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 16, 2021

Investigations

John Dougherty resigns as head of IBEW Local 98 after conviction on corruption charges

Labor union leader John Dougherty has resigned as the business manager of the powerful International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, which he has led since 1993. Dougherty and Philadelphia City Councilmember Bobby Henon were convicted Monday in a federal corruption case that examined how their relationship influenced politics at City Hall.

November 16, 2021

Food & Drink

Pennsylvania residents can enter PLCB lotteries for 425 bottles of rare whiskey

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is holding a series of five lotteries for rare, limited-release whiskey bottles that will be available to state residents and licensees. The 425 bottles, which winners gain the right to purchase, include bourbon and rye whiskey from Kentucky's Buffalo Trace distillery. The deadline to enter the lotteries is Friday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m.

November 15, 2021

NFL

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

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 15, 2021

Lawsuits

Bucks County woman sues online slot game company over $100,000 jackpot 'bug'

A Pennsylvania woman has filed a federal lawsuit against Las Vegas-based American Gaming Systems alleging that she should receive the $100,000 jackpot she won while playing the popular online slots game Capital Gains. The company claims that Yardley resident Lisa Piluso only got the jackpot due a technical error with the online gaming platform.

November 15, 2021

Food & Drink

Oldestone steakhouse opens inside historic Bucks County church built in 1872

Oldestone, a new steakhouse and jazz bar in Bucks County, has opened inside the nineteenth century Methodist church in New Hope that formerly served as Marsha Brown's. The restaurant features a menu of New American cuisine with creole dishes carried over from Marsha Brown's recipe collection.

November 15, 2021

Courts

Union leader John Dougherty, Councilmember Bobby Henon found guilty in federal corruption trial

John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, the leader of IBEW Local 98, and Councilmember Bobby Henon were found guilty in a federal corruption trial. The jury deliberated for three days before presenting a verdict Monday. Prosecutors accused Dougherty of buying influence on City Council through Henon, who continued receiving a salary from Local 98 after being elected.

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 12, 2021

Nature

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

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 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 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.

All PhillyVoice contributors