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.
November 24, 2021
Health News
With $10 million gift, Penn Medicine establishes Colton Center for Autoimmunity
Penn Medicine's new Colton Center for Autoimmunity, established with a $10 million gift from philanthropists Judy and Stewart Colton, will add to an existing network at New York University and Yale University. The center will focus on research that advances the understanding and treatment of autoimmunity, a condition in which the body's immune system attacks healthy cells.November 24, 2021
Courts
Pottstown man gets one-day prison sentence for stealing rare rifle from Valley Forge State Park Museum
Thomas Gavin, 78, of Pottstown, was sentenced Tuesday for the theft of a rare antique rifle during a visit to the Valley Forge State Park Museum in 1971. Gavin kept the Christian Oerter flintlock rifle, a relic of the American Revolution, in his barn in Pottstown for decades before selling it to a dealer who recognized its significance. Gavin will spend one day in prison and has been ordered to pay nearly $50,000 in fines and restitution. The rifle was returned to its owners and is now displayed at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.November 23, 2021
Investigations
Retired Pennsylvania police officer killed in bear hunting accident
A former police officer in Pennsylvania was killed in a bear hunting accident in Warren County, where Game Commission investigators say the victim's nephew slipped and his rifle discharged. The victims was identified as 64-year-old Gary R. Hunt, who served 27 years with the City of Cory Police Department.November 23, 2021
Celebrities
Bradley Cooper spotted at Cape May's Washington Street Mall
Actor Bradley Cooper was spotted at Cape May's Washington Street Mall during a trip to the Jersey Shore over the weekend. Cooper, who grew up in Jenkintown, also attended the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The actor's upcoming film, "Nightmare Alley," is set to be released in theaters Dec. 17.November 23, 2021
Courts
Mark D'Amico pleads guilty in $400,000 GoFundMe scam with ex-girlfriend, homeless vet
Mark D'Amico, the mastermind behind a GoFundMe conspiracy that fraudulently solicited $400,000 in donations, has pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge, officials said. D'Amico and his ex-girlfriend, Kate McClure, made up a story claiming that homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt Jr. gave McClure his last $20 for gas when she became stranded on I-95 in Philadelphia in November 2017. The GoFundMe campaign was made to raise money to help Bobbitt, but the funds were used on gambling, cars, drugs and other personal expenses, prosecutors said.November 23, 2021
Health Insurance
Independence renames Center of Innovation after former CEO Dan Hilferty
The Independence Blue Cross renamed its Center for Innovation after Daniel J. Hilferty, the former CEO of the Philadelphia-based health insurance company. During his 10 years at the helm, Hilferty oversaw a number of new initiatives that led to new areas of growth and partnerships to make health care more accessible and affordable.November 23, 2021
Investigations
Philly police dispatchers, clerk allegedly stole pandemic unemployment benefits
Eight employees of the Philadelphia Police Department will be charged with allegedly stealing federal pandemic unemployment assistance in 2020. The eight employees were on the city's payroll at the time they filed for, received and spent unemployment funds, investigators said. The employees, including seven dispatchers and a clerk, will be suspended and dismissed. The case will be reviewed by the U.S. Attorney's Office.November 18, 2021
Investigations
Missing Chester County teen identified as 'Tiger Lady' victim in 1991 N.J. cold case
A victim in a 1991 New Jersey cold case homicide investigation has been identified as a missing teenager from Coatesville, Pennsylvania, according to Warren County prosecutor James Pfeiffer. The woman was found in a wooded area of Knowlton Township and had a distinctive tattoo of a Bengal on her calf, prompting authorities to name her the "Tiger Lady." The investigation into what led to her death remains ongoing.November 18, 2021
Environment
Bok Building's newest tenant, Fabscrap, brings textile recycling hub to Philly
Fabscrap, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit for commercial textile recycling, has expanded to Philadelphia with a new location inside the Bok Building. The organization processes fabric waste from businesses and diverts it from landfill. There is also a fabric scrap shop where designers can go to find cheap materials. Volunteers are invited to assisting in processing and sorting fabrics in exchange for free scrap.November 18, 2021
Women's Health
Temple to open hospital for women's health at former cancer treatment facility
Temple University's new women's health hospital will open at 1331 East Wyoming Ave in the Juniata Park section of the city in late 2022, officials said. Temple acquired the property from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and also plans to move its administrative services to the new campus.Just In
- Flyers press into overtime, but drop Game 2 to 'Canes on Taylor Hall's winner
- Little Susie’s Coffee & Pie to open fifth shop with new location in Bella Vista
- Wawa is selling a Gritty-themed smoothie to celebrate the Flyers' playoff run
- Pennsbury High School sends students home after suspected swatting incident
- The World Cup may put American tipping norms to the test this summer
- Phillies closer Jhoan Duran throws major heat in bullpen session, nearing return
Must Read
