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 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 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.

October 4, 2023

Investigations

Philly police identify person of interest in fatal shooting of journalist Josh Kruger

Philadelphia police have identified a person of interest in the fatal shooting of journalist Josh Kruger, who was killed at his home in Point Breeze on Monday morning. Kruger, 39, was shot seven times by a suspected intruder who entered his home. He was an award-winning journalist who also had worked as a spokesperson for the city's Office of Homeless Services.

October 4, 2023

Prevention

The CDC is no longer distributing COVID-19 vaccination cards

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will no longer provide COVID-19 vaccination cards. The cards are not required to get new COVID-19 booster shots at major pharmacies in the U.S. People who want copies of their vaccination records can contact their state health department's immunization information system.

October 4, 2023

Food & Drink

Edgar Allan Poe speakeasy to bring themed cocktails, storytelling to Northern Liberties

The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy will be in Philadelphia between Oct. 12-15. The famed author lived in Philadelphia between 1838-1844, writing some of his most recognized stories and poems in his adopted city. Tickets to the event at Craft Hall in Northern Liberties are $55 per person and include four cocktails themed around the author's work.

October 4, 2023

Recreation

City breaks ground on 10-acre waterfront park in Bridesburg

Philadelphia officials broke ground Tuesday on a 10-acre park on the Delaware River waterfront in Bridesburg. The project will form park of the Riverfront North Greenway, a series of eight parks that run from Port Richmond to Torresdale in the Northeast. The first phase of the new park is expected to open in early 2025.

October 3, 2023

Lawsuits

New Jersey woman sues Tinder for allegedly letting scammers use her photos

A New Jersey woman has sued the dating app Tinder, alleging that her photos were used by scammers to create fake profiles. The class action lawsuits contends that Tinder's photo verification process is unreliable and allows stolen photos to be verified on the app, putting the safety and personal data of users at risk.

October 3, 2023

Investigations

Motorcyclist wanted for smashing car's back windshield, pointing gun at driver near City Hall

A motorcyclist wanted for smashing a woman's rear windshield and pointing a gun at her has been identified by Philadelphia police, authorities said. The incident outside City Hall was caught on video and went viral. The woman's two children and girlfriend were in the car at the time of the incident. The suspect's name was not released and he has not been arrested at this time, police said.

October 3, 2023

Investigations

Pat Pespas, star in HBO's 'Telemarketers' series, reported missing in Pennsylvania

Pat Pespas, one of the stars of the HBO docuseries 'Telemarketers,' has been reported missing in Pennsylvania. He was last seen by loved ones in Easton, police said. In 'Telemarketers,' Pespas, 54, plays a prominent role in highlighting the scams perpetrated by Civic Development Group, a call center operator that was shut down by the Federal Trade Commission in 2010.

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