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

January 22, 2021

Controversy

Pa. judge apologizes for photo of husband dressed as 'QAnon Shaman'

by Michael Tanenbaum

Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Kim Eaton apologized for posing in a photo with her husband dressed as the so-called "QAnon Shaman" who was involved in the U.S. Capitol riot in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. The photo, shared on Facebook, was intended as a joke as she and her family celebrated the Inauguration of President Joe Biden.

January 21, 2021

Police

Fentanyl-laced drugs from Philly tied to body dumped at Pottstown Hospital

by Michael Tanenbaum

Two men are facing criminal charges connected to the death of Ramon Morales, whose body was dumped outside Pottstown Hospital in May 2020. Investigators determined the victim died of a drug overdose from a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine. The defendants, who allegedly obtained the drugs in Philadelphia, failed to call 911 and tried to cover up the victim's death, according to Montgomery County prosecutors.

January 21, 2021

Illness

Philly's official COVID-19 vaccine website goes online; residents can sign-up to be notified about getting their shots

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia's official COVID-19 vaccination sign-up website is now online, allowing residents to complete contact forms that ultimately will enable them to schedule appointments for the coronavirus inoculation. The health department and other vaccine partners will call those who complete the form based on vaccine supply and the city's eligibility guidelines.

January 21, 2021

Jersey Shore

'Heartbreaking' fire damages Jersey Shore restaurant Scojo's

by Michael Tanenbaum

Surf City restaurant Scojo's was damaged in a fire on Jan. 21, 2021, the owners of the Jersey Shore business said. Thh blaze was contained by Surf City, Ship Bottom and High Point firefighters.

January 21, 2021

Investigations

Philly entrepreneur charged in $700,000 COVID-19 medical gown scheme

by Michael Tanenbaum

Gauravjit Singh, 26, of Philadelphia, was charged with one count of wire fraud for allegedly carrying out a scheme to obtain $712,500 from New York companies seeking medical gowns. The Drexel University grad told his victims he was a purveyor of PPE during the coronavirus pandemic, but instead used the funds he received for personal expenses, federal prosecutors said.

January 21, 2021

Eagles

Eagles fans give spicy reactions to hiring of new head coach Nick Sirianni

by Michael Tanenbaum

The reaction to the Philadelphia Eagles' hiring of Sirianni to be the team's new head coach generally was positive, much of it playing on the Italian last name that will likely endear him to the regions sizable Italian-American fanbase.

January 20, 2021

Illness

Outcomes improving for critically ill COVID-19 patients, Penn study finds

by Michael Tanenbaum

Mortality rates for critically ill COVID-19 patients dropped significantly during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, even before evidence-based treatments were identified as capable of improving outcomes, a study led by researchers at Penn Medicine found. The study suggests dedicated hospital planning, communication and training played a major role in preventing deaths.

January 20, 2021

Opioids

Philly health officials warn 'fentanyl is in everything' as meth, PCP overdoses rise

by Michael Tanenbaum

Fatal drug overdoses linked to mixtures involving the synthetic opioid fentanyl are responsible for an anticipated record year in overdose deaths in Philadelphia, the health department announced. The drug is appearing more frequently in combination with methamphetamine and PCP, impacting drug users who don't have previous exposure to such a powerful opioid.

January 20, 2021

Inauguration

Bernie Sanders' bundled-up Inauguration Day pose is now a bobblehead

by Michael Tanenbaum

Bernie Sanders' outfit at Wednesday's inauguration of President Joe Biden was a sensation on social media, where fans turned the Vermont senator's pose into a collection of memes. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is now accepting pre-orders for a $25 Sanders bobblehead.

January 20, 2021

Investigations