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.
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.October 31, 2023
Investigations
Man dies from injuries in South Jersey home explosion, police say
Kevin Thomas, 45, was killed in a home explosion in Stafford Township, New Jersey on Tuesday morning. Investigators said the blast on Neptune Drive was caused by a propane leak that was exposed to an open flame. Thomas was found on his front lawn suffering from severe burn wounds and was airlifted to Temple University's Burn Center in Philadelphia, where he later died.October 30, 2023
Investigations
Robert Davis, suspect accused of killing journalist Josh Kruger, charged in separate shooting at SEPTA station
Robert Davis, the 19-year-old man who allegedly shot and killed journalist Josh Kruger, also is facing charges from a shooting that happened at SEPTA's Tasker-Morris subway station, authorities said. No one was injured in that shooting. SEPTA investigators identified Davis as a suspect after Kruger, 39, was killed at this home in Point Breeze on Oct. 2. Davis was arrested on Oct. 26.October 30, 2023
Business
Weckerly's Ice Cream, Lil Pop Shop to close in December
Weckerly's Ice Cream in Fishtown and Lil Pop Shop in West Philly will close their shops in December, their owners said. The two businesses had been partners and each carried each other's frozen treats at their respective shops. Weckerly's is set to close Dec. 23. Lil Pop Shop will close Dec. 2 but will continue a catering service in 2024.October 30, 2023
Food & Drink
Human Robot Brewing opens new taproom in South Philly
Human Robot Brewing has opened its new taproom in South Philly at 1646 S. 12th St, just off East Passyunk Avenue. The new location is the fourth outpost for the Kensington-based craft brewer, which opened in early 2020. The space in South Philly features 12 taps and a 'milk tube' that makes foam-filled beers using a special device from the Czech Republic.October 26, 2023
Development
New residential tower proposed for vacant site on Jewelers Row
Pearl Properties seeks to build a residential tower at the vacant site along Jewelers Row at Seventh and Sansom streets. The property was acquired last year from Toll Brothers, which had abandoned plans for a condo tower after demolishing five historic buildings. The new proposal calls for nearly 100 residential units and above-ground valet parking on the tower's lower levels.October 26, 2023
Development
Smokestack at Beesley's Point, for decades a landmark for travelers to the Jersey Shore, gets imploded
The smokestack at the former B.L. England power plant in Beesley's Point, New Jersey was demolished Thursday morning. Video shows the 463-foot structure collapse to the ground, completing the demolition of the facilities at the former coal and oil-burning power plant in Cape May County. The 350-acre site will be redeveloped in the coming years. The power plant was built in 1961 and was decommissioned in 2019.October 26, 2023
Social Media
An escaped pet pig named Kevin Bacon is becoming an internet sensation
A pet pig, named after actor Kevin Bacon, escaped from his barn in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on Oct. 14. Since then, the 200-pound pig's adoptive family has had a difficult time trying to capture him. Owner Chelsea Rumbaugh created a "Bring Kevin Bacon Home" Facebook page for people to follow along as the family tries to get the pig under control.October 25, 2023
Women's Health
Gaining too much weight while pregnant raises longterm risks of death from heart disease, diabetes
Pregnant women who put on too much weight are more likely to die of conditions like heart disease and diabetes than those who follow recommended guidelines, a new Penn Medicine study finds. Some weight gain during pregnancy is expected and considered healthy. How much weight women should gain during pregnancy is directly linked to their weight at the start of pregnancy.October 25, 2023
Lawsuits
Pennsylvania, New Jersey join federal lawsuit alleging Facebook, Instagram harm children's mental health
A federal lawsuit claims Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, designed its social media platforms to be addictive for children and teenagers. Forty-one states have joined lawsuits alleging Meta deliberately misled the public about the mental health dangers its products posed to young people, downplaying its own internal research in order to prioritize growth. Pennsylvania and New Jersey have joined the lawsuit.Just In
- Full injury reports for Sixers-Pacers on Wednesday
- Food pantry burns down at South Philly Community Fridge in Point Breeze
- Trailer for Terrell Owens documentary revisits receiver's driveway workout during Eagles holdout
- How to get rid of booklice, and why freezing books can help stop infestations
- From Camden's youngest city attorney to papal knight, Martin McKernan left a lasting legacy
- NFC Hierarchy/Obituary: Week 8 edition
- Gluten-free food expo with 100-plus booths coming to New Jersey Nov. 7-8
- PA Bacon Fest will bring chocolate-covered bacon, live music and piggy bank contests to Easton
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