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 26, 2023

Lawsuits

Pennsylvania, New Jersey join FTC's antitrust lawsuit against Amazon

An antitrust lawsuit filed against Amazon alleges the company uses illegal business strategies to maintain its monopoly power, inflate consumer prices and stifle sellers who use its platform. It was filed by the Federal Trade Commission and 17 states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, in federal court Tuesday.

September 25, 2023

Odd News

Vacuum filled with hundreds of hornets stolen from Philadelphia Bee Co. truck

A vacuum used for bee and wasp removals was stolen from the back of a Philadelphia Bee Co. truck last Thursday, owner Don Shump said. The vacuum contained hundreds of European hornets, mostly large queens, that were removed from a nest in the city. Shump posted an open letter to the thief on Facebook warning of what's in the stolen vacuum. The species is aggressive when threatened and capable of inflicting multiple stings.

September 25, 2023

Senior Health

Bruce Willis may not be aware that he has dementia, his wife says

Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in February. His wife, Emma Hemming Willis, told NBC's 'Today' that the retired actor may not be aware that he has FTD, which can have noticeable effects on communication, personality and movement. There are no known causes or medications to halt its progression.

September 25, 2023

Investigations

Collegeville man charged with fatally shooting mom, brother

Aaron Deshong, 49, of Collegeville, is charged with homicide for fatally shooting his mother and brother at their home on Sunday, Montgomery County prosecutors said. Deshong allegedly called the FBI after the shooting to report what happened at the home. Investigators recovered a pistol from the property after finding the victims dead on the kitchen floor.

September 22, 2023

Eagles

The Linc's new LED lights had the stadium glowing green during Eagles' home opener

The Philadelphia Eagles hired LED lighting specialist Sportsbeams to illuminate Lincoln Financial Field. The new LED lights debuted at the Eagles home opener against the Minnesota Vikings and bathed the field, players and fans in glowing green light.

September 22, 2023

Celebrities

Travis Kelce begs people to stop asking his brother Jason about whether he's dating Taylor Swift

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce wants people to stop asking his brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce, about whether he's dating Taylor Swift. Travis addressed the rumors on 'The Pat McAffee Show.' Jason caused a stir when he seemingly confirmed the rumors on Sportsradio 94WIP, but then said he was only joking and doesn't know anything about it.

September 22, 2023

Investigations

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, wife indicted for allegedly accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife were indicted Friday on charges that they took bribes of cash, gold and a luxury car in exchange for using his political influence to benefit three businessmen and the nation of Egypt. Menendez previously was indicted on corruption charges in 2015, but his case ended in a mistrial.

September 22, 2023

Development

Student-housing developer proposes 28-story tower near Temple University

A 28-story tower proposed on North Broad Street would add more student housing near Temple University. The project, proposed by Landmark Properties, would have commercial space and 289 units, including a mix of multifamily and group living dwellings that combine for 868 beds.

September 21, 2023

Investigations

Philly police seize vehicle from car meet video, warn they'll seize others spotted drifting, doing burnouts

Philadelphia police are cracking down on car meets, where drivers drift and do burnouts at major intersections. Authorities towed two vehicles connected to car meets that happened last weekend in South Philly at Broad Street and Washington Avenue, and in Northeast Philly at Frankford at Cottman avenues. On top of possible criminal charges, a new law could soon enable police to issue violations with fines of up to $2,000 for drivers who participate in such car meets.

September 21, 2023

Prevention

The first Lyme disease vaccine in 20 years is nearly here, and others may be on their way

Lyme disease vaccines have not been available since 2002, when Lymerix was pulled off the market in the U.S. But Pfizer and Valneva SE have a shot in late clinical trials, and Penn Medicine is among others developing new vaccines. Lyme disease cases, caused by deer ticks, have doubled in the U.S. since 2000, according to the CDC.

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