Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Tanenbaum Headshot

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.


tanenbaum@phillyvoice.com

November 2, 2023

Music

How to preorder 'A Philly Special Christmas Special,' the Eagles' second holiday album

Vinyl copies of 'A Philly Special Christmas Special,' the follow-up to last year's hit Eagles holiday album, will be available for preorder Friday, Nov. 3 at 9 a.m. The new album, featuring 11 tracks, is again led by Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata and tons of special guests. Proceeds will support the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Children's Crisis Treatment Center. The album is available in various bundles and will ship after Thanksgiving.

November 2, 2023

Investigations

Texas man arrested in Philly, charged with killing wife at South Jersey hotel

Steven Burgess, 38, of Texas, allegedly shot and killed his wife, 30-year-old Ivy Morris, at the Days Inn in Runnemede, New Jersey early Wednesday morning, Camden County prosecutors said. He also is accused of carjacking a man at gunpoint as he fled the hotel. Burgess was arrested in Philadelphia on Wednesday and will be extradited to New Jersey.

November 1, 2023

Business

Target abandons plan to open store in University City

Target has canceled its plan to open a store in University City at the former International House, now the Mason, at 37th and Chestnut streets. The retail giant said it had reassessed the project and decided not to pursue the plan to occupy an addition to the building, which served for decades as a home and service center to foreign students. The property was purchased in 2020 and renovated into a residency with more than 400 apartments.

November 1, 2023

Politics

Tammy Murphy, New Jersey's first lady, the latest to consider challenging indicted Sen. Bob Menendez

Tammy Murphy, the wife of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, is expected to run for U.S. Senate in 2024 and challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez, who is facing federal corruption charges. Seven Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, and three Republicans already have declared their candidacies. Murphy has never held elected office and would be the first woman to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.

October 31, 2023

Investigations

Father, son killed by car that rolled down driveway in Bala Cynwyd, police say

Nathan Kobrin, 94, and his son, Sydney, 68, were killed in an accident Monday morning in Bala Cynwyd, according to Lower Merion police. Nathan Kobrin, had pulled into Sydney's driveway on Penbree Terrace and got out of his Toyota Camry when the vehicle began to roll backwards and struck both men. They were taken to Lankenau Hospital, where they died from their injuries.

October 31, 2023

Social Media

The runaway pet pig named Kevin Bacon is back home with its Gettysburg family after a 17-day ordeal

Kevin Bacon, an escaped pet pig from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was safely captured by his family Tuesday after 17 days on the run. Owner Chelsea Rumbaugh, who named the 200-pound pig after the famous actor explained how the saga came to an end and discussed her plans for the future — including making the farm open to the public with mental health programs for kids and adults.

October 31, 2023

Investigations

Man dies from injuries in South Jersey home explosion, police say

Kevin Thomas, 45, was killed in a home explosion in Stafford Township, New Jersey on Tuesday morning. Investigators said the blast on Neptune Drive was caused by a propane leak that was exposed to an open flame. Thomas was found on his front lawn suffering from severe burn wounds and was airlifted to Temple University's Burn Center in Philadelphia, where he later died.

October 30, 2023

Business

Weckerly's Ice Cream, Lil Pop Shop to close in December

Weckerly's Ice Cream in Fishtown and Lil Pop Shop in West Philly will close their shops in December, their owners said. The two businesses had been partners and each carried each other's frozen treats at their respective shops. Weckerly's is set to close Dec. 23. Lil Pop Shop will close Dec. 2 but will continue a catering service in 2024.

October 30, 2023

Food & Drink

Human Robot Brewing opens new taproom in South Philly

Human Robot Brewing has opened its new taproom in South Philly at 1646 S. 12th St, just off East Passyunk Avenue. The new location is the fourth outpost for the Kensington-based craft brewer, which opened in early 2020. The space in South Philly features 12 taps and a 'milk tube' that makes foam-filled beers using a special device from the Czech Republic.

October 30, 2023

Investigations

Robert Davis, suspect accused of killing journalist Josh Kruger, charged in separate shooting at SEPTA station

Robert Davis, the 19-year-old man who allegedly shot and killed journalist Josh Kruger, also is facing charges from a shooting that happened at SEPTA's Tasker-Morris subway station, authorities said. No one was injured in that shooting. SEPTA investigators identified Davis as a suspect after Kruger, 39, was killed at this home in Point Breeze on Oct. 2. Davis was arrested on Oct. 26.

All PhillyVoice contributors