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

November 15, 2021

NFL

Steelers' Najee Harris channels Donovan McNabb's ignorance of NFL tie rules

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris was unaware that NFL games could end in ties after Sunday's 16-16 finish against the Detroit Lions. Harris, a rookie, could be forgiven for not knowing the professional rules, but his ignorance is reminder of the time veteran Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb had no idea a tie was possible after a 13-13 end to a 2008 game against the Bengals.

November 12, 2021

Food & Drink

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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 12, 2021

Illness

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

Nature

State police responded to a floating island of plants that broke free in a Jersey Shore river

by Michael Tanenbaum

A small island of vegetation broke free in the Metedeconk River in Ocean County, New Jersey on Thursday. The phragmites, also known as common reed, had to be relocated from the middle of the river by New Jersey State Police and U.S. Coast Guard vessels. The incident happened in the area of Windward Beach in Brick Township

November 11, 2021

Investigations

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

Travel

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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 11, 2021

Television

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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 10, 2021

Media

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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.

November 10, 2021

Investigations

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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.