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.
April 28, 2022
Investigations
Bouncer to be charged with third-degree murder in death of man punched outside Center City bar
Kenneth Frye, the bouncer caught on video punching a man outside a Center City bar, will be charged with third-degree murder following an investigation into the incident, according to authorities. Pope, 41, was knocked unconscious and died a week later.April 28, 2022
Health News
FDA proposes landmark ban on menthol cigarettes in effort to curb smoking
The FDA is moving forward with a proposal to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos in the United States. The measure aims to reduce the appeal of cigarettes to youth and young adults while decreasing the mortality risk of current menthol cigarette smokers. Some opponents of the measure fear it will push the market underground and create unintended law enforcement consequences for Black communities where menthol cigarettes are most popular among smokers.April 28, 2022
Media
Classic Hits 98.1, formerly Oldies 98, rebrands as BIG 98.1
Philadelphia radio station Classic Hits 98.1 has rebranded as BIG 98.1. Audacy announced the switch for WOGL on Thursday and said the station will add more music from the 1990's into its mix of classics from the 1980's. The change continues an evolution of the brand away from the Oldies 98 format that once ruled WOGL during the 1990's. The new format will keep host Sean "Coop" Tabler, but other hosts from Classic Hits 98.1 will not carry over as Audacy brings on new talent in the coming months.April 28, 2022
Courts
Republican running for Pennsylvania lieutenant governor accused of threatening wife, child and family dog
Pennsylvania lieutenant governor candidate Teddy Daniels has been barred from his home in Wayne County after his wife was granted a protection from abuse order. The woman alleged that Daniels, a far right Republican candidate, repeatedly threatened her and blamed her for negative press he had gotten. Daniels has refused to drop out of the race in response to the allegations, which prompted a welfare check by Pennsylvania State Police last weekend before a court granted two protection orders for his wife this week.April 27, 2022
Investigations
Driver charged in fatal Christmas Eve hit-and-run in Bristol
Kevin Michael Baker Jr., 20, of Bensalem, is charged in a fatal hit-and-run on Christmas Eve in Bristol Township, Bucks County prosecutors said. Baker ran over 65-year-old John Dugan on State Road just after 5 p.m. Dugan fell in the roadway on his way to a Christmas party and was accompanied by a woman who said he suffered a medical condition that caused his legs to give out. Authorities said that Baker likely would have avoided charges had he stayed at the scene, but a grand jury recommended that he be charged for his role in Dugan's death.April 27, 2022
Development
Renault Winery owners acquire 200-acre Jersey Shore golf resort with plans for renovation
Sea Oaks Golf Resort in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey has been acquired by the owners of the historic Renault Winery, who plan to renovate the 200-acre property and reopen the public golf course in June 2022. The 18-hole course was closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accountability Equity, the owner of Renault Winery Resort and Kennett Island Resort, intends to make the new LBI National Golf & Resort a wedding venue with a hotel.April 27, 2022
Investigations
Frustration mounts in SEPTA's transit police union as crime plagues system
Quintez Adams, 28, has been taken into police custody in connected with an alleged sexual assault on SEPTA's Broad Street Line on Sunday, April 24, authorities. Adams was also wanted in a separate incident of indecent exposure in Center City, police said. This weekend's incidents at SEPTA facilities included two stabbings, and two people were pushed onto the tracks at stations on the Market-Frankford Line earlier this month.April 26, 2022
TV
'The Bachelorette' films at Wildwood boardwalk for South Jersey contestant's hometown date
ABC film crews were spotted on the Wildwood boardwalk on Monday to film for the upcoming 19th season of "The Bachelorette." Co-star Rachel Recchia was on a hometown date with contestant Tyler Norris, a native of Rio Grande, Cape May County who attended Wildwood Catholic and Cabrini University. The season premiere of "the Bachelorette" is scheduled for July 11.April 26, 2022
Development
Four new bars planned for Wells Fargo Center's Club Level renovation
Comcast Spectacor unveiled details for its $50 million renovation of the Wells Fargo Center's Club Level, which will have a new open layout with four bars and a range of updated seating options. The East and West bars, along with Showplace and the Center Bar, will pay homage to the Spectrum and the history of sports and music entertainment in Philadelphia. The renovations are on track to debut in the fall of 2022.April 26, 2022
Investigations
Video shows bouncer punch man outside Center City bar, prompting homicide investigation
Philadelphia police are investigating the death of a man who was punched by a bouncer outside Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar in Center City. The man was knocked unconscious and hospitalized in critical condition. He died a week later and police are reviewing video of the April 16 incident as part of a homicide investigation. The victim was identified as 41-year-old Eric Pope, of Washington, D.C.Just In
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