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

May 27, 2020

Food & Drink

Marc Vetri to open Italian restaurant at hotel in Japan

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia chef and restaurateur Marc Vetri's new concept, Mr. Maurice's Italian, will open at the Ace Hotel in Kyoto, Japan on June 11. Vetri opened a second location of his famed Vetri Cucina at the Palms Casino Hotel in Las Vegas in 2018.

May 27, 2020

Courts

New Jersey judge barred from bench for advising rape victim to 'close your legs'

by Michael Tanenbaum

New Jersey Superior Court Judge John F. Russo was removed from the bench by the state Supreme Court over multiple complaints of misconduct, including an instance in which he challenged a sexual assault victim by asking whether she knew how to close her legs to prevent intercourse.

May 27, 2020

Health News

Survey of Philly residents shows 75% want face masks worn everywhere outside home

by Michael Tanenbaum

A survey of Philadelphia residents show 3/4 of residents believe everyone should be wearing face masks whenever they leave home during the COVID-19 crisis. The city is preparing to enter the state's yellow phase of reopening on June 5, but the health commissioner said Wednesday that isn't guaranteed if numbers don't improve.

May 27, 2020

Economy

Arrival of coronavirus stimulus check via debit cards causes some confusion

by Michael Tanenbaum

The latest round of coronavirus stimulus funds were sent to four million Americans in prepaid Visa debit cards, creating confusion among those who thought they would be receiving a paper check.

May 26, 2020

Eagles

Eagles rookie Jalen Reagor, mom fire back at 'old man' Skip Bayless for mocking draft pick

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Jalen Reagor and his mom reacted strongly to criticism from FS1 host Skip Bayless that the team reached for him in the 2020 NFL Draft.

May 26, 2020

Crime

Ambler man pleads guilty to paying bribe for daughter's admission to Georgetown

by Michael Tanenbaum

An Ambler, Pennsylvania man admitted to bribing the former tennis coach at Georgetown University in order to guarantee his daughter's admission and a place on the team. Robert Repella, 61, faces ten months in prison, a $40,000 fine and restitution.

May 26, 2020

Television

'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' will deal with coronavirus pandemic next season

by Michael Tanenbaum

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" will deal with themes surrounding the coronavirus pandemic when the show returns for its 15th season on FXX, series creator Rob McElhenney said.

May 26, 2020

Government

Philly permits opening of food trucks, walk-up ordering at restaurants

by Michael Tanenbaum

Food trucks in Philadelphia are now permitted to reopen and serve customers as long as they follow guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, officials said. The city is expected to move to the yellow phase of Pennsylvania's reopening plan on June 5, 2020.

May 22, 2020

Crime

Man allegedly sexually abused ponies at Delaware equestrian center

by Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Riego, 31, of Hartly, is accused of sexually abusing and injuring several ponies at the New Castle County Carousel Park and Equestrian Center. Authorities began investigating the incident in February after a lesson pony was found with cords tied around its ankles.

May 22, 2020

Sixers

Sixers' Ben Simmons posts video of fishing trip, disses American drivers

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons went on a fishing trip during the NBA's suspended season, sharing highlights of the day in a YouTube video. The Sixers and the rest of the league hope to return in the summer.