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 13, 2021

Government

Philadelphia's population grew by 5.1%, surpassing 1.6 million over last decade, U.S. Census finds

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia remains the sixth-most populous city in the United States, but saw an influx of nearly 78,000 residents over the last decade that put the population over 1.6 million for the first time since the 1980 U.S. Census.

August 13, 2021

Transportation

Philly to test bus-only lanes on Market Street, JFK Boulevard in Center City

by Michael Tanenbaum

SEPTA and PennDOT will test using bus-only lanes on Market Street between 20th and 15th streets and on JFK Boulevard between 15th and 19th streets. For 18 months, transportation officials will study whether the changes reduce traffic congestion along these stretches, which are heavily used by SEPTA buses.

August 12, 2021

Investigations

Lancaster man stored dismembered head inside freezer, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Donald Meshey Jr., 32, of Lancaster, is charged with homicide and related offenses after a human head was found inside his freezer and a dismembered cadaver was located in a bedroom at the residence, police said. Authorities said the incident remains under investigation.

August 12, 2021

Wildlife

Pennsylvania Elk Cam goes live as 2021 bugling season begins

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Pennsylvania Elk Cam has returned for the 2021 bugling season through an annual partnership between the Pennsylvania Game Commission and HDOnTap. The live stream camera is positioned over a field on State Game Lands 311 in Benezette, Elk County, in the north central part of the state. It will remain live until the end of bugling season in mid-October. The best time to tune is during late afternoons.

August 12, 2021

Food & Drink

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream offering freebies ahead of Center City storefront opening

by Michael Tanenbaum

Brooklyn-based Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is opening up a storefront in Philadelphia at 119 South 13 Street on Aug. 18. In the week leading up to the grand opening, a Van Leeuwen ice cream truck will be making stops at locations around Philadelphia to give out free scoops.

August 12, 2021

Accidents

WATCH: Sixers' Andre Drummond leaps into pool to save 2-year-old son

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond shared a video Thursday of a scary incident in his backyard, where his two-year-old son briefly fell into a pool. Drummond, 28, dove into the water and pulled the boy out within seconds.

August 11, 2021

Wildlife

New Jersey hiker, 21, hospitalized after bitten by venomous copperhead snake

by Michael Tanenbaum

A New Jersey man suffered a venomous snake bite from a copperhead while hiking on a trail in Hopewell Township in Mercer County. The victim, 21, spent three days in the hospital before he was released. Copperhead snake bits are among the most common in the United States, and while their venom is rarely lethal to humans, bites can cause serious complications and may require anti-venom treatment.

August 11, 2021

Prevention

Philly's indoor face mask requirement returns at midnight Thursday

by Michael Tanenbaum

Everyone entering businesses and other indoor public spaces in Philadelphia will be required to wear face masks, effective midnight, Thursday, Aug. 12. An exception to mask mandate are businesses with policies requiring patrons to show proof they have received their COVID-19 vaccination shots prior to entry. Fully inoculated people, carrying their vaccination cards, can go maskless in those businesses.

August 11, 2021

Investigations

Seven ex-SEPTA managers charged in alleged bribery scheme totaling nearly $1 million

by Michael Tanenbaum

Seven former management-level employees in SEPTA's Bridges and Buildings Departments have been charged with bribery and fraud offenses for a scheme they allegedly arranged with a pair of vendors to steal nearly $1 million for their personal benefit. The two vendors also are facing criminal charges.

August 10, 2021

Government

Pennsylvania enacts a 'vaccine or test' requirement for some state workers

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania will require COVID-19 vaccines for all state employees in health care and high-risk settings, unless they are willing to undergo regular testing, beginning Sept. 7. Governor Tom Wolf also announced that all state employees who choose to get vaccinated will be rewarded with a day off work starting Oct. 1. The new initiative comes as governments search for effective ways to induce higher rates of vaccination, including possible financial incentives.