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.
September 8, 2020
Investigations
Harleysville woman accused of faking cancer diagnosis in GoFundMe scheme
A former Harleysville woman allegedly faked having brain cancer to raise money on GoFundMe to move to Australia, according to federal prosecutors. Vanessa O'Rourke, 32, was a Temple University student at the time she launched the fake crowdfunding campaign, which raised more than $11,000 in donations.September 8, 2020
Illness
Temple's COVID-19 outbreak appears to be slowing down, but parties still a worry
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley believes the COVID-19 outbreak at Temple University is subsiding since the switch was made to all-online instruction. The city also reopened indoor dining at restaurants across the city, but will stick to 25% capacity as the rest of Pennsylvania moves to 50% on Sept. 21.September 4, 2020
Lawsuits
Pennsylvania couples sue Gov. Wolf for acting as 'king' amid COVID-19 crisis
A federal lawsuit filed against Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and other state officials seeks to end the mask mandate and contact tracing program put in place during the coronavirus pandemic. The two couples who filed the suit claim Wolf's emergency powers have given him the free reign of a king.September 4, 2020
Illness
After decades of research, Temple doctor sees 'real hope' in promising ALS drug combo
A new treatment appears to slow the rate of functional decline in people with ALS. Temple University researcher Terry Heiman-Patterson, who was part of Amylyx's promising clinical study of AMX0035, says the combo drug offers hope for people battling Lou Gehrig's Disease.September 4, 2020
Investigations
Son-in-law stole $484,000 from family business in Montgomery County, prosecutors say
Chrisopher Oleksa, 36, allegedly stole more than $484,000 from Firely Pediatric and Home Care, a business owned by his wife's parents, between 2014 and 2020, according to Montgomery County prosecutors. He faces multiple criminal charges after the alleged credit card fraud was discovered.September 3, 2020
Biology
Botanist discovers new wildflower species native to Philly-area
The few-flowered roundleaf mud-plantain is a newly identified flower species native to Southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and parts of Virginia and North Carolina. The discovery was made by botanist Charles Horn, a professor of biology at Newberry College in South Carolina.September 3, 2020
Travel
Four Seasons hotel and spa earn Philly's first prestigious five-star designation from Forbes
The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia and Spa became the first in the city to receive a five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. Since opening in August 2019, the hotel and world-class spa have become destinations in Philadelphia.September 3, 2020
Illness
Philly officials respond to CDC updates on COVID-19 vaccine, evictions
Philadelphia officials are taking preliminary steps to preparing for the approval of a COVID-19 vaccine, which the White House and CDC suggested could arrive as soon as November. City officials also discussed the CDC's nationwide eviction moratorium through the end of 2020, as well as the COVID-19 outbreak at Temple University.September 2, 2020
SEPTA sets date to phase out paper ticket sales on Regional Rail
SEPTA will end sales of paper tickets on the Regional Rail system on Oct. 2, 2020. Riders instead will be required to pay their fares using the SEPTA Key Travel Wallet.September 2, 2020
NFL
Andy Reid finally puts on first Super Bowl ring in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid received his first Super Ring this week ahead of the start of the 2020 NFL season. The former Eagles coach won his first championship last season after coming up just short throughout his career.Just In
- New Jersey State Police detective found guilty in fatal motorcycle chase in Burlington County
- Five takeaways from Josh Harris and Bob Myers' press conference following Daryl Morey's departure
- A rare corpse flower is in bloom at Temple's greenhouse in Ambler
- CDC boosts staff monitoring hantavirus but says public health risk remains low
- Phillies take two from Red Sox, get another series win under Don Mattingly
- American Girl dolls come to life in satirical FringeArts musical
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