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 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 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
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.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 19, 2022
Eagles
Former Eagles LeSean McCoy, Asante Samuel recall downfall of Nnamdi Asomugha in Philly
Former Philadelphia Eagles LeSean McCoy and Asante Samuel joined the "I Am Athlete" podcast with Brandon Marshall and company, where they talked about what went wrong with Nnamdi Asomugha after he signed a five-year, $60 million free agent deal with the team in 2011. McCoy remembered things looking bad for Asomugha when he got burned by tight end Brent Celek during his first practice in an Eagles uniform.July 19, 2022
Investigations
Human remains found beneath I-76 bridge at University Avenue, police say
Philadelphia police are investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains beneath the westbound Interstate 76 bridge near University Avenue and the Schuylkill Expressway, authorities said. The remains were found by a passerby on Tuesday morning and were identified only as a male of unknown age. The medical examiner was called to the scene and an investigation remains ongoing.July 19, 2022
Investigations
DNA from coffee cup at Philly airport leads to arrest in 1975 cold case murder
Lindy Sue Beichler was stabbed to death at her Manor Township apartment in December 1975, leading to a cold case investigation that has remained unsolved for 46 years. The use of DNA analysis and other forensic techniques led to the arrest this week of 68-year-old David Sinopoli, of Lancaster, who is now charged with killing Biechler. Lancaster County prosecutors worked with Parabon NanoLabs, a DNA testing group that has helped solve more than 200 cold cases around the United States in recent years.July 18, 2022
Arts & Culture
Claes Oldenberg, famed pop artist who made Philly's 'Clothespin' sculpture, dies at 93
Claes Oldenberg, the artist who made the giant steel clothespin sculpture in Philadelphia's Centre Square, has died at 93 years old. The Swedish-born artist was an influential figure in the development of pop art and become widely known for his public commissions in cities around the United States and the world. Oldenberg's other works in Philadelphia include "Split Button," a sculpture installed in 1981 at the University of Pennsylvania's Blanche Levy Park, and the "Giant Three-Way Plug" sculpture outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Just In
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- My dad is gone, I'll just keep swinging
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