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 23, 2021

Investigations

Philly police dispatchers, clerk allegedly stole pandemic unemployment benefits

Eight employees of the Philadelphia Police Department will be charged with allegedly stealing federal pandemic unemployment assistance in 2020. The eight employees were on the city's payroll at the time they filed for, received and spent unemployment funds, investigators said. The employees, including seven dispatchers and a clerk, will be suspended and dismissed. The case will be reviewed by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

November 23, 2021

Investigations

Retired Pennsylvania police officer killed in bear hunting accident

A former police officer in Pennsylvania was killed in a bear hunting accident in Warren County, where Game Commission investigators say the victim's nephew slipped and his rifle discharged. The victims was identified as 64-year-old Gary R. Hunt, who served 27 years with the City of Cory Police Department.

November 23, 2021

Celebrities

Bradley Cooper spotted at Cape May's Washington Street Mall

Actor Bradley Cooper was spotted at Cape May's Washington Street Mall during a trip to the Jersey Shore over the weekend. Cooper, who grew up in Jenkintown, also attended the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The actor's upcoming film, "Nightmare Alley," is set to be released in theaters Dec. 17.

November 23, 2021

Courts

Mark D'Amico pleads guilty in $400,000 GoFundMe scam with ex-girlfriend, homeless vet

Mark D'Amico, the mastermind behind a GoFundMe conspiracy that fraudulently solicited $400,000 in donations, has pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge, officials said. D'Amico and his ex-girlfriend, Kate McClure, made up a story claiming that homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt Jr. gave McClure his last $20 for gas when she became stranded on I-95 in Philadelphia in November 2017. The GoFundMe campaign was made to raise money to help Bobbitt, but the funds were used on gambling, cars, drugs and other personal expenses, prosecutors said.

November 23, 2021

Health Insurance

Independence renames Center of Innovation after former CEO Dan Hilferty

The Independence Blue Cross renamed its Center for Innovation after Daniel J. Hilferty, the former CEO of the Philadelphia-based health insurance company. During his 10 years at the helm, Hilferty oversaw a number of new initiatives that led to new areas of growth and partnerships to make health care more accessible and affordable.

November 18, 2021

Donations

GoFundMe supports injured girl, 13, who survived Poconos plane crash with father

A Pennsylvania girl is recovering from serious injuries she suffered in a small plane crash when her father's aircraft went down in the Poconos on Sunday afternoon.

November 18, 2021

Environment

Bok Building's newest tenant, Fabscrap, brings textile recycling hub to Philly

Fabscrap, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit for commercial textile recycling, has expanded to Philadelphia with a new location inside the Bok Building. The organization processes fabric waste from businesses and diverts it from landfill. There is also a fabric scrap shop where designers can go to find cheap materials. Volunteers are invited to assisting in processing and sorting fabrics in exchange for free scrap.

November 18, 2021

Investigations

Missing Chester County teen identified as 'Tiger Lady' victim in 1991 N.J. cold case

A victim in a 1991 New Jersey cold case homicide investigation has been identified as a missing teenager from Coatesville, Pennsylvania, according to Warren County prosecutor James Pfeiffer. The woman was found in a wooded area of Knowlton Township and had a distinctive tattoo of a Bengal on her calf, prompting authorities to name her the "Tiger Lady." The investigation into what led to her death remains ongoing.

November 18, 2021

Women's Health

Temple to open hospital for women's health at former cancer treatment facility

Temple University's new women's health hospital will open at 1331 East Wyoming Ave in the Juniata Park section of the city in late 2022, officials said. Temple acquired the property from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and also plans to move its administrative services to the new campus.

November 18, 2021

Food & Drink

Sugar Factory to open Philly location at former Porta storefront

Sugar Factory will open a new location in Center City Philadelphia on Dec. 3, bringing treats and sugary alcoholic beverages to a two-story restaurant at 1216 Chestnut Street. The grand opening will include a set from "Jersey Shore" star DJ Pauly D. Sugar Factory also includes a candy retail shop with a gelato and pastry bar. The company, which has locations around the world, will open another restaurant in Cherry Hill, New Jersey next year.

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