch project would construct two caps above Vine Street Expressway
Philadelphia has selected a preferred design for the Chinatown Stitch, a project that aims to build two caps above the Vine Street Expressway that divided the neighborhood when it was built in the 1960s. The first cap would span the full block between 10th Street and a point midway between 11th and 12th streets. A second cap would later be built between 12th and 13th streets. City leaders are seeking federal funding for the project, which they hope begin building in 2027.Just In
- Joel Embiid questionable for Sixers-Bulls on Friday; three players still dealing with illness
- Philly said bon voyage to the SS United States in 2025
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- Eagles-Bills Week 17 injury report, with analysis
- Bill to bring whole milk back as school lunch option awaits Trump's signature
- Pennsylvania, New Jersey join lawsuit against federal rules restricting gender-affirming care for minors
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