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

November 6, 2023

2023 Election

2023 election roundup: Brian O'Neill wins 12th term on Philadelphia City Council, statewide judicial races go to Democrats

In Tuesday's election, two district seats in Philadelphia City Council are up for grabs. Voters also will choose judges for key positions in Pennsylvania's courts.

November 6, 2023

Politics

George Norcross threatens to sue Eagles after being removed from the Linc for hanging American-Israeli flag

George Norcross III, the New Jersey political powerbroker, was ejected from Sunday's Eagles-Cowboys game at Lincoln Financial Field for draping an American-Israeli flag from a luxury box. Norcross said he is considering filing a lawsuit against the Eagles, the NFL and the security company at the stadium. Video of his removal went viral on social media.

November 3, 2023

Development

The SS United States, the ocean liner docked in South Philly, may find a new home as a Manhattan hotel

Developers want to restore the SS United States and move it to the Hudson River in Manhattan to serve as a hotel and event space. The historic ocean liner has been docked on the Delaware River waterfront in South Philly since 1996. The SS United States Conservancy is partnering with developer RXR and MCR Hotels in hopes of bringing the vessel to New York or another host city. The ship has recently faced threats of eviction from its pier.

November 3, 2023

Social Media

Drexel student who sank half-court shot to win $10,000 says 'the ball just felt right' in his hands

Drexel University student Sakirul Karim won $10,000 for making a half-court shot at a pep rally for the upcoming basketball season. Karim was swarmed by Dragons players after the ball went through the hoop. The freshman computer science major says he plans to use the winnings to pay his college tuition.

November 2, 2023

Investigations

Texas man arrested in Philly, charged with killing wife at South Jersey hotel

Steven Burgess, 38, of Texas, allegedly shot and killed his wife, 30-year-old Ivy Morris, at the Days Inn in Runnemede, New Jersey early Wednesday morning, Camden County prosecutors said. He also is accused of carjacking a man at gunpoint as he fled the hotel. Burgess was arrested in Philadelphia on Wednesday and will be extradited to New Jersey.

November 2, 2023

Music

How to preorder 'A Philly Special Christmas Special,' the Eagles' second holiday album

Vinyl copies of 'A Philly Special Christmas Special,' the follow-up to last year's hit Eagles holiday album, will be available for preorder Friday, Nov. 3 at 9 a.m. The new album, featuring 11 tracks, is again led by Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata and tons of special guests. Proceeds will support the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Children's Crisis Treatment Center. The album is available in various bundles and will ship after Thanksgiving.

November 2, 2023

Prevention

New lung cancer screening guidelines advise 5 million more people to get annual scans

The new lung cancer screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society cover about 5 million more current and former smokers in the United States. Yearly scans are now recommended even for people who quit smoking at least 15 years ago. They should begin getting scanned at age 50 and continue until age 80 – a longer range. And the length and intensity of smoking history needed to be eligible for regular screenings has been shortened.

November 1, 2023

Politics

Tammy Murphy, New Jersey's first lady, the latest to consider challenging indicted Sen. Bob Menendez

Tammy Murphy, the wife of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, is expected to run for U.S. Senate in 2024 and challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez, who is facing federal corruption charges. Seven Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, and three Republicans already have declared their candidacies. Murphy has never held elected office and would be the first woman to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.

November 1, 2023

Business

Target abandons plan to open store in University City

Target has canceled its plan to open a store in University City at the former International House, now the Mason, at 37th and Chestnut streets. The retail giant said it had reassessed the project and decided not to pursue the plan to occupy an addition to the building, which served for decades as a home and service center to foreign students. The property was purchased in 2020 and renovated into a residency with more than 400 apartments.

October 31, 2023

Investigations

Father, son killed by car that rolled down driveway in Bala Cynwyd, police say

Nathan Kobrin, 94, and his son, Sydney, 68, were killed in an accident Monday morning in Bala Cynwyd, according to Lower Merion police. Nathan Kobrin, had pulled into Sydney's driveway on Penbree Terrace and got out of his Toyota Camry when the vehicle began to roll backwards and struck both men. They were taken to Lankenau Hospital, where they died from their injuries.

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