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

May 23, 2023

Investigations

Man accidentally shoots himself at Wildwood Crest motel, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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.

May 22, 2023

2023 Election

As Philly's next mayor, Cherelle Parker says struggling communities would be her top concern

by Michael Tanenbaum

Cherelle Parker, the Democratic mayoral nominee in Philadelphia, detailed her policy proposals for stop and frisk policing, year-round schooling and trash collection Monday during her first press conference since winning the primary election. She will face Republican David Oh in November's general election. Parker is poised to become the first woman elected mayor in Philly.

May 19, 2023

Media

NBC10 hires new meteorologist Justin Godynick

by Michael Tanenbaum

Meteorologist Justin Godynick will join NBC10's First Alert Weather Team on June 7. The South Jersey native will provide weather reports during the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts Wednesdays through Fridays as well as on weekend evenings. Godynick last worked at NBC-owned WBTS-TV in Boston and previously was a meteorologist for stations in the New York metropolitan area.

May 19, 2023

Development

A Center City office building will be converted into 120 apartments

by Michael Tanenbaum

An eight-story office building at 2100-12 Arch St., formerly owned by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, will be converted into a residential apartment complex with 120 units and commercial ground floor space. The adaptive reuse project is an example of the much-discussed push for residential conversions that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with remote work resulting in commercial real estate vacancies.

May 19, 2023

Food & Drink

R & S Keystone Diner in Bucks County is the latest Philly-area diner to close

by Michael Tanenbaum

The R & S Keystone Diner in Telford, Bucks County closed Thursday after a 75-year run. The original R & S Grill was on Line Lexington Road in Hatfield, Montgomery County, where it opened in 1948. It moved to its location on 4714 Bethlehem Pike in Telford in 1960. It has been run by owner JoAnn Kerr since 1981, when she took it over from her late parents.

May 18, 2023

Prevention

CDC warns of summer mpox resurgence, urges vaccination for high-risk groups

by Michael Tanenbaum

The CDC has urged high risk groups to get vaccinated against mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, to prevent another outbreak of the disease. A cluster of 21 cases was reported in Chicago this month, leading public health officials to worry about a resurgence. Vaccination is recommended for gay and bisexual men as well as transgender and nonbinary people who have had more than one sexual partner or a new STD diagnosis in the past six months.

May 18, 2023

Investigations

Camden County woman found dead near Jersey City after being reported missing on Mother's Day, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Norelis Mendoza, 32, of Lindenwold, Camden County, was found dead on the side of Route 440 in Bayonne on Wednesday, authorities said. The mother of two, who was visiting her mom in Jersey City, was reported missing on Mother's Day after she was last seen the night before. Investigators say her death is suspicious. The cause of death has not yet been released pending the outcome of an autopsy.