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 28, 2022

Investigations

Video shows suspects moments before fatal shooting of Roxborough High School football player, Nicholas Elizalde

by Michael Tanenbaum

The 14-year-old boy who died Tuesday afternoon in an ambush shooting outside Roxborough High School has been identified as Nicholas Elizalde, a student at Walter B. Saul High School who played for the Roxborough football team, Philadelphia police said. Elizalde was one of five boys shot as football players left the school's field following a scrimmage with Northeast High School and Boys Latin Charter School.

September 28, 2022

FOX 29 anchor Alex Holley wants to settle whether her grandpa looks like James Earl Jones

by Michael Tanenbaum

FOX 29 anchor Alex Holley asked the internet whether her grandfather looks like famed actor James Earl Jones, who starred in classics such as "Field of Dreams" and famously voiced "Star Wars" villain Darth Vader. The answer is a resounding yes when it comes to resemblance, but the "Good Day Philadelphia" host's grandpa doesn't sound much like the esteemed actor.

September 28, 2022

Investigations

One man dead, one injured in single-engine plane crash in Lehigh County

by Michael Tanenbaum

One person died and a second person was injured Wednesday afternoon when a single-engine plane crashed in Lehigh County, barely missing a nearby home in Salisbury Township, officials said. The Lehigh County coroner reported to the scene along the 1400 block of Keystone Road, where the Piper PA-28 plane crashed in a backyard. The plane went down around 1:45 p.m. after departing from Queen City Airport.

September 27, 2022

Investigations

Three men charged with fraud in saga of South Jersey deli once valued at $100 million

by Michael Tanenbaum

Your Hometown Deli, the former Paulsboro, New Jersey store that was once valued at $100 million, is now the subject of a federal fraud case against three defendants who are accused of manipulating the stock of the shell company that listed it as its sole asset. The meme stock gained national attention last year over the absurd valuation, which regulators say was driven by a conspiracy between James Patten, 63, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Peter Coker Sr., 80, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Peter Coker Jr., 53, of Hong Kong

September 27, 2022

Environment

State park opens in Chester County as part of $45 million conservation investment

by Michael Tanenbaum

Chester County's Big Elk Creek State Park, a 1,700-acre area near the Maryland border in Elk and Franklin townships, is one of three new state parks announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The other parks are Vosburg Neck State Park, a 669-acre property in Wyoming County, and the wooded, 1,100-acre Susquehanna Riverlands State Park in Hellam Township, York County.

September 27, 2022

Investigations

Football player killed, 4 others injured in shooting after Roxborough High School practice, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

A 14-year-old Roxborough High School football player was killed and four others were injured in a shooting after football practice Tuesday afternoon, police said. All players shot are students at Roxborough High School. Three teams had been scrimmaging at the school's stadium: Roxborough, Northeast High School, and Boys Latin High School.

September 26, 2022

Investigations

Anti-abortion activist charged with assault of patient escort at Planned Parenthood clinic in Center City

by Michael Tanenbaum

A man who allegedly assaulted a volunteer escort at a Philadelphia abortion clinic last year is facing federal charges in the incident outside the Planned Parenthood Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center. Mark Houck, 48, of Kintnersville, allegedly shoved the 72-year-old volunteer to the ground twice, prosecutors said. Houck was arrested at his home last week by FBI agents and is charged with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

September 26, 2022

Food & Drink

Spataro's to sell pink cheesesteaks at Reading Terminal Market to benefit victims of domestic violence

by Michael Tanenbaum

Spataro's at Reading Terminal Market will sell cheesesteaks with pink American cheese whiz as part of a fundraiser for A Woman's Place, which is the only domestic violence community benefit organization in Bucks County. The cheesesteaks will be sold for $15 apiece from Tuesday, Sept. 27 through Saturday, Oct. 15.

September 26, 2022

Technology

Bright object seen in Pennsylvania sky was a SpaceX rocket carrying Starlink satellites

by Michael Tanenbaum

Photos and videos of a bright object fleeting across the sky above Pennsylvania have been confirmed as SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Sept. 24. The company completed its 43rd Starlink launch of the year as part of a mission to deploy a network of satellites that extend internet service to remote parts of the the globe. Starlink satellites travel in trains across the sky, typically at an altitude of about 335 miles, and can be seen from the ground under the right conditions.

September 24, 2022

Movies

Dr. Audrey Evans biopic tells story of groundbreaking CHOP physician and Ronald McDonald House co-founder

by Michael Tanenbaum

Dr. Audrey Evans is the subject of the upcoming biopic, 'Audrey's Children.' She is a pediatric oncologist whose work at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia led to advancements in neuroblastoma treatment. Evans also co-founded the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Natalie Dormer, known for 'Game of Thrones,' will portray her in the film due out in 2023.