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

October 10, 2023

Prevention

Feeling awful after getting a COVID-19 booster? That's a good sign, study says

People who get vaccinated for COVID-19 and feel symptoms like fatigue, fever, muscle pain and chills appear to have stronger and longer-lasting protection from serious coronavirus infections, according to a new study. The research suggests that side effects point to a vigorous buildup of antibodies that neutralize infections.

October 10, 2023

Film

'Kelce' is Prime Video's most-watched documentary in US

'Kelce,' the Prime Video documentary about Eagles center Jason Kelce and his family, is the streaming platform's most-watched documentary film ever in the United States. The documentary chronicles Kelce's journey to Super Bowl LVII, where he faced and ultimately lost to his brother Travis and the Kansas City Chiefs. The film also examines Kelce's relationships with his wife, Kylie, and their daughters.

October 9, 2023

Labor

SEPTA Transit Police union votes to authorize strike, joining transport workers

SEPTA's Transit Police union has voted to authorize a strike if a new contract agreement isn't reached. The Fraternal Order of Transit Police Lodge 109 represents about 175 officers. Their contract expired in March and they are seeking pay increases to improve officer retention. They're the second SEPTA union this month to authorize a strike, joining Transport Workers Union Local 234.

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 9, 2023

Investigations

Upper Moreland police fatally shoot woman who pointed gun at EMTs, cops

Upper Moreland police fatally shot a woman, 69, who pointed a gun at EMTs and officers on Sunday afternoon, Montgomery County prosecutors said. The woman to drop the weapon when police arrived on the scene and aimed the gun at officer, police said.

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

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.

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