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 27, 2021

Investigations

New charges filed against North Carolina man who allegedly attempted Center City kidnappings

by Michael Tanenbaum

Jacob Montague, 35, of North Carolina, has been charged in a pair of attempted kidnappings that took place in Philadelphia last November. Montague allegedly attacked one his victims while she walked her dog, pulling her into his vehicle at knifepoint.

January 27, 2021

Valentine's Day

Lucy the Elephant available for exclusive Valentine's Day Airbnb at Jersey Shore

by Michael Tanenbaum

Lucy the Elephant, the iconic wooden structure in Margate, will be available for an Airbnb booking on Valentine's Day as part of a fundraising effort. The 139-year old Jersey Shore structure will host a couple for the price of $6,500 on Feb. 14, 2021.

January 26, 2021

Health News

Vaccine effort presses forward after 'disturbing' break from Philly Fighting COVID

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia officials addressed pointed criticism about the city's COVID-19 vaccine arrangements with Philly Fighting COVID, whose provider agreement was terminated amid allegations about its terms of service and for-profit status. While the city's vaccine supply remains limited, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley assured residents that the vaccination process will not be slowed down.

January 26, 2021

Violence Prevention

Philly receives 224 guns in buyback program offering grocery store gift cards

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Philadelphia Gun Buyback event sponsored by City Council took 224 firearms off the street last weekend. The event provided gun owners the incentive of $100 gift cards to local ShopRite grocery stores. Officials said the event is part of a multifaceted strategy to address the city's epidemic of gun violence.

January 26, 2021

Recreation

Hikers told to avoid Appalachian Trail in 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has urged hikers to postpone plans to trek the nearly 2,200-mile trail in 2021, citing concerns about the spread of COVID-19. The popular trail covers about 230 miles in Pennsylvania and attracts roughly 3 million annual visitors across 14 states from Georgia to Maine.

January 26, 2021

Internet

Widespread Internet outages affect Philly, other East Coast cities on Tuesday

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia was impacted by a Verizon Fios internet outage on Tuesday that also disrupted service in other East Coast cities. The outage slowed down connectivity rates for Zoom, Slack, Gmail and Google Classroom. Verizon say it could be linked to a fiber optic cable that was cut in Brooklyn, New York.

January 25, 2021

Business

Dixie Cup manufacturer closing Pennsylvania plant, leaving Lehigh Valley after nearly a century

by Michael Tanenbaum

Georgia-Pacific will shut down the Dixie Cup manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania by the end of 2021, the company said. The facility in Forks Township, Northampton County, will be consolidated into a single site in Lexington, Kentucky. Dixie Cups have been manufactured in the Lehigh Valley for nearly a century.

January 25, 2021

Development

Plans for former Foxwoods site take shape along Delaware River waterfront

by Michael Tanenbaum

Development plans appear to be moving ahead for hundreds of apartments and commercial space at 1401 S. Columbus Blvd. in South Philadelphia, the site where the ill-fated Foxwoods Casino was once proposed along the Delaware River waterfront.

January 25, 2021

Investigations

Four family members slain in apparent murder-suicide in Chester County

by Michael Tanenbaum

Four family members in West Whiteland Township, Chester County, were found dead at their residence on Jan. 24, 2021. Authorities are investigating the discovery as a possible murder-suicide.

January 25, 2021

Lottery

$1 million scratch-off ticket sold at Delco Wawa amid lottery frenzy

by Michael Tanenbaum

A $1 million Jackpot Party" Pennsylvania Lottery ticket was sold this past weekend at a Wawa in Wayne, Delaware County. The winning ticket was sold days after a $731 million jackpot-winning Powerball ticket was sold in Maryland and a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Michigan.