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 12, 2021

Illness

Rowan University reports flu outbreak as experts brace for potentially severe season

Officials at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey have reported a significant increase in flu cases during the month of November, which is earlier than the typical seasonal peak. Public health experts fear that the 2021-22 flu season could be severe if vaccination rates are low and transmission rises as a result of fewer COVID-19 restrictions around the country.

November 12, 2021

Food & Drink

Philly pizzeria and bottle shop Eeva named one of Eater's 11 best new restaurants in America

Eeva, a pizzeria, bakery and bottle bar in Philadelphia's Olde Kensington neighborhood, was named one of Eater's 11 best new restaurants in America. The concept was created by the owners of ReAnimator Coffee, who teamed up with baker-chef Greg Dunn to develop a menu of wood-fired pizzas, small plates and baked goods. After debuting as a takeout-only option, the restaurant has now opened a 35-seat dining room at the storefront on Master Street.

November 11, 2021

Investigations

New Jersey State Police sergeant, 41, dies in Burlington County motorcycle crash

New Jersey State Police Sgt. Juan Fajardo, 41, was killed in a motorcycle crash in Burlington County on Nov. 9, 2021, officials said. Fajardo, a husband and father of three children, formerly served in the New Jersey Army National Guard and served with New Jersey State Police for 16 years. The cause of the crash on Route 206 in Mansfield remains under investigation.

November 11, 2021

Television

Trailer for 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' promises mayhem for Dee

The trailer for Season 15 of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" points to a raucous return for The Gang after a long pandemic hiatus. The record-breaking 15th season of the show will premiere Dec. 1 with a double-episode special on FXX.

November 11, 2021

Arts & Culture

Gigantic flamingo sculpture arrives on Main Street in Manayunk

A 15-foot-tall flamingo sculpture has been installed on Main Street in Manayunk by ice cream parlor Chloe's Corner. The powder-coated steel sculpture was created by artist Frederick Prescott. Chloe's Corner has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of the sculpture.

November 11, 2021

Travel

Pennsylvania man wins more than $500,000 with royal flush during Las Vegas trip

Scott Long, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, hit a Mega Progressive Jackpot on Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em while visiting Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for a poker trip with friends. Long won $544,904 thanks to the rare royal flush in diamonds he played at the casino on Wednesday morning. Long says he plans to pay off his mortgage and college tuition.

November 10, 2021

Investigations

Christmas Village security guard charged in fatal shooting at LOVE Park

Gregory Thomas Sr., 43, has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man at LOVE Park in Center CIty on Nov. 9, 2021. Thomas was working a security detail for the construction of the park's Christmas Village when he became involved in a disturbance with the victim and retrieved a handgun from his car, police said.

November 10, 2021

Investigations

Two teens charged for roles in Sharon Hill shootout before police killed 8-year-old Fanta Bility

Two teenagers have been charged with murder for their roles in the chaotic shootout that led to the death of 8-year-old Fanta Bility outside a high school football stadium in Sharon Hill, Delaware County on Aug. 27, prosecutors said. Angelo “AJ” Ford, 16, and Hasein Strand, 18, allegedly initiated the incident when they engaged in a shootout nearby the Knight Park, prompting three Sharon Hill police officers to open fire. Bility was one of four bystanders struck by police gunfire. A grand jury also will determine whether the police officers were justified in their use of deadly force, or whether they should be held criminally liable for the girl's death.

November 10, 2021

Investigations

After release from prison, Philly man convicted in 1998 Palestra murder allegedly stole COVID-19 relief funds

A man convicted in a high-profile fatal shooting at the University of Pennsylvania's Palestra arena in 1998 has been charged with defrauded a pair of COVID-19 relief programs, federal prosecutors announced. Kyle McLemore, 44, of Philadelphia, allegedly provided false information on applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to obtain more than $139,000 in funds.

November 10, 2021

Media

Legendary 6ABC anchor Jim Gardner to retire at the end of 2022

6ABC anchor Jim Gardner has announced that he will retire at the end of 2022 after 45 years at the Philadelphia news station. Gardner, 73, has been the face of "Action News" for decades and a fixture in homes across the Delaware Valley. Before his retirement, Gardner will scale back his schedule to anchor only the 6 p.m. newscast. He will no longer appear on the station's 11 p.m. newscasts starting early next year.

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