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.
May 30, 2023
Wildlife
A 522-pound great white shark swam by Ocean City over Memorial Day weekend
Shark research nonprofit OCEARCH says a juvenile great white shark named Penny was tracked off the coast of Ocean City, New Jersey on Memorial Day. The 10-foot, 3-inch long shark weighs 522 pounds, making her among the lighter sharks the researchers are tracking. Great white sharks migrate north during the summer to feed near Nova Scotia, typically to bulk up after mating season in the southern Atlantic.May 30, 2023
Arts & Culture
City will remove decades-old, board-game art installation from Thomas Paine Plaza
Philadelphia will remove the sculptures of oversized board game pieces at Thomas Paine Plaza in Center City, citing wear and tear on the art pieces and plans to redesign and renovate the park to be more like Dilworth Plaza and LOVE Park. The public art installation, called Your Move, was commissioned in 1996. As part of the upcoming renovations, a new public art installation will be commissioned for the plaza.May 30, 2023
Investigations
Upper Darby bus driver charged with duct taping 10-year-old to seat
A school bus driver in Upper Darby is facing criminal charges for allegedly duct-taping a 10-year-old boy to his seat during a ride to Hillcrest Elementary School in Drexel Hill in March, Delaware County prosecutors said. Juliet Pratt, 54, of Clifton Heights, allegedly was seen restraining the child on video from the bus's surveillance camera.May 26, 2023
Health News
Brain scans pinpoint unique responses to chronic pain, paving way for better treatments
A new study on the relationship between chronic pain and the brain found that patients have unique brain activity linked to their perceptions of pain. The first-of-its-kind research used implanted electrodes in four people with chronic pain over a period of several months. This allowed researchers to measure their brain activity during the course of their daily lives and compare the findings to their self-reported pain. The research could lead to the development implanted devices that are able to predict and disrupt pain signals in the brain.May 26, 2023
Transportation
SEPTA riders must remove ski masks following recent bus shootings
SEPTA Transit Police officers will begin telling riders to remove ski masks that conceal their identities following a pattern of crimes involving suspects who had been wearing these face coverings, officials said. People who wear face masks for health reasons, those wearing hoods and those who have religious coverings, such as hijabs, will not be affected by the policy. SEPTA said the policy is intended to deter crime and that some riders have complained of others wearing ski masks.May 26, 2023
Travel
Philly airport to double parking spaces in economy lot for summer travel
The economy lot at Philadelphia International Airport, located along the 4400 block of Island Avenue, will expand from 1,840 to 3,600 spots this summer to accommodate an expected influx of travelers. The economy lot is the cheapest parking option, with a $15 flat rate for up to 24 hours. The lot is first come, first serve and includes a free, 24/7 shuttle service to the airport terminals.May 25, 2023
Business
An Ikea pop-up store at the Cherry Hill Mall will let customers design kitchens
Ikea is opening a pop-up store at the Cherry Hill Mall where customers can plan kitchen designs. The pop-up is part of a trend for the Swedish home furnishing giant, which is experimenting with small-format stores, personalized design services and concepts dedicated to specific rooms. The store at the South Jersey mall opens May 26 and will remain through September.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 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 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.Just In
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