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.
September 17, 2021
Odd News
Tech billionaire puts money on Eagles winning Super Bowl LVI in first sports bet from space
The first sports bets ever placed from outer space include a $4,000 wager on the long-shot Philadelphia Eagles to win Super Bowl LVI. Tech billionaire Jared Isaacson, commander of SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission, the first all-private orbit of Earth, made the bets Thursday on the BetMGM Sportsbook. The Eagles have 66-1 odds to win the Super Bowl.September 17, 2021
Odd News
Pennsylvania man returns 108-year-old beer bottles for 'deposit' from brewery
An antique collector in Northeastern Pennsylvania found a 108-year-old wooden crate and seven beer bottles from Irving Cliff Brewery in Honesdale. The collector brought them to the storied brewery to return them, even though Pennsylvania no longer has a bottle deposit, and was given $60 for the antiques. The quaint story raises questions about whether the state will ever act again on bottle deposit legislation.September 17, 2021
Investigations
Upper Darby man allegedly admits killing ex-girlfriend near Schuylkill River Trail, police say
Freddy Remigio Mendieta Pando, 23, of Upper Darby, was charged with murder and related offenses in the fatal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend, 23-year-old Karina Torres. The victim's body was found Sept. 16 near the Betzwood Trailhead of the Schuylkill River Trail in Lower Providence Township, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.September 16, 2021
Investigations
Woman found dead along Schuylkill River Trail in Montgomery County
A woman's body was found at the Betzwood Trailhead, part of the Schuylkill River Trail, on Thursday, in Lower Providence, Montgomery County. Police became aware of the woman's death after a man told police in Upper Darby, in Delaware County, that her body could be found along the trail. The man is in police custody, but no charges were immediately filed.September 16, 2021
Investigations
New Jersey woman accused of killing her two daughters in Arizona
Retta Cruse, 35, of Pleasantville, New Jersey, is charged with murder in the deaths of her two daughters at their home in Phoenix, Arizona, where the victims were found dead on Sept. 8. Investigators believe the girls died of drug overdoses. Cruse also was hospitalized with multiple apparent self-inflicted stab wounds, according to authorities, and was arrested upon her release. The father of one the girls is hoping to bring the child back to New Jersey to be buried.September 16, 2021
Investigations
Two years after disappearance of Dulce Maria Alavez, Bridgeton investigators release age progression photos
Dulce Maria Alavez remains missing two years after she was abducted from Bridgeton City Park in Cumberland County, New Jersey. The high-profile search for Alavez comes with a $75,000 reward for information that helps police find her. Authorities in Bridgeton have released an age progression photo that shows what Dulce, who would now be seven years old, might look like.September 15, 2021
Innovation
B.PHL Innovation Fest hits hybrid stride in third year, promising 'something for everyone'
The B.PHL Innovation Fest will mark its third year in Philadelphia with hybrid in-person and virtual event from Sept. 29-Oct. 1. The festival will feature nearly 90 interactive workshops and speaker sessions focused on the theme of rising through collaboration. This year's exciting list of speakers includes CNN anchor Don Lemon, Grammy Award-winning artist Eve, Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, and Villanova University basketball coach Jay Wright, who will hold a talk with writer Brad Inglesby, the mind behind HBO's hit series "Mare of Easttown."September 15, 2021
Education
Faced with bus driver shortage, Philly school district offers $300 per month to parents who drive their students
The School District of Philadelphia doubled the incentive for parents to drive students to and from school instead of taking the school bus. The program will now offer families $300 per month, or $3,000 for the school year, to take children to and from school in the morning and afternoon.September 15, 2021
Investigations
Crew member suffers serious injury on set of Kevin Hart movie in Hollywood
A 38-year-old film crew member suffered a serious injury after reportedly falling from a platform on the set of the upcoming Netflix movie "Me Time," starring Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg. The victim was taken to a nearby regional medical center in critical condition and an investigation will be conducted CAL-OSHA.September 14, 2021
Celebrities
Remembering Norm MacDonald's brutal childhood encounter with a Flyers legend
Comedian Norm McDonald, who died Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 61, shared a story on Howard Stern in 2009 about the time as a child when he asked Philadelphia Flyer Dave "The Hammer" Shultz for an autograph. Fans and comedians recalled the Canadian stand-up, who died after a long bout with cancer.Just In
- Full injury reports for Sixers-Bulls on Sunday
- Sixers vow to 'pour confidence' into struggling Joel Embiid after 0-for-9 line
- Where to recycle pumpkins and leaves in Philly this fall
- Bill Hader jokes that he had to pretend to be from Philly to guest star on 'Abbott Elementary'
- Collingswood to allow alcohol sales for the first time in 153 years after voters end its dry town status
- Democrats' election rout is poised to dramatically reorder federal health policy
- 'Outlander' star Sam Heughan to meet fans at New Jersey liquor store Nov. 12
- Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will return to City Hall with 40-plus vendors and handmade gifts
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