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 21, 2022
Investigations
South Jersey post office worker used job to make, sell 400 fake COVID-19 vaccine cards, prosecutors say
Lisa Hammell, 39, of Turnersville, New Jersey, allegedly sold at least 400 fake COVID-19 vaccination cards that she made at a U.S. post office in Marlton where she worked, according to federal prosecutors. Hammell is charged with health care fraud and related offenses. The scheme is one of nine separate federal cases as part of a wider crackdown on fraud and profiteering related to the coronavirus pandemic.April 21, 2022
Investigations
Two Pennsylvania state troopers under investigation for killing horse that escaped from Amish farm
Two Pennsylvania state troopers are under investigation for shooting and euthanizing a horse that escaped from an Amish farm in Chester County last December. The criminal probe is looking into whether the troopers violated animal cruelty laws. The animal was shot along U.S. Route 1 and State Road 10.April 20, 2022
Development
Sesame Place water tower, a roadside landmark since 1993, slated to be demolished
The Sesame Place water tower, along I-295 in Langhorne, looks to be headed for demolition after decades as a landmark for families approaching the amusement park. The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority reportedly have approved plans to take bids to raze the structure.April 20, 2022
Media
Philly jazz radio host Bob Perkins to retire from full-time role on WRTI-FM
Bob Perkins, legendary Jazz radio host and South Philadelphia native, will retire from his full-time position as a host on Temple University's public WRTI-FM station. Perkins' career in media spans 57 years, including 25 years at WRTI-FM. He will maintain his Sunday morning Jazz Brunch show on 90.1 FM. from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., but will no longer work weeknights beginning in June 2022.April 20, 2022
Investigations
Man arrested in theft of Hyundai, Kia cars from shipment at South Philly rail yard
Philadelphia police are investigating the mass theft of new Hyundai vehicles from a rail yard owned by freight operator CSX along Delaware Avenue in South Philadelphia. The incident appears to have happened overnight Monday into Tuesday. It was not immediately clear how many vehicles were stolen and an investigation is ongoing.April 19, 2022
Investigations
New Jersey bar linked to two fatal crashes has liquor license suspended indefinitely
HI Point Pub, a bar and restaurant in Absecon, New Jersey, has had its liquor license suspended indefinitely by the state's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Investigators said the bar has been linked to two fatal vehicle crashes, nearly ten drunk driving incidents, a brawl and other troubling incidents over the past few years.April 19, 2022
Crime
Frequency of mass shootings in Philadelphia increased after start of COVID-19 pandemic
A new Temple University-led study on gun violence in Philadelphia shows that the proportion of mass shootings in the city has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of woman and children impacted by gun violence also has gone up during this timeframe, compared to an analysis of shootings in Philadelphia prior to the onset of the pandemic.April 18, 2022
Arts & Culture
Popular 'OY/YO' sculpture to be displayed near Independence Mall for one year
A bright yellow sculpture that says "YO" and "OY," depending on the vantage point of the viewer, will come to Philadelphia's Independence Mall at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, at 5th and Market streets in Center City. The aluminum sculpture is the work of Brooklyn-based artist Deborah Kass.April 18, 2022
Entertainment
Japanese Breakfast, Yo La Tengo to play benefit concert for Connor Barwin's foundation at Dell Music Center
The Make the World Better foundation's benefit concert in 2022 will be headlined by Japanese Breakfast and Yo La Tengo, who will be supported by Cate Le Bon. The foundation, created by former Philadelphia Eagle Connor Barwin, works to revitalize Philadelphia's parks and recreation centers. This year's benefit will again be held at the Dell Music Center in Fairmount on July 23.April 18, 2022
Investigations
Fake bachelor party kidnapping leaves Pennsylvania man facing disorderly conduct charge
Christopher Guffey, 31, of Winfield, Pennsylvania, was charged with staging a fake abduction of his friend outside a Selinsgrove Walmart as part a of bachelor party prank. Pennsylvania State Police say Guffey and others put a bag over the friend's head and forcefully shoved him into a van in plain view of Walmart shoppers, who called police out of concern for the man's welfare. Only after extensive investigation did police learn the abduction was not a real emergency.Just In
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