Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Tanenbaum Headshot

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 27, 2023

Construction

Demolition of Walnut Street pedestrian bridge at Penn's Landing is underway

PennDOT crews are demolishing the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge and rotunda staircase at Penn's Landing as part of the construction of the 11 1/2-acre park that will cap I-95 along the Delaware River waterfront. Lane restrictions on Columbus Boulevard and detours on I-95 will be in effect over the coming weeks.

November 27, 2023

Investigations

Vermont man accused of shooting 3 Palestinian students, including one from Haverford College, pleads not guilty

Kinnan Abdalhamid, 20, is one of three Palestinian college students who were shot Saturday in Burlington, Vermont. Abdalhamid is a student at Haverford College in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Jason Eason, 48, was arrested Sunday and charged with attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty amid an ongoing hate crime investigation.

November 27, 2023

Movies

Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' movie to hit streaming platforms in December

Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' concert film will begin streaming on-demand Dec. 13. on Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, Xfinity, Google Play and YouTube. The extended version of the movie features performances of the songs 'Wildest Dreams,' 'The Archer' and 'Long Live.' Those performances were not included in the film's theatrical release.

November 22, 2023

Courts

Drunk driver who killed three people, among them two state troopers, sentenced to decades in prison

The woman who was driving drunk on I-95 in South Philly when she struck and killed two Pennsylvania State Troopers and another man was sentenced to 27.5 to 60 years in prison. Jayana Webb, 23, pleaded guilty to charges for the deaths of Martin F. Mack III, Branden T. Sisca, and Reyes Rivera Oliveras. The crash happen in March 2022.

November 22, 2023

Government

Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia's next police commissioner, says city's public safety issues are 'solvable'

Kevin Bethel will become Philadelphia's next police commissioner after being appointed by Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker. Bethel has three decades of experience in the Philadelphia Police Department, including a former stint as deputy police commissioner before he left to join the Philadelphia School District. Most recently, he has served as Philadelphia's chief of school safety.

November 20, 2023

Children's Health

More parents are giving kids melatonin as a sleep aid, but experts urge caution

Melatonin, the over-the-counter sleep aid supplement, is increasingly being used by young children and preteens, according to researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder. Their study suggests parents should exercise caution with the hormone since there is limited pediatric research on its long-term effects.

November 20, 2023

Business

Macy's to open smaller version of its department store in Mount Laurel

Macy's will open two stores in Mount Laurel and Ramsey, New Jersey in 2024, and they will be one-fifth the size of a traditional Macy's. The department store is expanding its strip mall concept with 30 small stores planned in the U.S. through 2025. The Mount Laurel store will be at the Centerton Square shopping center, and the Ramsey location is planned at the Interstate Shopping Center. Both were formerly Bed Bath & Beyond stores.

November 20, 2023

Fashion

Rob McElhenney starts bidding war in charity auction for Princess Diana Eagles jacket

Rob McElhenney is again the leading bidder for a Princess Diana Eagles jacket being auctioned for charity. The kelly green jacket is signed by Kylie Kelce, wife of Eagles player Jason Kelce. Mitchell and Ness recreated the iconic jacket that Diana was photographed wearing in 1991 and 1992. Money from the auction benefits the Eagles Autism Foundation.

November 17, 2023

Development

At town hall for 76ers arena proposal, team pressed for details about its $50 million plan to benefit the community

The Philadelphia 76ers held a town hall meeting Thursday night to discuss their proposed arena in Center City. One of the central concerns raised by the public was the team's promise of a $50 million community benefits agreement for Chinatown and other neighborhoods. Many in the audience sought more details about what the CBA will include and when its details will be made public. Other topics included affordable housing, traffic, parking and public financing.

November 17, 2023

Investigations

New Jersey trooper charged for allegedly punching handcuffed woman who spit at him

New Jersey state trooper Nicolas J. Hogan, 28, is charged with aggravated assault for allegedly punching a woman who spit in his direction while she was handcuffed in a squad car. The incident happened last year in Upper Deerfield, Cumberland County. The woman was detained and was awaiting a medical evaluation. Prosecutors say Hogan's actions were 'completely avoidable.' His attorney said he plans to plead not guilty.

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