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.
March 8, 2023
Wildlife
Philadelphia Zoo mourns death of 24-year-old zebra
The Philadelphia Zoo announced that 24-year-old Burchell's zebra Laura died this week at 24 years old. Laura came to the Philadelphia Zoo from the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas with her half-sister, Susie, in 2000. In the wild, Burchell's zebras typically live between 9-20 years. In captivity, they can live between 20-30 years.March 8, 2023
Infrastructure
Philly to explore capping Vine Street Expressway with intent of making Chinatown whole again
Philadelphia is eyeing a plan to build a cap over the Vine Street Expressway in Chinatown. The intent is to reconnect the two parts of the neighborhood divided by Interstate 676, which sits below ground level. The project is called Chinatown Stitch. It is funded by the city, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Knight Foundation.March 8, 2023
Investigations
Bam Margera arrested for alleged domestic violence incident
Bam Margera, the former "Jackass" star, was arrested last week for allegedly kicking a woman at a home in San Diego County, authorities said. Margera, 43, is in the midst of a divorce with his wife, Nikki Boyd, who reportedly was not the woman involved in the alleged domestic abuse incident. The former MTV star and pro skateboarder has publicly struggled with substance use over the last decade and has been in and out of rehab facilities.March 7, 2023
Phillies
Phillies make progress on installation of Citizens Bank Park's massive new scoreboard
The Philadelphia Phillies will debut their massive, new 4K PhanaVision scoreboard at Citizens Bank Park for the 2023 home opener against the Cincinnati Reds on April 6. The team's new scoreboard will be 77% larger than the previous scoreboard, which was installed in 2011. The new scoreboard measures 152 feet wide by 86 feet tall and weighs 116,298 pounds. It will be supported by 190 tons of structural steel.March 7, 2023
Investigations
Eight people wanted for beating woman unconscious in Center City, police say
Philadelphia police are looking for eight people for the beating a woman on a street corner in Center City. Authorities released video of the attack and photos of the people police are seeking to identify. The assault happened around 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the intersection of 15th and Chestnut streets.March 7, 2023
Courts
Man, woman plead guilty in deadly Pat's King of Steaks shooting
Paul Berkert and Jamie Frick pleaded guilty Monday to charges stemming from the fatal shooting of 22-year-old David Padro at Pat's King of Steaks in South Philadelphia on July 22, 2021. The shooting happened after Burkert and Padro got into a parking dispute while they waited in line at the cheesesteak shop. Burkert, 37, of Reading, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and illegal possession of a firearm. Frick, 38, of Newmanstown, pleaded guilty to simple assault and reckless endangerment.March 6, 2023
Courts
Former NFL player Frank Gore ordered to pay fine in Atlantic City domestic violence case
Frank Gore. former NFL running back, is ordered to pay a fine after pleading guilty to a low-level offense stemming from the domestic violence case filed against him last summer in Atlantic City. Police said, Gore dragged a 28-year-old woman along a hallway of the 59th floor of the Havana Tower at the Tropicana Atlantic City Casino. The woman was naked at the time, investigators said.March 6, 2023
TV
A&E series 'City Confidential' to detail notorious 2017 murders in Bucks County
The high-profile murders of four young men in Solebury Township, Bucks County will be featured on an episode of the A&E Series "City Confidential" on May 25. In July 2017, the missing persons investigation put Bucks County in the national spotlight as authorities searched for the men, who were found murdered and buried on a farm belonging to the family of confessed killer Cosmo DiNardo. Sean Kratz, DiNardo's cousin, was also involved in the murders. Both men are serving life sentences.March 3, 2023
Social Media
Block of Market Street in Center City gets unofficially renamed for Matisse Thybulle
A sticker put on a Market Street sign in Philly unofficially changed Market Street to Matisse Street, named for former 76ers player Mattisse Thybulle. The sign was changed near 22nd Street. Before being traded to the Portland Trailblazers, Thybulle's jersey number was 22.March 3, 2023
TV
QVC hosts Carolyn Gracie, Dan Hughes among 400 laid off by network's parent company
Longtime QVC hosts Carolyn Grace and Dan Hughes were among about 400 people laid off by the TV network's West Chester-based parent company, Qurate Retail Group. Gracie said she setting up new Facebook and Instagram channels to remain connected with her audience. Hughes said fans can follow him on his public Facebook page.Just In
- 'Long Bright River' author is working on her next novel, but don't ask her about it
- New Jersey residents with criminal convictions now can serve as jurors
- These local movie theaters are giving out free popcorn on Jan. 19
- City hopes 2026 will be turning point for LOVE Park's vacant 'flying saucer'
- Game ball, three stars, and snap count analysis: Wild Card Round, Eagles vs. 49ers
- Joel Embiid, Paul George questionable for Sixers-Raptors on Monday after missing front end of back-to-back
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