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.
October 9, 2023
Odd News
Stoneman Willie, 128-year-old mummy in Reading, finally identified and buried
Stoneman Willie, a mummy in Pennsylvania whose remains had been kept on display at a Reading funeral home, was identified and buried Saturday at the Forest Hills Memorial Park cemetery. The man's real name was James Murphy. He was a prisoner who died in 1895 and was embalmed by funeral director Theodore Auman. For years, his identify remained a subject of debate and mystery.October 6, 2023
Investigations
Police search for 19-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting journalist Josh Kruger
Philadelphia police allege Robert Davis, 19, killed journalist Josh Kruger at his Point Breeze home on Monday, Oct. 2. Police said Kruger, 39, had been serving as a mentor to Davis. An arrest warrant has been issued, but police have not disclosed a motive for the shooting. Kruger was an award-winning writer and former spokesperson for the city.October 6, 2023
Development
The 76ers have turned to Kevin Hart to raise support for their arena proposal
The 76ers have called on Kevin Hart to help raise public support for their Center City arena proposal. The comedian, a diehard Sixers fan, filmed an ad that talks up the benefits of the arena. The 30-second ad has appeared on TikTok and other platforms as sponsored content. Critics say the team is using a celebrity for misdirection and that Hart may not be fully aware of the controversy surrounding the project.October 6, 2023
Investigations
Luzerne County newspaper publisher allegedly shot by man angry about caricatures of his wife, police say
The publisher of El Periodiquito, a Spanish-language newspaper in Hazelton, Luzerne County, allegedly was shot in the arm Wednesday by a man angry about caricatures that went to print. The alleged gunman, 60-year-old Victor Perez, told police he was mad about images of his wife and children, investigators said.October 5, 2023
Celebrities
On 'Preston & Steve,' Bam Margera says he's been sober for 45 days
Former 'Jackass' star Bam Margera appeared on the 'Preston & Steve' show Thursday morning to talk about his sobriety and his ongoing recovery. Margera, 44, has had a number of run-ins with the law in recent months and struggled with addiction and mental health problems. He's currently awaiting trial on charges stemming from an incident at his Chester County home in April.October 4, 2023
Food & Drink
Edgar Allan Poe speakeasy to bring themed cocktails, storytelling to Northern Liberties
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy will be in Philadelphia between Oct. 12-15. The famed author lived in Philadelphia between 1838-1844, writing some of his most recognized stories and poems in his adopted city. Tickets to the event at Craft Hall in Northern Liberties are $55 per person and include four cocktails themed around the author's work.October 4, 2023
Recreation
City breaks ground on 10-acre waterfront park in Bridesburg
Philadelphia officials broke ground Tuesday on a 10-acre park on the Delaware River waterfront in Bridesburg. The project will form park of the Riverfront North Greenway, a series of eight parks that run from Port Richmond to Torresdale in the Northeast. The first phase of the new park is expected to open in early 2025.October 4, 2023
Transportation
New Pa. license plate features state amphibian, the eastern hellbender
Pennsylvania's new license plate for the state amphibian, the eastern hellbender, benefits conservation programs. The eastern hellbender is the largest salamander species in North America. To get the plate — or any special fund license plate — motorists must fill out PennDOT's form MV-911. The full fee for the eastern hellbender plate is $41, of which $15 goes to the Wild Resource Conservation Fund.October 4, 2023
Prevention
The CDC is no longer distributing COVID-19 vaccination cards
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will no longer provide COVID-19 vaccination cards. The cards are not required to get new COVID-19 booster shots at major pharmacies in the U.S. People who want copies of their vaccination records can contact their state health department's immunization information system.October 4, 2023
Investigations
Philly police identify person of interest in fatal shooting of journalist Josh Kruger
Philadelphia police have identified a person of interest in the fatal shooting of journalist Josh Kruger, who was killed at his home in Point Breeze on Monday morning. Kruger, 39, was shot seven times by a suspected intruder who entered his home. He was an award-winning journalist who also had worked as a spokesperson for the city's Office of Homeless Services.Just In
- Instant observations: With Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined, another late-game collapse sinks Sixers in Toronto
- N.J. becomes latest state to ban cellphones in classrooms as Murphy signs bill into law
- N.J. lawmakers fast-track bills limiting cooperation with ICE after Minneapolis shooting
- Open thread replay: 49ers 23, Eagles 19
- Data centers are straining N.J.'s power grid. A bill would make them pay for it.
- At Philly's new 'Disaster University,' first responders get immersive training for mass-casualty events
Must Read
