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 8, 2025

Investigations

Former Chester County student teacher charged with secretly recording boys in high school locker room

by Michael Tanenbaum

A former Chester County student teacher faces charges for allegedly recording students in an Owen J. Roberts High School locker room, with the investigation uncovering similar incidents at a Pittsburgh-area school.

January 7, 2025

Media

NBC10's new meteorologist credits 'Hurricane' Schwartz for sparking his passion in weather

by Michael Tanenbaum

Robert Johnson will join NBC10's First Alert Weather Team as a new meteorologist, the station announced Tuesday. Johnson is a Northeast Philadelphia native who attended Penn State University. He said his first mentor in the field was NBC10's former chief meteorologist Glenn 'Hurricane' Schwartz, who retired in 2022.

January 7, 2025

Social Media

Philly-based FactCheck.org vows to continue mission as Facebook drops moderation partnership

by Michael Tanenbaum

Facebook is getting rid of its fact-checking program that relied on independent, nonpartisan organizations to review suspicious posts and provide articles debunking misinformation. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed the company is moving toward a community notes program. FactCheck.org, based in Philly, is one of the organizations that will no longer be a part of Meta's moderation programs.

January 6, 2025

Business

Heffe Tacos shop in Fishtown closes after 9 years

by Michael Tanenbaum

Heffe Tacos, the late-night corner hut on Frankford Avenue in Fishtown, has closed its doors after nine years. The owners are hoping to sell the business to another entrepreneur to take over the space, which includes an outdoor dining area. When Heffe Tacos opened in 2015, it stood out for its unusual catchphrase, 'Tacos That Don't Suck.'

January 6, 2025

Business

Manayunk bar the Rook plans to expand to Wildwood at former location of Goodnight Irene's

by Michael Tanenbaum

The owner of Manayunk bar the Rook have announced plans to open a new location in Wildwood at the former space of Goodnight Irene's on Pacific Avenue. The Rook opened in Manayunk just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The restaurant is known for its menu of burgers, cheesesteaks, cutlet sandwiches and signature cocktails

January 4, 2025

In late-night debut, Jason Kelce calls ESPN show his 'love letter' to football

by Michael Tanenbaum

Jason Kelce's new ESPN show, 'They Call It Late Night,' filmed its first episode at Philadelphia's Union Transfer venue on Friday afternoon. The show is getting a five-episode run that will air Saturdays at 1 a.m. on ESPN during the NFL playoffs. Kelce's first guest panel featured NBA icon Charles Barkley, rapper Lil Dicky and NFL analyst Brian Baldinger.

January 3, 2025

Investigations

Ex-Delco firefighter charged with ethnic intimidation for allegedly using racial slurs during traffic dispute

by Michael Tanenbaum

John Romano, the former assistant chief of the Sharon Hill Fire Co., has been charged with ethnic intimidation charges for allegedly shouting racial slurs at a woman during a traffic argument in Darby Township in November, authorities said.

January 3, 2025

Jason Kelce's first guests on his ESPN late night show are Charles Barkley, Lil Dicky and Brian Baldinger

by Michael Tanenbaum

Eagles legend Jason Kelce's new ESPN show, 'They Call It Late Night,' premiers Saturday at 1 a.m. The show will be taped every Friday in January at Union Transfer on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia. The guest lineup for the first episode includes Charles Barkley, rapper Lil Dicky and NFL analyst Brian Baldinger.

January 1, 2025

Marijuana

Will Pa. legalize marijuana in 2025? The cannabis industry is hopeful but the state's past failed attempts raise doubts

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania lawmakers face mounting pressure to legalize recreational marijuana as neighboring states establish markets. Despite growing bipartisan support and Gov. Shapiro's backing, past efforts have stalled in the divided legislature.

December 26, 2024

Adult Health

Diet low in magnesium could be linked to higher risk of heart disease

by Michael Tanenbaum

As many as half of Americans get less the the recommended daily intake of magnesium, a mineral that's important for a range of functions including sleep, bone density and bowel regularity. A growing body of research also shows that magnesium deficiency is tied to the development of cardiovascular disease.