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 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
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
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 3, 2023
Opioids
Fatal overdoses reached another all-time high in Philadelphia last year
Philadelphia recorded 1,413 deaths from unintentional drug overdoses in 2022. That's highest number on record and an 11% increase over the previous year. The biggest increases in deaths came among Black and Hispanic people, and the fatal overdoses are increasingly happening when fentanyl is mixed with stimulants like cocaine.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
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.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 2, 2023
Investigations
Journalist Josh Kruger fatally shot inside his Point Breeze home
Josh Kruger, a Philadelphia journalist and LGBTQ advocate, was shot and killed at his home in the Point Breeze neighborhood early Monday by a person who entered the residence. Kruger, 39, was shot seven times in the chest and abdomen.September 29, 2023
Lawsuits
Sharon Hill reaches $11 million settlement with family of Fanta Bility, the 8-year-old killed by police in 2021
The family of Fanta Bility has reached an $11 million settlement with Sharon Hill in a federal lawsuit filed after the 8-year-old girl was fatally shot by police in August 2021. Three others were injured when police opened fire after an Academy Park High School football game. The officers previously pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment charges and were each sentenced to five years of probation.September 29, 2023
Technology
Privacy advocates say the Phillies' facial recognition entrance puts their fans' data at risk
Protesters at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday night cautioned against using the facial recognition entrance, which the Phillies and MLB debuted in August. The opt-in ticketing system lets fans enter the ballpark by uploading selfies to the league's ticketing app, enabling them to pass through scanners. Privacy advocates say the technology puts people's safety and data at risk.Just In
- Julian McCullough jokes about his Philly roots and rat birth control on 'The Tonight Show'
- Alleged 'serial sexual predator' accused of assaulting women at haunted hayride and Five Below
- Federal election monitors to be sent to Philadelphia polling places for midterms
- Previewing Sixers-Pacers: Is Tyrese Haliburton back?
- Food pantry burns down at South Philly Community Fridge in Point Breeze
- NFC Hierarchy/Obituary: Week 8 edition
- South Jersey fossil museum to host Halloween party with edible bugs and tarot readings Oct. 30
- Gluten-free food expo with 100-plus booths coming to New Jersey Nov. 7-8
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