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

June 28, 2023

Celebrities

Jason Kelce chugs 30-ounce beer in 5.7 seconds for charity

by Michael Tanenbaum

Jason Kelce chugged a 30-ounce mug of beer on Wednesday morning to start an activity-filled day in Sea Isle City, where the Eagles legend is holding his third annual fundraiser for the Eagles Autism Foundation. He'll be guest bartending at Ocean Drive from 4-8 p.m. Kelce is joined by his younger brother, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, for a new Beer Bowl competition sponsored by their hit podcast "New Heights."

June 27, 2023

Adult Health

Vigorous exercise may increase stroke risk in people with blocked arteries

by Michael Tanenbaum

People with carotid artery stenosis — a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the brain — could have a higher risk of a stroke as a result of intense exercise that raises the heart rate. A new study using computational models suggests that a rapid heart rate could compromise the arteries of people with moderate blockage. Those with no blockage or only mild blockage do not face the same risks and are more likely to benefit from vigorous exercise. The study points to the need for more careful consideration of a healthy exercise regimen for those who have advanced stenosis.

June 27, 2023

Investigations

Death penalty to be sought for Bryan Kohberger, the Pa. man charged in University of Idaho killings

by Michael Tanenbaum

Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, may face the death penalty. Prosecutors allege the case meets the state's standards for capital punishment. The trial is set to begin in October. Kohberger, 28, was arrested at his parents' home in the Poconos after he drove home from Washington with his father.

June 26, 2023

Odd News

Jersey Devil statue stolen from outside Ocean County restaurant, owners say

by Michael Tanenbaum

The owners of Lucille's Luncheonette, a popular restaurant on Route 539 in Ocean County, just outside Barnegat, say a thief stole their Jersey Devil statue from the lot outside the business on Friday night. The restaurant has turned surveillance video over to police to help identify the thief. Fortunately for Lucille's, the creator of the Jersey Devil statue has offered to work on a commissioned replacement.

June 26, 2023

Celebrities

Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds among group investing in Formula One team Alpine

by Michael Tanenbaum

An investment group that includes actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Michael B. Jordan is now backing the Alpine Formula One racing team in France, owned by the Renault Group. The roughly $218 million investment from Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners and Reynolds' Maximum Effort Investments amounts to a 24% equity stake in the team led by drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon. Alpine F1 ranks fifth in the constructors' championship behind Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari teams

June 22, 2023

Marijuana

Pa. lawmakers propose allowing medical marijuana edibles, expanding doctors' prescribing guidelines

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania lawmakers have proposed a package of bills to liberalize the state's medical marijuana program. One of the bills approved by the Senate Law & Justice Committee would permit the production and sale of edibles including gummies, candies, cookies and brownies. Another bill would eliminate the need for patients to pay annual ID renewal fees. Doctors also would be allowed to prescribe medical marijuana for any condition, rather than just the current 24 qualifying conditions.

June 22, 2023

Courts

Drunk driver gets 12 years in prison for crash that killed South Jersey restaurant owner

by Michael Tanenbaum

Desmond Newberry, 45, of Marlton, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for a drunk-driving crash that killed the owner of Mount Laurel Italian restaurant Cucina Carini in September 2021. Glenn Keen, the 52-year-old restaurant owner, was pulling out of the parking lot of his business when he was struck by Newberry's BMW, which was traveling 126 mph, prosecutors said. Newberry had blood alcohol level of 0.256%, more than three times the legal limit in New Jersey.

June 22, 2023

Transportation

NASCAR sends jet dryer to aid I-95 repair work in Northeast Philly as highway nears reopening

by Michael Tanenbaum

The temporary I-95 roadway built in Northeast Philly is set to open this weekend after a section of the highway collapsed two weeks ago in a truck fire near the Cottman Avenue exit. With rain in the forecast, PennDOT called in a NASCAR jet dryer to keep the new roadway dry for paving and striping. The backfilled road is the first part of a two-phase plan that involves construction of a new bridge that reconnects the highway.

June 21, 2023

Investigations

Police say teens tried to light sparklers, not dynamite or illegal firecrackers, inside Fresh Grocer in East Germantown

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police now say that three teenagers, who allegedly were spotted trying light fireworks inside a Fresh Grocer on Tuesday afternoon, had actually attempted to ignite sparklers that were part of a Fourth of July display. Police had said earlier that the teens tried to light "sticks of dynamite," and then later said on Wednesday morning that the devices were M-100 and M-80 firecrackers.

June 21, 2023

Investigations

Philadelphia University grad among 5 missing on OceanGate submersible near Titanic wreck

by Michael Tanenbaum

The five people aboard the missing OceanGate Expeditions submersible Titan, which was traveling to the Titanic wreck site, include British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his 19-year-old son, Suleman. Shazada is a 2000 graduate of Philadelphia University. On Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard reported sounds detected underwater by a Canadian aircraft participating in the search and rescue mission in the north Atlantic Ocean.