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

May 25, 2023

Investigations

Bucks County man charged with killing 4-month-old son

Tyler Sullivan, 30, of Bristol Borough, is charged with homicide and aggravated assault in the death of his 4-month-old son, Bucks County prosecutors said. Police responded to Sullivan's home on Wednesday night for a report that the baby was not breathing. The infant was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. Investigators allege Sullivan violently shook the baby at least twice on Wednesday and at least six other times over the last six weeks. The baby was found with injuries throughout his body, prosecutors said.

May 25, 2023

TV

76ers 2001 Finals run chronicled in new NBA TV documentary 'Everything but the Chip'

The Philadelphia 76ers' magical run to the NBA Finals in 2001 remains one of the most memorable and treasured seasons in the team's history. A new NBA TV documentary, "Everything But the Chip," will chronicle the Sixers' season that year, including the friction between MVP Allen Iverson and head coach Larry Brown, the trade that brought Dikembe Mutombo to Philly, the exhilarating playoff run and the disappointment of the 4-1 series loss to Shaquille O'Neil, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

May 24, 2023

Transportation

Wildwood, Ocean City to resume jitney shuttle services this summer

Wildwood and Ocean City are resuming their jitney shuttle services beginning Memorial Day Weekend to provide more access to their boardwalks, beaches and other parts of the Jersey Shore towns. Schedules for both towns will expand as the summer progresses. Wildwood's shuttle costs $3 for a one-way ride, with children under 4 allowed to ride for free. Ocean City's shuttle costs $2 for a one-way ride, with children under 5 allowed to ride for free.

May 24, 2023

Wildlife

Two children injured by bear in northern Pennsylvania, officials say

Two children were injured Monday when they were attacked by a black bear attack in Wright Township, Pennsylvania, authorities said. The kids, ages five and 14 months, were playing in their driveway at the time of the attack. They were treated for bites and scratches at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, and they have since been released. Bear attacks are considered rare. Few details about Monday's incident are available and it's unclear what may have provoked the bear.

May 24, 2023

Wildlife

Pennsylvania biologists believe a thought-to-be-extinct bird still lives

Researchers at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh have published a peer-reviewed study containing photos, audio recordings and drone videos that they contend proves the continued survival of the ivory-billed woodpecker in Louisiana. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has argued that the species is extinct and sought to remove it from the federal list of endangered species. A final decision from the government has been delayed in order to allow biologists to present evidence.

May 23, 2023

Movies

Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner seeks actress to play her in 'Crying In H Mart' movie

Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner is searching for an actress to play herself in the upcoming film adaptation of 'Crying In H Mart,' the best-selling memoir she wrote about her childhood and the grief she experienced after her mother's death from cancer. Zauner posted an open casting call for a Korean American woman between 18- to 25-years old. The movie, written by Zauner, will be directed by 'The White Lotus' star Will Sharpe.

May 23, 2023

Investigations

Man accidentally shoots himself at Wildwood Crest motel, police say

A Frackville, Pennsylvania man is facing charges after he accidentally shot himself in the leg at a motel in Wildwood Crest last Thursday, May 18, authorities said. Alexander Wiederhold, 30, was with a child at the time of the shooting. The child was unharmed. The gun allegedly fired while Wiederhold was carrying bags into his room. The owner of the gun, Sabrina Sweed, 29, also of Frackville, also faces charges for possessing a high capacity magazine and hollow point bullets. Neither Wiederhold nor Sweed had a concealed carry permit, police said.

May 23, 2023

Children's Health

Social media is a driver of youth mental health crisis, U.S. surgeon general warns

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory Tuesday on the harmful effects of social media on children and adolescents. The report highlights statistics on depression, anxiety and other mental health problems that research has associated with negative impacts of social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. The report calls on stakeholders to work together to address a crisis that has exposed young people to dangers that society does not yet fully understand.

May 22, 2023

2023 Election

Cindy Bass narrowly wins Democratic primary in City Council's 8th District

Philadelphia City Councilmember Cindy Bass, a three-term incumbent in Northwest Philly's 8th District, has won the Democratic primary against challenger Seth Anderson-Oberman, according to the Associated Press. Bass held a margin of just over 400 votes with about 95% of the vote counted. The district covers neighborhoods including Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown, Nicetown-Tioga and Wissahickon. The 8th District race was the closest Democratic primary contest in 2023.

May 22, 2023

Holidays

Chickie's & Pete's to pay tolls for Jersey Shore travelers this Friday

Chickie's & Pete's will pay for all eastbound tolls to the Jersey Shore on the Atlantic City Expressway, beginning at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza exit, from 5–6 p.m. on Friday, May 26, heading into Memorial Day weekend. The "Free Toll Friday" event includes a kickoff celebration from noon–5 p.m. at the Frank S. Farley Plaza in Hammonton, at mile marker 20 on the Atlantic City Expressway. The event will have free food and activities.

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