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.
April 22, 2022
Investigations
Suspect surrenders in fatal shooting of Philly police officer's son
Levar Turner Jr., 23, turned himself in to police to face charges in connection with the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Hyram Hill, the son of a veteran Philadelphia Police officer. Hill was shot Jan. 24 along the 1400 block of West Allegheny Avenue during an attempted robbery. Philadelphia police continue to search for a second suspect in the deadly shooting.April 22, 2022
Government
Philly rescinds COVID-19 indoor face mask requirement, but still strongly recommends they be worn
Philadelphia has lifted its mask mandate in indoor public spaces, abandoning the requirement just days after it took effect. The city's Board of Health voted Thursday night to rescind the policy Philadelphia was the only large U.S. city that had implemented a new mask mandate this spring. The decision, which contrasted with CDC guidance, prompted a strong public backlash and a lawsuit from a group of local businesses. The city will shift to strongly recommending masks in indoor public settings and will no longer use the COVID response level system that automatically triggers policy changes.April 22, 2022
Health News
Jefferson Health to develop proton therapy center in Northeast Philadelphia
Jefferson Health plans to build a proton therapy cancer treatment center at its Torresdale campus in North Philadelphia. The facility would be just the second site in Philadelphia to ofter the minimally invasive treatment option alongside Penn Medicine's Roberts Proton Therapy Center. Proton therapy, a relatively new type of radiation therapy, often is used to treat cancers as well as benign tumors. Instead of using X-rays, which also touch non-cancer cells, proton beams enter the body at low doses of radiation that spare healthy tissue and produce fewer side effects.April 21, 2022
Investigations
Two Pennsylvania state troopers under investigation for killing horse that escaped from Amish farm
Two Pennsylvania state troopers are under investigation for shooting and euthanizing a horse that escaped from an Amish farm in Chester County last December. The criminal probe is looking into whether the troopers violated animal cruelty laws. The animal was shot along U.S. Route 1 and State Road 10.April 21, 2022
Government
Mayor Kenney defends Philly's outlier mask mandate: 'People will complain about just about anything'
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney spoke with the Washington Post on Thursday and discussed the city's new mask mandate, which has sparked local backlash and a lawsuit from a group of businesses. Philly is the only major city in the United States to bring back a COVID-19 mask mandate this spring. Kenney defended the decision of the city health department, arguing that public opposition is political and that he will continue to follow the guidance of his health department.April 21, 2022
Investigations
Man charged with luring teen to Delco park and fatally shooting him
Mark Laird, 18, of Boothwyn, is charged in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Reuben Rosado at Henry Johnson Park in Trainer, Delaware County on March 15, prosecutors said. Laird allegedly lured Rosado to the park under the guise that he would give him a gun, but instead fatally shot the teenager.April 21, 2022
Investigations
South Jersey post office worker used job to make, sell 400 fake COVID-19 vaccine cards, prosecutors say
Lisa Hammell, 39, of Turnersville, New Jersey, allegedly sold at least 400 fake COVID-19 vaccination cards that she made at a U.S. post office in Marlton where she worked, according to federal prosecutors. Hammell is charged with health care fraud and related offenses. The scheme is one of nine separate federal cases as part of a wider crackdown on fraud and profiteering related to the coronavirus pandemic.April 20, 2022
Media
Philly jazz radio host Bob Perkins to retire from full-time role on WRTI-FM
Bob Perkins, legendary Jazz radio host and South Philadelphia native, will retire from his full-time position as a host on Temple University's public WRTI-FM station. Perkins' career in media spans 57 years, including 25 years at WRTI-FM. He will maintain his Sunday morning Jazz Brunch show on 90.1 FM. from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., but will no longer work weeknights beginning in June 2022.April 20, 2022
Investigations
Man arrested in theft of Hyundai, Kia cars from shipment at South Philly rail yard
Philadelphia police are investigating the mass theft of new Hyundai vehicles from a rail yard owned by freight operator CSX along Delaware Avenue in South Philadelphia. The incident appears to have happened overnight Monday into Tuesday. It was not immediately clear how many vehicles were stolen and an investigation is ongoing.April 20, 2022
Development
Sesame Place water tower, a roadside landmark since 1993, slated to be demolished
The Sesame Place water tower, along I-295 in Langhorne, looks to be headed for demolition after decades as a landmark for families approaching the amusement park. The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority reportedly have approved plans to take bids to raze the structure.Just In
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