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

November 15, 2021

NFL

Steelers' Najee Harris channels Donovan McNabb's ignorance of NFL tie rules

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris was unaware that NFL games could end in ties after Sunday's 16-16 finish against the Detroit Lions. Harris, a rookie, could be forgiven for not knowing the professional rules, but his ignorance is reminder of the time veteran Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb had no idea a tie was possible after a 13-13 end to a 2008 game against the Bengals.

November 15, 2021

Courts

Union leader John Dougherty, Councilmember Bobby Henon found guilty in federal corruption trial

by Michael Tanenbaum

John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, the leader of IBEW Local 98, and Councilmember Bobby Henon were found guilty in a federal corruption trial. The jury deliberated for three days before presenting a verdict Monday. Prosecutors accused Dougherty of buying influence on City Council through Henon, who continued receiving a salary from Local 98 after being elected.

November 12, 2021

Illness

Rowan University reports flu outbreak as experts brace for potentially severe season

by Michael Tanenbaum

Officials at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey have reported a significant increase in flu cases during the month of November, which is earlier than the typical seasonal peak. Public health experts fear that the 2021-22 flu season could be severe if vaccination rates are low and transmission rises as a result of fewer COVID-19 restrictions around the country.

November 12, 2021

Nature

State police responded to a floating island of plants that broke free in a Jersey Shore river

by Michael Tanenbaum

A small island of vegetation broke free in the Metedeconk River in Ocean County, New Jersey on Thursday. The phragmites, also known as common reed, had to be relocated from the middle of the river by New Jersey State Police and U.S. Coast Guard vessels. The incident happened in the area of Windward Beach in Brick Township

November 12, 2021

Food & Drink

Philly pizzeria and bottle shop Eeva named one of Eater's 11 best new restaurants in America

by Michael Tanenbaum

Eeva, a pizzeria, bakery and bottle bar in Philadelphia's Olde Kensington neighborhood, was named one of Eater's 11 best new restaurants in America. The concept was created by the owners of ReAnimator Coffee, who teamed up with baker-chef Greg Dunn to develop a menu of wood-fired pizzas, small plates and baked goods. After debuting as a takeout-only option, the restaurant has now opened a 35-seat dining room at the storefront on Master Street.

November 11, 2021

Investigations

New Jersey State Police sergeant, 41, dies in Burlington County motorcycle crash

by Michael Tanenbaum

New Jersey State Police Sgt. Juan Fajardo, 41, was killed in a motorcycle crash in Burlington County on Nov. 9, 2021, officials said. Fajardo, a husband and father of three children, formerly served in the New Jersey Army National Guard and served with New Jersey State Police for 16 years. The cause of the crash on Route 206 in Mansfield remains under investigation.

November 11, 2021

Arts & Culture

Gigantic flamingo sculpture arrives on Main Street in Manayunk

by Michael Tanenbaum

A 15-foot-tall flamingo sculpture has been installed on Main Street in Manayunk by ice cream parlor Chloe's Corner. The powder-coated steel sculpture was created by artist Frederick Prescott. Chloe's Corner has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of the sculpture.

November 11, 2021

Television

Trailer for 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' promises mayhem for Dee

by Michael Tanenbaum

The trailer for Season 15 of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" points to a raucous return for The Gang after a long pandemic hiatus. The record-breaking 15th season of the show will premiere Dec. 1 with a double-episode special on FXX.

November 11, 2021

Travel

Pennsylvania man wins more than $500,000 with royal flush during Las Vegas trip

by Michael Tanenbaum

Scott Long, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, hit a Mega Progressive Jackpot on Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em while visiting Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for a poker trip with friends. Long won $544,904 thanks to the rare royal flush in diamonds he played at the casino on Wednesday morning. Long says he plans to pay off his mortgage and college tuition.

November 10, 2021

Investigations

Christmas Village security guard charged in fatal shooting at LOVE Park

by Michael Tanenbaum

Gregory Thomas Sr., 43, has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man at LOVE Park in Center CIty on Nov. 9, 2021. Thomas was working a security detail for the construction of the park's Christmas Village when he became involved in a disturbance with the victim and retrieved a handgun from his car, police said.