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

February 17, 2022

Wildlife

Pennsylvania wildlife rescue shelter reveals identity of mystery canine

A mysterious canine that was taken into a western Pennsylvania animal rescue shelter, only to escape in an improbable fashion, is 100% coyote, a genetic test found. Initially, wildlife experts weren't sure whether the animal was a dog or a wild animal that could have been a mix of a dog and coyote.

February 17, 2022

Investigations

12-year-old among three charged in Mayfair carjacking, deadly beating of 70-year-old man

Three people including a 12-year-boy are facing murder and related charges in the deadly beating of a 70-year-old man who was viciously attacked during a carjacking in Mayfair on Dec. 2, Philadelphia police said. The victim, Chung Yan Chin, died several weeks later.

February 17, 2022

Crime

Philadelphia confronts mounting pedestrian deaths as rise in reckless driving hits national tipping point

Philadelphia is among communities around the United States that have seen an alarming uptick in pedestrian fatalities and other deadly traffic crashes during the coronavirus pandemic. From staff reductions and policy limitations in the Philadelphia Police Department's Accident Investigation District to traffic interventions championed by Vision Zero advocates, the need for solutions is too pressing to ignore. But first, transportation researchers need to ask and answer, "Why have crash fatalities increased during the COVID-19 crisis?'

February 14, 2022

Accidents

Woman from Philly hiking club dies in fall at dangerous Pennsylvania trail

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the death of a 72-year-old woman who suffered a fatal fall at the Glen Onoko Falls trail in Carbon County on Sunday, Feb. 13. The victim traveled to the dangerous trail with the Philadelphia Korean Hiking Club. The scenic trail, located on state game lands, was permanently closed in 2019 due to a history of deadly falls and accidents requiring rescues.

February 14, 2022

Health News

Penn creates tuition-free nurse practitioner program after receiving record $125 million donation

The Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Program, funded with a record $125 million donation, will offer a tuition-free track for aspiring nurse practitioners who will address a growing shortage of healthcare professionals and work in underserved areas as a required facet of their training at Penn Medicine.

February 14, 2022

Investigations

Man fatally stabbed outside Wawa in South Philly, police say

A 50-year-old man was fatally stabbed Monday morning outside a Wawa store along the 1600 block of South Christopher Columbus Boulevard in South Philadelphia, according to police. The victim, who was found inside his vehicle in the parking lot, was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and later pronounced dead. An investigation remains ongoing.

February 10, 2022

Business

South Jersey bike shop Beacon Cycling to close with retirement sale after decades in business

A beloved South Jersey bike shop that has been a hub for cycling enthusiasts for decades will close at the end of February. Customers looking for discounts on bikes and equipment can head to Beacon Cycling in Northfield to take advantage of the company's retirement sale, which began in January and will continue through the end of February.

February 10, 2022

Sixers

Sixers, NBA fans react to blockbuster James Harden trade, end of Ben Simmons era in Philly

At the NBA trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired James Harden from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for a package of Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round draft picks. The trade marks the end of a long standoff between the Sixers and Simmons, who held out after a humiliating exit in last year's NBA playoffs. Here are the best reactions to the blockbuster deal.

February 10, 2022

Investigations

Wing Bowl legend 'El Wingador' busted with copious amounts of cocaine, weed in Nebraska

Bill "El Wingador" Simmons, a legend at Philadelphia's former Wing Bowl eating competition, was arrested in Nebraska with a kilogram of cocaine, 254 pounds of marijuana and $4,483 in cash, according to authorities. Simmons, 60, previously served two years in prison after he was convicted on drug charges in New Jersey. At SportsRadio 94 WIP's Wing Bowl, El Wingador won five titles.

February 7, 2022

Investigations

10 juveniles arrested after woman was pushed onto SEPTA subway tracks

A woman was pushed onto the subway tracks at SEPTA's 11th Street Station along the Market-Frankford Line on Sunday night, one of two incidents involving a group of juveniles who were "wreaking havoc," according to SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch. The teens also punched a man in the face at 8th Street Station during an attempt to push him on the tracks, police said. Ten of the juveniles were arrested on Sunday night as SEPTA continues to deal high rates of crime on the subway system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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