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.
January 1, 2025
Marijuana
Will Pa. legalize marijuana in 2025? The cannabis industry is hopeful but the state's past failed attempts raise doubts
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
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.December 24, 2024
Development
To preserve Norristown's Airy Street Prison, Montgomery County seeks restoration proposals
The Airy Street Prison, built in Norristown in 1851, could be redeveloped after sitting vacant for decades. Montgomery County put out a request for developers to submit ideas to preserve the site for multiple potential uses. The county owns the structure and previously had planned to demolish it. Preservationists have advocated for a plan to refurbish the prison.December 24, 2024
Investigations
Ex-Eagle Wendell Smallwood pleads guilty to defrauding COVID-19 relief programs
Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood pleaded guilty to federal charges that he defrauded two COVID-19 relief programs and submitted false documents to receive tax refunds from the IRS during the pandemic. Smallwood, 30, was a fifth-round draft pick of the Eagles in 2016 and played three seasons in Philadelphia.December 23, 2024
Investigations
State hospital worker charged with stealing $130,000 from Bucks County mom serving life for killing her sons
Bridget Compton, an employee at Norristown State Hospital, allegedly stole more than $130,000 last year from Trinh Nguyen, the woman now convicted of killing her young sons in Upper Makefield, Bucks County in 2022. Prosecutors alleged Compton of forging checks from Nguyen's bank account.December 23, 2024
Business
Ardmore's Suburban Square to add apartments and 7 new stores in 2025
Suburban Square, the shopping center in Ardmore, is adding 131 apartments and seven new stores, including a New Balance shop and a Van Leeuwen Ice Cream location, as part of the Coulter Place development. The project is expected to be complete in 2025.December 23, 2024
TV
'Mare of Easttown' creator Brad Ingelsby signs HBO extension, but there's no word on a new season
Brad Ingelsby, the filmmaker behind the detective drama 'Mare of Easttown,' has extended his deal at HBO for another three years. Ingelsby is preparing to premiere 'Task,' his upcoming series starring Mark Ruffalo, in 2025. Ingelsby has said he's open to a sequel to 'Mare of Easttown,' but has not yet said whether it's in his plans.December 20, 2024
Investigations
Couple who ran South Philly pharmacy charged in $20 million Medicare, Medicaid scheme
The owners of Broad Street Family Pharmacy in South Philly are charged with defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of more than $20 million, the Pennsylvania attorney general's office said Thursday. For five year, the pharmacy operators allegedly submitted false claims for expensive prescriptions that were never filled and instead paid customers kickbacks.December 20, 2024
Media
Howard Eskin leaves SportsRadio 94WIP after 38 years
SportsRadio 94WIP host Howard Eskin revealed on Friday that he is leaving the station after 38 years. Eskin has long been dubbed "the king" of Philly sports talk radio for trailblazing WIP's identity as a personality-driven station. Audacy, the station's parent company, confirmed Eskin's departure.December 20, 2024
Holidays
Brandon Graham's trash-talk yule log is the latest Philly-themed fireplace video to keep the holidays cozy
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham is known as one of the NFL's most prolific trash-talkers. The team created a Christmas yule log video with a compilation of Graham yapping at opponents on the field over the years. The video is one of a handful of Philly-themed yule log streams that offer cozy background entertainment during the holiday season.Just In
- Report: Phils ace Zack Wheeler to return Saturday vs. Braves
- Educators, tech advocates weigh in on Mayor Parker's proposed rideshare tax
- For older adults, excessive daytime napping may be a sign of underlying health issues
- Philly's MLB All-Star Game schedule includes fan festival and new 3-on-3 competition
- Who's John Ternus, the Penn graduate named next CEO of Apple?
- Exploring scenarios for the Eagles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
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