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 7, 2021
Transportation
Amtrak orders new trains to replace rail cars on Northeast Corridor
Amtrak has ordered 83 new Siemens Venture train cars as part of a $7.3 billion plan to upgrade its fleet on the Northeast Corridor and other service lines. The new trains are expected to speed up turnarounds and enable expanded service when they first debut in 2024. The Venture trains include on-board WiFi, individual power and USB outlets, panoramic windows and improved lighting.July 7, 2021
Accidents
New York man dies in skydiving accident in East Stroudsburg
A 35-year-old Staten Island man was killed Monday in a skydiving accident at Sky's the Limit, a facility located in East Stroudsburg, Pa. The victim, identified as Frank Kancso, was an experienced sky diver who was part of the staff at Sky's the Limit. The incident is the second fatality at the skydiving center in recent months following the death of 74-year-old New Jersey resident Edward Harney in April.July 7, 2021
Courts
Bucks County hunter gets prison for fatally shooting teen at Nockamixon State Park
Kenneth Troy Heller, 52, of Warminster, was sentenced to 7-20 years in state prison for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Jason Kutt at Nockamixon State Park in Oct. 2020. Heller was hunting at the park when he fired a shot that struck Kutt in the head near the marina. He made no attempt to render aid and tried to hide evidence of his involvement in the shooting.July 7, 2021
Investigations
Man charged in Fishtown assault on cyclist during last year's George Floyd protests
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced assault charges against a man who allegedly attacked a cyclist during a protest against racial injustice in Fishtown last June. The incident happened the height of Black Lives Matter demonstrations over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. In Fishtown, armed vigilantes had gathered to form a counterprotest claiming to protect the neighborhood and police.July 2, 2021
Social Media
After Bill Cosby's release from prison, Mickey Rourke shares frightening allegation on Instagram
Actor and former professional boxer Mickey Rourke reacted to Bill Cosby's release from prison with a disturbing story about an ex-girlfriend who said Cosby once attempted to rape her as a teenager. Rourke took to Instagram to detail his anger about the memory of the incident and his disgust that Cosby's conviction was vacated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.July 2, 2021
Wildlife
Mysterious disease killing songbirds in Philly and suburbs being investigated by Pa. Game Commission
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is investigating a mysterious illness that is sickening and killing songbirds in 27 counties across the states, including Philadelphia and some suburban counties, as well as in other regions of the U.S. A dozen species have been affected, including blue jays and American robins. Symptoms including crusty eyes and neurological problems. The public is encouraged to submit reports to the Wildlife Futures Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine.July 2, 2021
Investigations
10-year-old girl dies in accidental shooting in Southwest Philly, police say
A 10-year-old girl was killed in an accidental shooting Thursday night at a home in Southwest Philadelphia. The incident happened a week after a 10-year-old boy fatally shot himself at a home in the Nicetown-Tioga section of the city. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw lamented the preventable deaths.July 1, 2021
Wildlife
Bucks County teen treated at CHOP for venomous snake bite at High Rocks Park
Northampton resident Audrey Weir was bitten by a poisonous copperhead snake at Bucks County's High Rocks Park in Tinicum Township on June 26. The 17-year-old was given anti-venom treatments at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Copperheads are common in the United States and are among the country's most frequent source of snake bites.July 1, 2021
Investigations
Dog's body found in trash bag by sanitation worker in Northeast Philly, police say
Philadelphia police are investigating the discovery of a dog's dismembered body in a trash bag in Northeast Philadelphia on Thursday morning. The body was found by a sanitation worker around 8 a.m. on the 5700 block of Harbison Avenue. Investigators initially believed the remains to be human, but the Medical Examiner's Officer later determined that they belong to a dog.July 1, 2021
Recreation
El Toro roller coaster shut down at Six Flags Great Adventure after partial derailment
The El Toro roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey partially derailed on June 29. The state Department of Community Affairs has shut down the ride at the Jackson Township amusement park pending a review and report from the manufacturer. No one was injured in the incident, which comes two weeks after a malfunction on the Saw Mill Log Flume ride resulted in two guests being evaluated at a hospital.Just In
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