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

September 11, 2023

Investigations

Danelo Cavalcante's sister refused to help police find escaped killer before her ICE detainment, authorities say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Eleni Cavalcante, the sister of escaped killer Danelo Cavalcante, could be deported from the United States after she was detained by federal ICE agents on Sunday. Authorities said Monday that she refused to cooperate with investigators in their search for Cavalcante after he broke out of Chester County Prison on Aug. 31. Cavalcante was last seen Saturday night on a Ring doorbell camera in East Nantmeal Township, where he had gone to seek out a former associate for help.

September 8, 2023

Investigations

Philly police officer Mark Dial charged with murder in fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry

by Michael Tanenbaum

Mark Dial, the Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry in Kensington on Aug. 14, will face murder and related charges, District Attorney Larry Krasner said. The D.A.'s office released body-worn camera footage that provided new insights into the shooting. Irizarry had been pulled over and remained seated in his car when Dial shot him through his window several times.

September 8, 2023

Business

Walnut Garden pop-up near Rittenhouse Square reopens after it was shut down in June for code violations

by Michael Tanenbaum

Walnut Garden, the pop-up cocktail garden 1708 Walnut St. on Rittenhouse Row, is now open seven days a week from noon to midnight. The concept was shut down in late June, less than a month after it opened, due to a number of city code violations that needed to be resolved. It reopened Friday afternoon near Rittenhouse Square after resolving the outstanding issues that resulted in its closure. City officials confirm all outstanding problems have been resolved.

September 7, 2023

Celebrities

Ahead of Eagles opener against Patriots, Bill Belichick's breakup has New England execs on edge, report says

by Michael Tanenbaum

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and longtime girlfriend Linda Holliday reportedly have broken up, making team executives anxious just days before the Philadelphia Eagles kick off the 2023 season in Foxborough. Holliday previously made critical remarks about Tom Brady after the quarterback left the Patriots to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Belichick and Holliday had been together since 2007.

September 7, 2023

Wildlife

Man in Poconos clawed by bear after he foolishly tried to corral it away from Labor Day cookout

by Michael Tanenbaum

A bear that entered a campsite at Lake Harmony in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains clawed a man over Labor Day weekend after he attempted to herd it away from a cookout area. Video of the encounter shows the man was left with scratches on his torso. Wildlife officials urge people not to approach bears and never to feed them human food, which often turns them into beggars and requires them to be euthanized.

September 7, 2023

Wildlife

Flamingos spotted in Pennsylvania for first time after being swept from Florida by Hurricane Idalia

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania's first documented sighting of American flamingos was reported this week at a pond in St. Thomas, Franklin County. The tropical species normally resides in the Caribbean and Florida, which was hit hard by Hurricane Idalia at the end of August. Experts say the birds likely were swept off course by the Category 3 storm. The flamingos have been spotted in nine other states since the storm.

September 6, 2023

Adult Health

Baseball players' vision problems shine light on lingering concussion symptoms

by Michael Tanenbaum

San Diego Padres catcher Austin Nola was recently diagnosed with oculomotor dysfunction, a condition that causes vision problems after people suffer concussions. His baseball performance declined after he was struck in the face in March. He underwent tests after learning the Yankees star Anthony Rizzo, who had been battling similar issues, was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. Their symptoms shed light on the dangers of undiagnosed conditions and how symptoms can become chronic.

September 6, 2023

Crime

Danelo Cavalcante escaped Chester County Prison with a feat of strength caught on video

by Michael Tanenbaum

Convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante, who escaped from Chester County Prison on Aug. 31, scaled two walls to breakout. He remains missing, meanwhile authorities released video Wednesday showing Cavalcante climbing the walls and an investigation is underway by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.

September 5, 2023

Development

Potential designs emerge for the Chinatown Stitch project above Vine Street Expressway

by Michael Tanenbaum

The city released potential designs on Sept. 5 for the Chinatown Stitch, a project that would construct a cap above the Vine Street Expressway to bridge the physical barrier that split Chinatown in two when the highway was built in the 1960s. The cap would also create new space in the densely packed neighborhood that could be used for parks or other amenities.

September 5, 2023

Investigations

Plymouth Meeting man charged in death of 7-year-old who fell out of truck bed

by Michael Tanenbaum

Andres Marin, 48, of Plymouth Meeting, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and related offenses in the death of a 7-year-old girl who fell from the back of his truck. Marin allegedly ran over the girl after she fell as he took a turn. The girl was among a group of kids that allegedly were riding unsecured in the back of Marin's truck.