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.
July 25, 2022
Development
West Philly apartment complex proposal includes 352 units, retail space
Alterra Property Group and JKRP Architects have proposed a six-story, 352-unit apartment complex with more than 20,000 square feet of commercial space at the southwest corner of 42nd and Market Streets in West Philadelphia. The site sits in an area that projects to see continued population growth amid the Schuylkill Yards development project in University City. The nearby neighborhoods have a history of residential displacement, which has prompted pushback from affordable housing advocates against further development.July 25, 2022
Investigations
Car crash involving Wisconsin state senator kills Pennsylvania woman, young daughter
A central Pennsylvania woman and her young daughter were killed in a car crash on July 22 in Ashland, Wisconsin, near Lake Superior in the northwest part of the state. Wisconsin state Sen. Janet Bewley had pulled out of a parking lot onto U.S. highway 2, near Lake Superior, and struck the car driven by Alyssa Ortman, 27. Ortman's car struck a third vehicle on the highway. No other serious injuries were reported.July 22, 2022
Investigations
Pennsylvania state trooper charged with animal cruelty for horse's death in Chester County
Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Michael Perillo has been charged with animal cruelty stemming from a December incident in Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, where he allegedly rammed his vehicle multiple times into a horse that had escaped from an Amish farm. The horse was then euthanized by a second trooper, who shot the injured animal on the shoulder of Route 1 as it was pinned to the pavement.July 22, 2022
Prevention
Reducing violent crime in cities also results in fewer heart disease deaths, Penn research suggests
Heart disease deaths appear to be linked to rates of violent crime in city neighborhoods, according to a study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania. An analysis of cardiovascular disease deaths and violent crime rates in Chicago from 2000 to 2014 found that as violent crime decreased, heart disease deaths also went down based on how significant the decrease in crime was in a neighborhood. The researchers say the study points to the significant health impact of the legacy of racial segregation on communities of color, which are disproportionately affected by violent crime.July 22, 2022
Social Justice
Sesame Place apologizes to Black family snubbed by Rosita mascot, pledges change
Sesame Place issued a lengthy apology on Thursday to the family of two Black girls who were snubbed by a mascot at the Bucks County theme park last Saturday. The Rosita character was seen in a viral video refusing to give high-fives to the girls, which prompted outrage and calls for the employee to be fired. Sesame Place has committed to mandatory diversity training for its employees, but has not indicated whether the employee will be fired.July 21, 2022
Transportation
Delayed by the pandemic, SEPTA marks progress in plans for double-decker Regional Rail trains
SEPTA's plans to add 45 double-decker coach cars to the Regional Rail system were delayed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed down Chinese manufacturer CRRC MA. The $138 million contract for the project was awarded in 2017. SEPTA now hopes to begin pilot testing some of the new trains in early 2023 and may introduce them into service later next year. In the meantime, SEPTA is trying to reinvent Regional Rail and restore ridership closer to its pre-pandemic baseline.July 20, 2022
Social Justice
Family's attorney wants Sesame Place mascot fired over 'intentional mistreatment' of Black girls
The family of the two Black girls who were ignored by a Sesame Place mascot last weekend has hired an attorney to investigate the incident in suburban Philadelphia. A video of the encounter with the Rosita performer went viral this week, prompting outrage against the Bucks County theme park. Attorney B'Ivory LaMarr has called on the park to fire the employee who plays Rosita and to provide a more formal apology to the family. Sesame Place has pledged to conduct bias training for its employees.July 20, 2022
TV
'Welcome to Wrexham' trailer puts Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds in soccer spotlight
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds start in the upcoming FX documentary series "Welcome to Wrexham," which chronicles the celebrity duo's purchase of the storied Welsh football club Wrexham AFC. The series, which premieres, Aug. 24, will examine how the new owners enter uncharted territory and try to win the hearts of a proud local fanbase. Wrexham AFC is the third-oldest professional football club in the world and currently plays in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.July 20, 2022
Obituaries
Former Eagles wide receiver Charles Johnson dies at 50
Former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Charles Johnson, who played for the team in 1999 and 2000, has died at 50 years old. Johnson was found dead in a hotel in the Raleigh area and had most recently been working as an assistant athletic director at Heritage High School in Wake Forest. Johnson was a first-round draft pick in 1994 and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Eagles. He also won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots in 2001.July 20, 2022
Food & Drink
Philly's Thirsty Dice owner to open Twenty One Pips game room, bar and restaurant in Ardmore
Twenty One Pips, a new bar and restaurant from the owner of Philadelphia's Thirsty Dice, will bring a vast board game collection to Ardmore beginning Friday, July 22. The 5,000-square-foot space is located at 24 Cricket Ave. and features more than 600 games in addition to two vintage skeeball machines, a 3-D Atari Pong Table and a retro arcade video game library. A pass with full access to all games at Twenty One Pips will cost $5 for two hours.Just In
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- A look ahead at an extremely busy 2026 for sports in Philadelphia
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