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 30, 2021

Holidays

Northern Liberties to hold first Christmas Tree lighting on Second Street

by Michael Tanenbaum

Northern Liberties will host its first Christmas tree lighting ceremony on North 2nd Street along the neighborhood's restaurant row on Nov. 30, 2021. The event will include free food and dinner specials from Figo and Anejo, as well as the debut of an outdoor patio and bar and several igloos to match the holiday spirit.

November 29, 2021

Podcast

Tim Heidecker absolutely nailed his uncanny satire of 'The Joe Rogan Experience'

by Michael Tanenbaum

Comedian Tim Heidecker's satire of "The Joe Rogan Experience" went viral over Thanksgiving weekend, offering fans of the controversial Spotify podcast a different look at how the long-running powerhouse comes across to many of its critics. Heidecker was joined by Rajat Suresh and Jeremy Levick for a hilarious discussion that mined the usual subjects on Rogan's podcast, from cancel culture to COVID-19 and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

November 29, 2021

Investigations

Pennsylvania man fatally shot by young relative in deer hunting incident, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

William Tripp, 64, of Elizabethtown in Lancaster County, was killed in a deer hunting accident in Cambria County on Nov. 27, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Authorities say Tripp was accidentally shot in the head by a relative child who was out hunting with family and friends in Jackson Township.

November 24, 2021

Courts

Pottstown man gets one-day prison sentence for stealing rare rifle from Valley Forge State Park Museum

by Michael Tanenbaum

Thomas Gavin, 78, of Pottstown, was sentenced Tuesday for the theft of a rare antique rifle during a visit to the Valley Forge State Park Museum in 1971. Gavin kept the Christian Oerter flintlock rifle, a relic of the American Revolution, in his barn in Pottstown for decades before selling it to a dealer who recognized its significance. Gavin will spend one day in prison and has been ordered to pay nearly $50,000 in fines and restitution. The rifle was returned to its owners and is now displayed at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.

November 24, 2021

Health News

With $10 million gift, Penn Medicine establishes Colton Center for Autoimmunity

by Michael Tanenbaum

Penn Medicine's new Colton Center for Autoimmunity, established with a $10 million gift from philanthropists Judy and Stewart Colton, will add to an existing network at New York University and Yale University. The center will focus on research that advances the understanding and treatment of autoimmunity, a condition in which the body's immune system attacks healthy cells.

November 24, 2021

Eagles

Eagles' DeVonta Smith has a McDonald's breakfast ritual before home games

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith told GQ Magazine that he eats McDonald's before every home game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Heisman Trophy-winning rookie entered the NFL with concerns about his slight frame, but he's no longer skipping breakfast now that he's in the pros. Smith has had a strong rookie season for the Eagles and has emerged as the team's top pass-catching option.

November 23, 2021

Courts

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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 23, 2021

Investigations

Philly police dispatchers, clerk allegedly stole pandemic unemployment benefits

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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.