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.

tanenbaum@phillyvoice.com

September 14, 2021

Investigations

Former Penn State football star Brandon Short's daughter killed in shooting

by Michael Tanenbaum

Karli Short, the daughter of former Penn State University and New York Giants linebacker Brandon Short, was fatally shot in McKeesport, Allegheny County on Sept. 13, 2021, according to investigators. Brandon Short confirmed the tragic loss of his oldest daughter on Facebook. An investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

September 14, 2021

Celebrities

Remembering Norm MacDonald's brutal childhood encounter with a Flyers legend

by Michael Tanenbaum

Comedian Norm McDonald, who died Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 61, shared a story on Howard Stern in 2009 about the time as a child when he asked Philadelphia Flyer Dave "The Hammer" Shultz for an autograph. Fans and comedians recalled the Canadian stand-up, who died after a long bout with cancer.

September 14, 2021

Jobs

Amazon to hire 4,800 workers in Philly region as part of national recruiting push

by Michael Tanenbaum

Amazon will hire 4,800 workers in the Philadelphia region as the Seattle-based e-commerce giant looks to expand its workforce in locations around the United States. Amazon plans to open five new fulfillment centers in Southeastern Pennsylvania over the course of the next year and touts its competitive wages, benefits and educational advancement opportunities to prospective workers.

September 13, 2021

Investigations

'Massive' spike in overdoses in Berks County prompts warning about dangerous batch of heroin in area

by Michael Tanenbaum

Authorities are investigating nearly 70 drug overdoses that occurred in the area of Reading and West Reading on Sept.11-12, the Berks County District Attorney's office said. Officials have linked the cases to a dangerous batch of drugs that appears to be a mix of heroin, fentanyl and xylazine, a veterinary sedative known on the street as "tranq" or "sleep cut," according to preliminary toxicology reports.

September 13, 2021

Courts

Chester County funeral home director sentenced to prison for stealing $257K from terminally-ill client

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former Chester County funeral director Kenneth Neeld, 47, was sentenced to prison for stealing more than $257,000 from a terminally ill client who had hired him to manage his estate and distribute his assets to local charities. Neeld, who founded the Neeld Family Funeral Care in Malvern, will be required to pay restitution and will forfeit his licenses.

September 13, 2021

Food & Drink

Pretzel-flavored beer? Snyder's of Hanover teams up with Captain Lawrence

by Michael Tanenbaum

Snyder's of Hanover and Captain Lawrence Brewing Company have teamed up on SnyderBier, a pair of Oktoberfest beers infused with notes of the Pennsylvania snack maker's famous pretzels. The Pretzel Märzen and Pretzel Frücht beers are available in four-packs of 16-ounce cans and can be purchased online.

September 13, 2021

Lottery

$2 million Powerball lottery ticket sold at Wawa in Chester County

by Michael Tanenbaum

A winning Powerball ticket worth $2 million was purchased at the Wawa located at 260 W. Schuylkill Road in Pottstown on Saturday, Sept. 11, Pennsylvania Lottery officials said.

September 11, 2021

Food & Drink

Harry's Oyster Bar closing at Bally's Atlantic City

by Michael Tanenbaum

Harry's Oyster Bar at Bally's Atlantic City in New Jersey will permanently close on September 26, 2021. The restaurant was opened in 2011 by Frank Dougherty and Maureen Shay, who will continue to operate their other businesses including Dock's Oyster House, Knife & Fork Inn and Dougherty's Steakhouse & Raw Bar.

September 11, 2021

Amazon Studios exec says streaming platform lost 'Mare of Easttown' negotiations to HBO

by Michael Tanenbaum

With 16 Emmy nominations, HBO's "Mare of Easttown" became of the top TV shows in recent memory, combing the high profile talent of Kate Winslet with writer Brad Inglesby's searing portrayal of small-town life in the small-town Philadelphia suburbs. In an interview with Deadline, Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke said the streaming platform "tried hard" to get the series but lost in negotiations for it.

September 11, 2021

Memorials

On 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks, United Flight 93's crash in Pennsylvania marks solemn lessons

by Michael Tanenbaum

As the United States marks 20 years since the deadly terrorist attacks of 9/11, President Joe Biden has planned visits in New York, the nation's capital and in Shanksville, the western Pennsylvania community where United Flight 93 crashed after captive passengers revolted against the plane's hijackers. The story of Flight 93 remains a powerful facet of 9/11 remembrance and a source of important lessons about the tragedy of that day.