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.
March 11, 2020
Investigations
Drunken Pennsylvania man allegedly tried to kiss state troopers
Michael Alan Schaffer, 41, was charged with aggravated assault and related offenses after an altercation with Pennsylvania State Police troopers in Punxsutawney on March 2. Investigators said Schaffer made multiple attempts to kiss the troopers before a struggle broke out during an attempt to restrain him.March 11, 2020
Phillies
Phillies reliever Seranthony Dominguez suffers setback on elbow injury
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Seranthony Dominguez may miss the start of the 2020 season after aggravated an elbow strain that cost him the second half of last season. Dominguez was expected to be one of the Phillies' better options out of the bullpen.March 10, 2020
Catering
Kevin Hart joins $20 million investment in Hungry, a catering app for independent chefs
Kevin Hart, Jay-Z and several others have invested $20 million in Series B funding for Hungry, a fast-growing catering app for independent chefs. The company was founded in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. in 2016.March 10, 2020
Development
Real estate developer hints at plans for Airbnb, brewery in docked SS United States
New York real estate developer RXR Realty hopes to transform the SS United States, which has been docked in Philadelphia for more than two decades, into a Airbnb venue with a brewery and food hall. Preservationists have fought for years to find a new life for the former luxury ocean liner.March 10, 2020
Illness
Coronavirus and colleges: Penn, Temple, West Chester U. switch to online classes for rest of spring semester
Colleges in the Philadelphia area are combating the spread of the coronavirus by moving classes online, extending spring breaks, and restricting gatherings on campus in the coming weeks and months. Penn, Temple, Drexel, Villanova, Jefferson and more are releasing information on their response at websites dedicated to COVID-19 resources. Most colleges already have canceled sponsored trips and classes overseas in the wake of COVID-19. Those who are returning from international travel, or planing to travel, are being required to self-monitor at home for 14 days before returning to campus. The same is asked of visitors.March 10, 2020
Public Transit
SEPTA keeps $2.50 base cash fare in proposed restructuring plan
SEPTA's fare restructuring plan will require 10 public hearings throughout the region to discuss the transit agency's proposal. SEPTA last increased fares in May 2017.March 9, 2020
Investigations
Man pleads guilty in fatal punch of dog walker at South Philly park
Matthew Oropeza, 25, pleaded guilty to throwing a fatal punch at 38-year-old Drew Justice at Gold Star Park in South Philadelphia on Jan. 5, 2019. Justice, who was at the park with his fiance and their dog, had asked Justice to leash his dogs prior to the confrontation.March 9, 2020
Flights
Flight to New Jersey diverted over complaints about coughing, sneezing passenger
A disruption on a United Airlines flight from Colorado to New Jersey caused officials to make an unscheduled stop in Denver. Passengers aboard the flight became unruly over the presence of another passenger who was coughing and sneezing, creating fear of exposure to coronavirus.March 9, 2020
Investigations
Man charged in fatal shooting of former Temple University football player
Anthony Nieves, 22, is charged with the shooting of Zaire Williams in North Philadelphia on March 2, 2020. Williams, 25, formerly played running back for the Temple Owls.March 9, 2020
Illness
New Jersey coronavirus patient, 32, describes experience with illness
James Cai, 32, a New Jersey physician assistant, was diagnosed with coronavirus last week. He urged the public to take the virus seriously and shared the symptoms he's experienced since being hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center.Just In
- Full schedule for Sixers-Knicks second-round series
- Rest of Flyers-Hurricanes playoff schedule released
- Syphilis cases in expectant mothers have dramatically risen since the pandemic – here’s what’s driving the trend
- WXPN will count down top 250 songs with Philly ties over Fourth of July weekend
- Please Touch Museum to welcome new exhibit with 20-foot climbing structure for 50th anniversary
- In Crust We Trust joins Fishtown's growing pizza scene at former Vince's storefront
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