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

February 4, 2021

Charity

Wawa, Sheetz team up for virtual benefit helping Special Olympics Pennsylvania

by Michael Tanenbaum

Wawa and Sheetz have each donated $5,000 to Special Olympics Pennsylvana, which supports athletic training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. The companies are teaming up on the Polar Pop challenge, wherein participants pop water balloons filled with cold water over their heads to support the cause.

February 4, 2021

Investigations

Bucks County traffic stop intercepts $4 million in heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, prosecutors say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Bucks County authorities have charged a man and woman who allegedly were involved in a drug-trafficking operation to transport $4 million drugs from California to New York. The pair were stopped in Bedminster Township, which led to a search of their vehicle and a tractor trailer parked at a truck stop in Lehigh County.

February 4, 2021

Hotels

Pennsylvania's 'Silence of the Lambs' house is turning into a creepy boutique hotel

by Michael Tanenbaum

The "Silence of the Lambs" home in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, is becoming a hotel and event space available for bookings in 2021. The haunting property was featured as the fictional home of Buffalo Bill in the influential 1991 thriller that serves as the center of the Hannibal Lecter universe. The new owners say the house will be available for overnights, guided tours, weddings, filming and other events.

February 3, 2021

Film

Questlove's 'Summer of Soul' documentary wins two Sundance prizes

by Michael Tanenbaum

Questlove's directorial debut, "Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)," won two awards at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. The documentary presents archival footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and offers historical context on the powerful event.

February 3, 2021

Space

International Space Station will be visible in the sky above Pennsylvania this week

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania residents will have an opportunity to see the International Space Station as it glides over the state this week, but those wish to catch it will have to combine timing and location with a little luck from the weather.

February 3, 2021

Investigations

Pennsylvania district attorney charged in alleged pattern of sexual misconduct

by Michael Tanenbaum

Chad Salsman, the district attorney in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, district attorney has been charged with sexual assault for allegedly abusing his power to compel clients to perform sex acts on him. A Pennsylvania investigating grand jury interviewed multiple women who provided testimony alleging a pattern of sexual assault and coercion when Salsman was a defense attorney.

February 3, 2021

Colleges

Villanova, in midst of another COVID-19 spike on campus, again threatens to make semester all-virtual

by Michael Tanenbaum

Villanova University has reported concerning spike in the number of COVID-19 cases since students returned to campus in January. Officials said the university will have to "end the semester on campus" if the trend continues.

February 3, 2021

Podcasts

Nick Foles recalls needing to hone his acting skills to execute Philly Special in Super Bowl LII

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles looked back on the Philly Special during an episode of his "Mission of Truth" podcast this week, delving into the acting he had to do in order to sell the trick play on 4th and goal. His touchdown helped the Eagles defeat the New England Patriots 41-33 and bring Philadelphia its first-ever Lombardy Trophy.

February 2, 2021

Prevention

Philly expanding COVID-19 vaccination rollout to more pharmacies, mass clinics

by Michael Tanenbaum

More Philadelphia pharmacies will soon be providing COVID-19 vaccines to seniors over age 75 as the health department expands its vaccination effort. The city also plans to hold a new series of mass vaccination clinics in the weeks ahead and has encouraged hospitals to use up their vaccine supplies.

February 2, 2021

Food & Drink

Yuengling's new mango-flavored Raging Eagle pilsner is 'disrupting the beer scene,' brewer says

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania-based Yuengling has debuted Raging Eagle Mango Beer, a 6% ABV pilsner brewed with natural fruit flavor and classic hops. The beer is now available in 24-ounce cans and will be released in other pack configurations later in 2021, as the company prepares to expand to western states.