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 19, 2024

Business

Bacterial infections in Pennsylvania's potato crops could lead to supply shortages for chip makers

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania's potato crops could be at risk of a bacteria outbreak due to several pathogens found in crops monitored by researchers at Penn State University. The pathogens may threaten the state's potato chip industry led by the likes of Utz, Herr's, Martin's Potato Chips and Snyder's of Hanover.

January 18, 2024

Investigations

Boater allegedly was drunk when he fatally struck swimmer in water off of Atlantic City last summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

A boater in Atlantic City faces an aggravated manslaughter charge after he fatally struck a swimmer in the Intercoastal Waterway last August, Atlantic County prosecutors said. Jeffrey Jastrzembski, 53, of Atlantic City, allegedly struck and killed 70-year-old Norma Michaels, also of Atlantic City, after he made an aggressive turn near the docks. Michaels was struck with the fishing boat's propeller. Jastrzembski allegedly was drunk at the time of the crash.

January 18, 2024

Prevention

Snow shoveling in frigid temperatures can trigger heart attacks, but there are ways to lessen risks

by Michael Tanenbaum

Snow shoveling can increase the risk of a heart attack or cardiac arrest, especially among people who are overweight, older and have sedentary lifestyles, according to the American Heart Association. Cold temperatures add to the stress on the heart during shoveling. The AHA offers a number of tips for people shoveling snow to limit the risk of an emergency.

January 17, 2024

Fitness

2024 Broad Street Run returns to May race date and finish line location inside Navy Yard

by Michael Tanenbaum

The 2024 Broad Street Run takes place on May 5. The first runners will leave the starting line at 7:30 a.m. which is 30 minutes earlier than the 10-mile race usually starts. For the first time in five years, the finish line will be back at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

January 17, 2024

Social Media

'Stranger Things' star Noah Schnapp answers backlash against 'misconstrued' views on Israel-Hamas war

by Michael Tanenbaum

'Stranger Things' star Noah Schnapp went on TikTok Tuesday to share a statement about the criticism he's received for his alleged views on the Israel-Hamas war. The University of Pennsylvania sophomore came under fire last fall after he appeared in a video with a group of friends carrying stickers reading 'Zionism Is Sexy.' Some fans of the Netflix series have called for a boycott of the show and for Schnapp to be fired.

January 17, 2024

Celebrities

Jason Kelce stops at McDonald's in Delco, signs Eagles jersey for drive-through employee

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce stopped by a McDonald's in Delaware County on Wednesday morning and autographed a jersey for a drive-through employee. Despite reports of Kelce's impending retirement, the Eagles' center said he's still weighing his future during Wednesday's episode of the 'New Heights' podcast.

January 15, 2024

Eagles

Physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson explains why the Eagles' Tush Push is so effective

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Eagles' Tush Push play was presented to physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson for an explanation of why it has been so dominant in short yardage situations. As Jalen Hurts and the Eagles take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Monday night's playoff game, the Brotherly Shove is sure to be a lifeline for the team's struggling offense.

January 15, 2024

Business

Teens at Deptford Mall must be accompanied by adult chaperones on weekend evenings under new policy

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Deptford Mall in Gloucester County is requiring teens to be accompanied by adult chaperones, who are either a parents or older than 25. The rule is in place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 5 p.m.

January 12, 2024

Business

French restaurant La Grange, Duck Donuts to join new Wegmans at Bucks County development

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Wegmans planned at the Prickett Preserve development in Lower Makefield will be joined by La Grange, a casual French restaurant, and Duck Donuts. Wegmans is opening in March at the mixed-use development, which will also have a Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. The town center in Bucks County will include 200 apartments, a clubhouse and 155,000 square feet of retail space.

January 12, 2024

Courts

Former Pennsylvania attorney who solicited sex from clients gets jail time

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former Lackawanna County defense attorney Corey Kolcharno was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to charges that he solicited sex and nude photos from his clients, including vulnerable women with financial hardships and substance abuse problems, prosecutors said. Kolcharno will serve 4 to 23 months in prison and two years of probation. He has been required to surrender his law license.