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 7, 2025

Investigations

First suspect charged in Grays Ferry shootout that left 3 dead, 9 injured

by Michael Tanenbaum

Terrell Frazier, 22, is the first person to be charged in the deadly July 7 shootout in Grays Ferry that killed three people and injured 9 others on the 1500 block of South Etting Street. Philly police say they are nearing additional arrests.

August 6, 2025

Investigations

Police arrest suspect accused of sexually assaulting at least 6 women in Center City, South Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

Dynel Walker, 37, has been arrested by Philadelphia police for allegedly sexually assaulting at least six women in Center City and South Philly between July 18 and Aug. 3.

August 6, 2025

Government

Watch Pa. lawmakers debate SEPTA budget crisis in House Transportation Committee meeting

by Michael Tanenbaum

SEPTA is only weeks away from making its first round of service cuts to address a budget crisis. To avoid service cuts, the public transportation authority has given lawmakers until Aug. 14 to pass a state budge that includes new funding.

August 6, 2025

Transportation

SEPTA sets deadline for state budget with new transit funding before first round of service cuts

by Michael Tanenbaum

SEPTA officials plan to move forward with a 20% reduction in service on Aug. 24 if state lawmakers do not pass a budget with a solution for public transportation funding by Aug. 14. The state budget is more than a month overdue.

August 5, 2025

Children's Health

After Pennsylvania coal plant closed, ER visits for childhood asthma dropped by 41%

by Michael Tanenbaum

When the Shenango Coke Works coal processing plant closed outside Pittsburgh in 2016, it led to a major reduction emergency department visits for respiratory conditions including childhood asthma and COPD, a new study found.

August 5, 2025

Investigations

Child's body found in Va. in 1972 identified as 4-year-old boy from Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

Authorities in Virginia have identified the remains of a boy whose body was found in a creek in Fairfax County in 1972 as Carl Matthew Bryant, of Philadelphia. DNA testing has revealed new clues about his murder and the disappearance of his brother.

August 4, 2025

Investigations

Five sexual assaults in Center City, South Philly likely committed by same suspect, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Five women told police they were sexually assaulted by a man in recent weeks at different locations in Center City and South Philly. Police believe the assaults are tied to a lone suspect who groped women after approaching from behind.

August 4, 2025

Environment

N.J. reaches 'landmark' settlement worth up to $2 billion with chemical companies for PFAS contamination

by Michael Tanenbaum

Chemical companies DuPont, Chemours and Corteva have agreed to a $2 billion settlement with New Jersey to resolve a lawsuit over PFAS contamination at four former industrial sites in the state, officials said Monday.

August 4, 2025

Recreation

Schuylkill Yards opens new park showcasing public art in University City

by Michael Tanenbaum

Highline Park in University City is a new public space that highlights murals and other public art installations recently completed as part of the Schuylkill Yards development in West Philadelphia.

August 1, 2025

Courts

Actor Gary Busey, 81, pleads guilty to groping woman at 2022 Cherry Hill event

by Michael Tanenbaum

Actor Gary Busey pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sexual contact stemming from a meet-and-greet during the August 2022 Monster-Mania Convention at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.