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

September 21, 2020

Lottery

Pennsylvania Lottery warns of offshore Mega Millions scam

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Pennsylvania Lottery has received numerous reports of a Mega Millions scam that appears to originate from Jamaica. The scammer seeks payments of fake taxes in order to release prizes that are never sent to the supposed winners.

September 21, 2020

Eagles

Carson Wentz, Eagles didn't actually hear broadcast boos at the Linc

by Michael Tanenbaum

Early in the second half of the Eagles' demoralizing 37-19 loss to the L.A. Rams on Sunday, it appeared as if Carson Wentz might lead the team on an improbable comeback.

September 18, 2020

Wildfires

Joe Rogan apologizes for 'irresponsible' claim about West Coast wildfires

by Michael Tanenbaum

Joe Rogan issued an apology on Twitter after falsely claiming on his podcast that wildfires in Oregon were started by "left-wing people" who have been arrested for deliberately contributing to the crisis. Those conspiracy theories were debunked by law enforcement officials days before the podcast. Rogan hosts "The Joe Rogan Experience."

September 18, 2020

Business

Boston Market targeting Philly area as part of U.S. expansion

by Michael Tanenbaum

Boston Market plans to add five Philadelphia area locations in the fall, part of an aggressive expansion across the United States. The chain was acquired in April by Engage Brands, a company based out of Newtown Township, Bucks County.

September 18, 2020

Voting

Philly aims to open 17 early voting locations across city

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia City Commissioners will consider opening 17 satellite election offices that would allow city residents to vote early and complete other services in one place for the 2020 election. The proposed offices, including Temple University's Liacouras Center, would be open seven days a week from Sept. 29 through the Nov. 3 election.

September 18, 2020

Real Estate

Private island home off Long Beach Island coast listed for sale

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Jersey Shore island with a private residence is on the market in Beach Haven, Ocean County, for $1.849 million. The property is listed by John Moore of Weichert Realtors Asbury Group-Oc..

September 17, 2020

Courts

Man gets prison time for fatally punching dog walker at South Philly park

by Michael Tanenbaum

Matthew Oropeza, 25, will spend a minimum of two years in prison for fatally punching 38-year-old Drew Justice at Gold Star Park in South Philadelphia on Jan. 5, 2019. Justice had asked Oropeza to put his dogs on leashes in compliance with the rules of the park.

September 17, 2020

Politics

Fetterman: Pennsylvania farmers will grow better marijuana than New Jersey's

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman urged state lawmakers to legalize marijuana before the the economic benefits are reaped by New Jersey, which will vote in a referendum on Nov. 3. Gov. Tom Wolf has ramped up efforts to boost the economy with legal marijuana to help Pennsylvania's recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 17, 2020

Health News

Temple, Penn scientists take step toward reversing spinal cord damage

by Michael Tanenbaum

Researchers in Philadelphia have found promising results in efforts to treat spinal cord injuries by activating metabolic pathways in glial cells to promote axon regeneration. A new study published in Cell Metabolism was led by scientists at Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania.

September 17, 2020

Census

Philly poverty rate declined, household income rose before pandemic, census shows

by Michael Tanenbaum

The U.S. Census Bureau released results of its annual American Community Survey on Thursday, showing that Philadelphia's poverty rate had declined and median household income rose in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic hit.