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.

tanenbaum@phillyvoice.com

August 3, 2023

Illness

Loss of smell no longer a common sign of COVID-19 infection, researchers find

by Michael Tanenbaum

The loss of smell was a hallmark of a COVID-19 infection during the initial stages of the coronavirus pandemic. New research shows this symptom is now far less common with the omicron variant. Researchers at VCU Health believe loss of smell may have become rare because of increased immunity caused by infection and vaccination.

August 2, 2023

Investigations

Police seek teens who vandalized West Chester Railroad locomotive

by Michael Tanenbaum

West Chester police are looking for a group of nine teens who vandalized a locomotive and other property at the West Chester Railroad in Chester County. The heritage railroad operates volunteer-run rides between West Chester and Glen Mills. Officials say the teens smashed windows on a locomotive and broke the windshield of a truck on the railroad grounds. The nonprofit is accepting donations to cover repairs. An investigations is ongoing with West Chester police.

August 2, 2023

Children's Health

What is Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, the rare rash that Mandy Moore's son has?

by Michael Tanenbaum

Actress Mandy Moore's 2-year-old son developed a rare rash called Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, which causes itchy blisters on the arms, legs, buttocks and face. The rash usually comes after a viral infection like mono and can last from 10 days to a few months. Parents are advised to take young children to a dermatologist when they have rashes, because the causes may be overlooked and some conditions may be mistaken for others.

July 31, 2023

Investigations

Upper Darby parking director allegedly stole meter money to pay for office parties, D.A. says

by Michael Tanenbaum

The director of parking enforcement in Upper Darby is charged with stealing the coins from parking meters and using them to pay for office parties and other staff expenses, the Delaware County District Attorney's Office said. Sekela Coles, 45, allegedly told her staff to convert the coins into cash and keep it in the office instead of following normal procedure. Cole also wiped out parking violations for her relatives, prosecutors said.

July 31, 2023

Investigations

Fast-food restaurant manager in Lancaster County allegedly created fake employee to get extra pay, cops say

by Michael Tanenbaum

The manager of a Wendy's in Pennsylvania is wanted for allegedly adding a fake employee to her restaurant's payroll so she could pocket an additional salary, and investigators said the scheme netted her $20,000. Linda Johnson, 35, worked at Wendy's in Manheim Township, Lancaster County.

July 28, 2023

Investigations

Canoes, fishing gear used by youth programs vandalized at FDR Park, friends group says

by Michael Tanenbaum

At FDR Park in South Philly, canoes and fishing gear used for youth programs were among the property recently damaged by people drinking at the popular South Philly recreation spot, the park's friends group said. In an Instagram post on Monday, the Friends of FDR Park described that multiple canoes were destroyed, fishing equipment was broken or stolen, and the boathouse near Meadow Lake was vandalized.

July 27, 2023

Wildlife

Baby osprey rescued off the coast of Ocean City by family in boat

by Michael Tanenbaum

A baby osprey was rescued in Ocean City on Wednesday when a family encountered the struggling bird of prey during a fishing trip. The family was able to get the bird onto the back of their boat and take it to the nearest dock to meet officials with the Humane Society of Ocean City. The species, a fish-eating bird of prey, is still considered threatened in New Jersey decades after populations were decimated by the use of pesticides like DDT. The Humane Society hopes to reunite the osprey with its family.

July 26, 2023

Investigations

SEPTA bus crashes into Center City building, injuring the driver

by Michael Tanenbaum

A SEPTA bus crashed into a building near 15th and Walnut streets in Center City on Tuesday night, leaving the bus driver with minor injuries, police said. There were no other people on the bus and no other reported injuries. The crash was the third involving a SEPTA bus in the last week. A crash on Roosevelt Boulevard on Friday killed a woman and injured 19 other people. And seven people were injured when a SEPTA bus crashed in Fishtown on Sunday.

July 26, 2023

Business

R.E.Load, the Philly messenger bag company, to close after 25 years

by Michael Tanenbaum

R.E.Load Bags, the Philadelphia company that makes custom bike messenger bags and other cycling accessories, is closing at the end of 2023. Owners Roland Burns and Ellie Lum started the company from a shared apartment in 1998. It later moved to a Northern Liberties storefront and developed a reputation for the quality of its handmade products. The business is still accepting orders ahead of the closure.

July 26, 2023

Adult Health

Smart tattoos could be the next wearable health technology

by Michael Tanenbaum

Smart tattoos are an emerging health technology that could soon be used to monitor vital signs like sun exposure, dehydration and blood sugar levels. Researchers believe body art can be harnessed as a way to equip people with wearable tracking tools that help them stay on top of health needs. Smart tattoos can use biosensors to change color in response to various factors, helping people improve performance and anticipate symptoms before they appear.