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

September 28, 2021

Investigations

Grand jury to investigate whether Sharon Hill cops are criminally responsible for Fanta Bility's death

Fanta Bility was shot and killed by Sharon Hill police during a shooting outside a high school football game at Academy Park High School on Aug. 27, 2021, an initial ballistics analysis found with "near certainty." Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer has petitioned a grand jury to investigate the officers' deadly use of force.

September 28, 2021

TV

Woman charged in fatal stabbing of Pa. jeweler featured in Netflix series 'Jailbirds: New Orleans'

The Netflix series "Jailbirds: New Orleans" features Magen Hall, a Tennessee native accused of stabbing Pennsylvania jeweler Patrick Murphy to death in New Orleans in February 2019. The show, now in its second series, has drawn criticism and backlash for its portrayal of life behind bars.

September 28, 2021

Movies

John Leguizamo blasts lack of diversity on 'Super Mario Bros.' movie as Charlie Day takes Luigi baton

Actor and comedian John Leguizamo is excited about the planned reboot of "Super Mario Bros.," but said he was disappointed by a lack of diversity among the voice actors cast in the animated film slated for release in December 2022. Leguizamo played Luigi in the 1993 live-action movie "Super Mario Bros," a role that will be taken over by Charlie Day in the upcoming release from Nintendo, Universal and Illumination.

September 27, 2021

Sixers

Potential Sixers alternate jersey leaks with Spectrum-themed design for 2021

The Sixers' 2021 City Edition uniforms appear to commemorate the team's storied history at the former Spectrum in South Philadelphia, based a on a leaked photo shared by rookie Charles Bassey.

September 27, 2021

TV

Delco veteran's junk removal business lands Discovery Channel reality TV series

"Operation Hidden Treasures," a new reality TV series on the Discovery Channel, features military veterans working for JDog Junk Removal & Hauling as they complete tough jobs and find new homes for discarded items. The company was founded in the Philadelphia area by Jerry Flanagan, a U.S. Army veteran who has grown the business into 250 franchises across the United States.

September 27, 2021

Obituaries

Son of Carnegie Mellon University president dies in Monongahela River drowning

Thomas Jahanian, the 28-year-old son of Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian, died after drowning in the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, authorities said. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission spotted Jahanian after he went underwater near the 10th Street Bridge. University officials later confirmed the victim was Jahanian.

September 27, 2021

TV

Alabama's Nick Saban joining Peyton, Eli Manning for Eagles-Cowboys 'Monday Night Football' broadcast

Alabama football coach Nick Saban will join the "Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli" broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN+ for the Eagles-Cowboys game. Saban formerly coached Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver DeVonta Smith and offensive lineman Landon Dickerson at Alabama.

September 24, 2021

TV

Comcast unveils first wireless streaming device – and TVs are likely next

Comcast's new XiOne platform is the first streaming device from the Philadelphia-based cable giant, which hopes to challenge long-established competitors like Roku and Amazon Fire. Comcast also is expected to released a line of XClass TVs in partnership with Walmart and Hisense.

September 24, 2021

Food & Drink

'Top Chef' judge bringing Root & Sprig to new Penn Pavilion

Celebrity chef Tom Colicchio will open his fast-casual Root & Sprig concept at the new Penn Pavilion hospital, which is set to fully open in October. The hospital also will have a Bower Cafe, the second location from Philadelphia coffee guru Thane Wright. The Penn Pavilion, a $1.5 million expansion to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, includes 500 private patient rooms, 47 operating rooms, an ER and a hub that connects the building to other parts of the Penn Medicine campus.

September 24, 2021

Investigations

Man wanted for bathroom assault during Green Day concert at Citizen Bank Park

A man who police say assaulted a concertgoer at Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia last month is wanted by Philadelphia police. Investigators said the incident happened in a bathroom during the Aug. 20 Hella Mega Tour concert featuring Green Day, Weezer, Fall Out Boy and The Interruptors. The victim suffered facial injuries resulting from the alleged attack.

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