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 27, 2022

Environment

State park opens in Chester County as part of $45 million conservation investment

Chester County's Big Elk Creek State Park, a 1,700-acre area near the Maryland border in Elk and Franklin townships, is one of three new state parks announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The other parks are Vosburg Neck State Park, a 669-acre property in Wyoming County, and the wooded, 1,100-acre Susquehanna Riverlands State Park in Hellam Township, York County.

September 27, 2022

Investigations

Football player killed, 4 others injured in shooting after Roxborough High School practice, police say

A 14-year-old Roxborough High School football player was killed and four others were injured in a shooting after football practice Tuesday afternoon, police said. All players shot are students at Roxborough High School. Three teams had been scrimmaging at the school's stadium: Roxborough, Northeast High School, and Boys Latin High School.

September 26, 2022

Investigations

Anti-abortion activist charged with assault of patient escort at Planned Parenthood clinic in Center City

A man who allegedly assaulted a volunteer escort at a Philadelphia abortion clinic last year is facing federal charges in the incident outside the Planned Parenthood Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center. Mark Houck, 48, of Kintnersville, allegedly shoved the 72-year-old volunteer to the ground twice, prosecutors said. Houck was arrested at his home last week by FBI agents and is charged with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

September 26, 2022

Technology

Bright object seen in Pennsylvania sky was a SpaceX rocket carrying Starlink satellites

Photos and videos of a bright object fleeting across the sky above Pennsylvania have been confirmed as SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Sept. 24. The company completed its 43rd Starlink launch of the year as part of a mission to deploy a network of satellites that extend internet service to remote parts of the the globe. Starlink satellites travel in trains across the sky, typically at an altitude of about 335 miles, and can be seen from the ground under the right conditions.

September 26, 2022

Food & Drink

Spataro's to sell pink cheesesteaks at Reading Terminal Market to benefit victims of domestic violence

Spataro's at Reading Terminal Market will sell cheesesteaks with pink American cheese whiz as part of a fundraiser for A Woman's Place, which is the only domestic violence community benefit organization in Bucks County. The cheesesteaks will be sold for $15 apiece from Tuesday, Sept. 27 through Saturday, Oct. 15.

September 24, 2022

Movies

Dr. Audrey Evans biopic tells story of groundbreaking CHOP physician and Ronald McDonald House co-founder

Dr. Audrey Evans is the subject of the upcoming biopic, 'Audrey's Children.' She is a pediatric oncologist whose work at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia led to advancements in neuroblastoma treatment. Evans also co-founded the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Natalie Dormer, known for 'Game of Thrones,' will portray her in the film due out in 2023.

September 23, 2022

Lottery

$7.1 million winning lottery ticket sold at ShopRite in South Jersey

A Pick 6 lottery ticket worth $7.1 million was sold at a ShopRite at Burlington County, with all six numbers matching Thursday's Double Play drawing, New Jersey Lottery officials announced. The ticket was purchased at ShopRite of Hainesport at 1520 Route 38 East.

September 23, 2022

Lawsuits

Parents sue Walmart, hoverboard maker over Pa. house fire that killed 2 girls

Walmart and hoverboard manufacturer Jetson Electric Bikes have been sued by the parents of two Pennsylvania girls who died in an April 1, 2022 fire at their home in Hellertown, Lehigh County. Jen and Damien Kaufman claim the companies failed to provide warnings about the fire hazards of the hoverboards. The fire claimed the lives of 15-year-old Briana Baer and 10-year-old Abigail Kaufman. The Jetson Rogue scooter allegedly caught fire in one of the girls' second-floor bedrooms. The U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Board cites at least 250 fire incidents relating to hoverboards and has recalled several models due to safety risks related to lithium ion batteries.

September 23, 2022

Addiction

In Pennsylvania, expanding collegiate recovery programs offer lifelines to students battling addiction

Pennsylvania has more collegiate recovery programs than any other state to help students struggling with addiction. Twelve colleges in the Philadelphia region have received grant funding from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Association of Recovery in Higher Education to establish CRPs, which provide counseling, substance-free housing, Twelve-Step meetings and other peer support events that foster a sense of community for students in recovery. Holy Family University is the latest college to announce plans for a CRP.

September 23, 2022

Investigations

'Unprovoked' killing of recent Temple grad caught on surveillance video, police say

Philadelphia police are offering a $20,000 reward to find the gunman responsible for killing 23-year-old Everett Beauregard, a recent Temple University graduate who was shot in West Philadelphia near Drexel University early Thursday morning. Investigators said the shooting was unprovoked. Police shared a surveillance video that shows the suspect shooting Beauregard along the 400 block of North 35th Street.

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