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 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 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 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.

September 23, 2022

Lottery

$7.1 million winning lottery ticket sold at ShopRite in South Jersey

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Pick 6 lottery ticket worth $7.1 million was sold at a ShopRite at Burlington County, with all six numbers matching Thursday's Double Play drawing, New Jersey Lottery officials announced. The ticket was purchased at ShopRite of Hainesport at 1520 Route 38 East.

September 23, 2022

Addiction

In Pennsylvania, expanding collegiate recovery programs offer lifelines to students battling addiction

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania has more collegiate recovery programs than any other state to help students struggling with addiction. Twelve colleges in the Philadelphia region have received grant funding from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Association of Recovery in Higher Education to establish CRPs, which provide counseling, substance-free housing, Twelve-Step meetings and other peer support events that foster a sense of community for students in recovery. Holy Family University is the latest college to announce plans for a CRP.

September 23, 2022

Lawsuits

Parents sue Walmart, hoverboard maker over Pa. house fire that killed 2 girls

by Michael Tanenbaum

Walmart and hoverboard manufacturer Jetson Electric Bikes have been sued by the parents of two Pennsylvania girls who died in an April 1, 2022 fire at their home in Hellertown, Lehigh County. Jen and Damien Kaufman claim the companies failed to provide warnings about the fire hazards of the hoverboards. The fire claimed the lives of 15-year-old Briana Baer and 10-year-old Abigail Kaufman. The Jetson Rogue scooter allegedly caught fire in one of the girls' second-floor bedrooms. The U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Board cites at least 250 fire incidents relating to hoverboards and has recalled several models due to safety risks related to lithium ion batteries.

September 23, 2022

Investigations

'Unprovoked' killing of recent Temple grad caught on surveillance video, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police are offering a $20,000 reward to find the gunman responsible for killing 23-year-old Everett Beauregard, a recent Temple University graduate who was shot in West Philadelphia near Drexel University early Thursday morning. Investigators said the shooting was unprovoked. Police shared a surveillance video that shows the suspect shooting Beauregard along the 400 block of North 35th Street.

September 22, 2022

Investigations

Driver charged in South Jersey hit-and-run that injured teen, killed horse

by Michael Tanenbaum

A man has been arrested for allegedly striking a horse and teenager with his pickup truck in Franklin Township, New Jersey, on Sept. 13. The collision killed the horse and seriously injured the 14-year-old girl, who was taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. The driver was identified as 51-year-old Joseph Devitis, of Upper Pittsgrove in Salem County.

September 22, 2022

Investigations

Worker found dead in kettle cooker at South Jersey food processing plant

by Michael Tanenbaum

An employee at the Lassonde Pappas and Company plant in Upper Deerfield, New Jersey, was found dead in a kettle cooker on Monday morning. The man was identified as 63-year-old Dale Devilli. The company said Devilli was killed in an accident, but did not provide further details. Authorities do not suspect foul play and an OSHA investigation is underway.