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.
August 8, 2022
Protests
Tent encampment at University City Townhomes dismantled amid protest
The Philadelphia Sheriff's Office dismantled an encampment outside the University City Townhomes in West Philadelphia, where protesters set up shop last month to oppose the sale of the long-term affordable housing complex. Developer IBID Associates last year declined to renew its federal contract for subsidized housing at the 70-unit facility, which it hopes to sell for redevelopment. Housing advocates have pushed back against what they believe is another instance of displacement of predominantly Black and Latino residents in Philadelphia.August 8, 2022
Investigations
Pennsylvania defense attorney paid clients for sex, prosecutors say
Corey Kolcharno, a defense attorney and former prosecutor in Lackawanna County, faces criminal charges for allegedly collecting nude photos from his clients and paying them for sex while representing them, according to prosecutors. An investigation by Pennsylvania State Police and the Attorney General's Office alleges Kolcharno targeted vulnerable women who struggling with addiction, financial hardship and a history of sexual abuse.August 8, 2022
Health News
Chestnut Hill Hospital to be sold to Temple Health, Redeemer and PCOM
Temple Health, Redeemer Health and PCOM have formed a consortium to buy Chestnut Hill Hospital from Tower Health, the latest sale announced by the Reading-based hospital system. The 148-bed teaching hospital in Northwest Philadelphia was founded in 1903. The pending deal comes a month after Tower Health completed the sale of Jennersville Hospital in Chester County to ChristianaCare for $8 million.August 4, 2022
Wildlife
New Jersey fisherman catches 7-foot-long sand tiger shark at Sea Isle City beach
New Jersey fisherman PJ Braun caught a seven-foot-long sand tiger shark last week at a beach in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. The catch came after another sand tiger shark washed ashore in Longport and was found by people walking along the beach near 12th street. The federally protected species, which is not a threat to humans, isn't supposed to be targeted by anglers.August 4, 2022
Food & Drink
Milk Jawn to give out free ice cream for opening of East Passyunk storefront
Philadelphia-based ice cream brand Milk Jawn is opening its first store front at 1439 E. Passyunk Ave. at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5. The first 100 people to show up will get a free cup of ice cream. The business was created by founder Amy Wilson as hobby out of her home in 2012. Together with partners Ryan Miller and Cathryn Sanderson, the company formally launched as a delivery-only service in 2020, with pop-up events and partnerships with some retailers that carry the ice cream.August 4, 2022
Environment
Eagles, Bellwether District join city's push for litter cleanups with community investment program
The Philadelphia Eagles and The Bellwether District are partnering on a cleanup program that will fund neighborhood efforts to clear litter. Every time the team scores a touchdown, a location in the city will be chosen for a cleanup event. The initiative joins several others in the city that aim to address Philadelphia's litter and illegal dumping problem.August 3, 2022
Celebrities
Phillies' Noah Syndergaard gets the Chase Utley love letter from Rob McElhenney
After the Philadelphia Phillies traded for Noah Syndergaard at the MLB trade deadline, the team's new starting pitcher took to Twitter to connect with The Gang from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Series co-creator Rob McElhenney responded to Syndergaard's gesture with the same words he wrote in the show's famed love letter to former Phillies star Chase Utley.August 3, 2022
Protests
Sharon Hill protesters demand full report on police shooting of Fanta Bility
Protesters in Sharon Hill on Tuesday demanded transparency from the borough's investigation of the police shooting that killed 8-year-old Fanta Bility last August. The girl was among several people struck by police gunfire after attending an Academy Park High School football game. Three officers have been charged. The Sharon Hill Borough Council released a heavily redacted report last week that did not make public the investigation's findings and recommendations on the police department's use of force policies.August 3, 2022
Investigations
Shippensburg woman, missing since February, found dead in Florida
The remains of Jasmine Forbes, a Shippensburg woman who had been missing since February, were found this week at a property in Pasco County, Florida. Forbes, 31, fled Pennsylvania on Feb. 23 after her home was set on fire and two men she lived with were killed. Investigators suspected she was in danger. Larry Burns, 59, and a relative, Cordaryl Burns, 32, both were charged in March with homicide and arson. Authorities believe Forbes was murdered in Florida, but no arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.August 2, 2022
Investigations
Remains of Revolutionary War soldiers found in mass grave at South Jersey battlefield
The skeletal remains of Hessian soldiers who fought alongside the British during the American Revolutionary War were found in a mass grave at Red Bank Battlefield National Park in Gloucester County. Rowan University researchers said the remains came from as many as 14 soldiers who died during the Battle of Red Bank in Oct. 1777, one of the worst defeats suffered by Hessian forces during the war.Just In
- Cheltenham School District superintendent resigns in fallout from football team's hazing scandal
- Upcoming PBS docuseries, 'Bucks County, USA,' to examine suburbs' political division
- Man accused of setting fire to Northeast Philly mosque to face federal charges
- Cape May County water systems targeted in cyberattack
- How Elijah Moore turned a camp mistake into better opportunity with the Eagles
- Checking in on Phillies' playoff chances with 46 games to go
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