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

December 16, 2021

Celebrities

Jeff Garlin leaves 'The Goldbergs' amid complaints about inappropriate behavior

by Michael Tanenbaum

Jeff Garlin is parting ways with "The Goldbergs" after nine seasons. The comedian and actor recently came under fire over allegations of inappropriate behavior on the set of the 1980s-themed ABC sitcom, where he had starred as Murray Goldberg since 2013. Garlin also stars alongside Larry David on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," now in its 11th season on the network. Garlin's exit from "The Goldbergs" was described as a mutual decision, according to Deadline.

December 15, 2021

Prevention

Philly residents urged to stay home for Christmas due to COVID-19 surge

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole implored families to avoid holding Christmas gatherings in 2021, citing a rapid increase in COVID-19 infections that occurred in the weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday. The daily average of new cases in Philadelphia has doubled since the beginning of December and officials are wary of the highly infectious omicron variant compounding the spread of the delta variant.

December 15, 2021

Business

Selena Gomez invests in Gopuff, Philly's rapidly growing delivery startup

by Michael Tanenbaum

Selena Gomez has invested in Gopuff, thePhiladelphia-based digital delivery service. The growing company is now valued at $15 billion as it expands internationally. Gopuff warehouses household essentials at hundreds of fulfillment centers and promises delivery times of 30 minutes or less. As part of the deal, the company will now carry Gomez's Serendipity Brands ice cream.

December 15, 2021

Food & Drink

Jersey Shore favorite The Original Fudge Kitchen teams up for beer with Cape May Brewing Co.

by Michael Tanenbaum

Cape May Brewing Company and The Original Fudge Kitchen have collaborated on a limited release brew that puts a Jersey Shore spin on the chocolate stout. Their new beer, which celebrates The Original Fudge Kitchen's 50th anniversary, is 9% ABV and features a mix of chocolate rye, chocolate malt and fudge with hints of toasted oak and vanilla.

December 15, 2021

Investigations

Amazon driver allegedly punched, threatened to shoot man during Roxborough traffic dispute, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

An Amazon delivery driver in Philadelphia allegedly assaulted and threatened to shoot a man who had asked her to move her truck because it was blocking traffic, police said. The incident happened Tuesday in Roxborough along the 500 block of Martin Street. Authorities alleged the driver punched and kicked a man and then took off in her Amazon truck.

December 14, 2021

Investigations

Philly man pleads guilty to stealing nearly $1 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program funds

by Michael Tanenbaum

Devron Brown, 50, of Philadelphia pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining nearly $1 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, prosecutors announced. Brown allegedly submitted an application with false information about an alleged construction business and used the funds he received to purchase a home in Florida and other luxury items.

December 14, 2021

Celebrities

Lil Uzi Vert says insurance tried to 'cut me off' over his $24 million forehead diamond

by Michael Tanenbaum

Rapper Lil Uzi Vert went on the "Scuffed" podcast by Twitch streamer Trainwreck and explained the background of his infamous $24 million pink forehead diamond. The Philadelphia rapper said his life insurance company wanted to cut him off because he thought the diamond was implanted. Uzi clarified that the diamond was a piercing that was attached to a back stud on his forehead.

December 14, 2021

Investigations

Police searching for owner of decades-old wedding ring found at Wawa in Delco

by Michael Tanenbaum

Police in Upper Providence Township, Delaware County are searching for the owner of a decades-old wedding band that was lost at the Wawa located at 1260 N. Providence Road. The owner must be able to provide police with the two sets of initials inscribed on the ring in order to recover it. The ring's inscription dates the band to Oct. 2, 1948.

December 13, 2021

Politics

'Dr. Oz Show' canceled by Sony Pictures amid host's Senate run in Pennsylvania

by Michael Tanenbaum

Sony Pictures announced it will cancel the "Dr. Oz Show" in January after a 12-year run on daytime television. The decision comes weeks after host Mehmet Oz announced he will run as a Republican for the U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania that will be open in 2022 when Pat Toomey steps away from politics. The show will be replaced starting Jan. 17 by "The Good Dish," a spinoff from Oz's daughter, Daphne.

December 13, 2021

Investigations

U.S. Marshals capture fugitive wanted in connection with deadly Thanksgiving shooting in Montgomery County

by Michael Tanenbaum

Kevon Clarke, 19, of Norristown, was arrested in Philadelphia by U.S. Marshals on Monday in connection with the fatal Thanksgiving shooting of 25-year-old Miguel Palaez Moctezuma. The victim was struck by a stray bullet that flew through the window of a family home, police said. The incident stemmed from an unrelated dispute over stolen alcohol at another nearby property, where Clarke allegedly opened fire in the street.