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

August 28, 2020

Comedians

Ahead of Philly comedy show, Jim Gaffigan goes on Twitter rampage against Trump followers

by Michael Tanenbaum

Comedian Jim Gaffigan unleashed on President Donald Trump in a Twitter tirade during the final night of Republican National Convention. Gaffigan is slated to perform at Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia on Saturday, August 29.

August 28, 2020

Taxes

New Jersey hikes gas tax due to revenue lost amid pandemic

by Michael Tanenbaum

New Jersey will raise its fuel tax by 9.3 cents per gallon on Oct. 1. Officials said the state has lost required transportation funding during the coronavirus pandemic as fewer people purchase gas. With the change, New Jersey will have the fourth highest fuel tax in the United States.

August 27, 2020

Illness

Philly won't follow CDC's controversial new COVID-19 testing guidelines

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia will not adhere to new COVID-19 guidelines issued this week regarding testing for asymptomatic people who have been exposed to the coronavirus. The health department says these people should continue to get tested, despite the revision from the CDC.

August 27, 2020

Eagles

Eagles fans will not be able to attend games at Linc 'until further notice,' team says

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Eagles will not have fans in attendance at Lincoln Financial Field to start the 2020 NFL season. City and state officials informed the team of the decision on Thursday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to limit large gatherings. Fans will not be permitted at games until further notice.

August 27, 2020

Opioids

Excessive, high-dose opioids commonly prescribed after knee surgery, Penn study finds

by Michael Tanenbaum

High-strength opioid doses are commonly prescribed after both invasive and non-invasive knee surgeries in the United States, raising concern about long-term use and other risks in patients who don't have a history of taking these drugs. Penn Medicine researchers believe prescription standards can be modified for these surgeries to reduce potential harm to patients.

August 27, 2020

Documentaries

Cara Delevinge to lead Hulu, BBC docuseries 'Planet Sex'

by Michael Tanenbaum

Cara Delevinge will star in an upcoming Hulu documentary series about sexual identity and gender. The project, tentatively called "Planet Sex," will be co-produced by BBC Three.

August 26, 2020

Controversies

Philadelphia NAACP leader ousted as national organization takes over local branch

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia NAACP President Rodney Muhammad has been removed from his position in the wake of sharing an anti-Semitic meme on Facebook in July. The national NAACP will take over control of the local branch and oversee the leadership transition.

August 26, 2020

Investigations

West Pottsgrove fire company treasurer charged in alleged theft of $43,000

by Michael Tanenbaum

Montgomery County prosecutors charged Kengra S. Taylor, 46, with the theft of more than $43,000 from the West End Fire Company in West Pottsgrove, where she worked as a volunteer treasurer. Taylor allegedly used the money on personal expenses between January and September 2019.

August 26, 2020

Restaurants

Soul food restaurant Warmdaddy's looking for new location after closing in South Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Bynum brothers announced the temporary closure of Warmdaddy's, their soul food restaurant and live music venue on Columbus Boulevard and Reed Street in Philadelphia's Pennsport neighborhood. The restaurant is expected to reopen at a new location in the future.

August 26, 2020

Cyberattacks

SEPTA working through messy aftermath of August cyberattack

by Michael Tanenbaum

SEPTA was compromised by a suspected malware cyberattack on Aug. 10, resulting in the shut down of vital IT infrastructure used by the transit authority's employees. An investigation of the incident remains ongoing.