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

October 9, 2020

Investigations

Pennsylvania couple arrested in death of Delaware girl found in Smyrna field

by Michael Tanenbaum

Delaware authorities have identified Emma Cole as the victim whose body was found at a Smyrna field in Sept. 2019. Brandon and Kristie Haas were taken into custody in Pennsylvania and identified as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation.

October 9, 2020

Behavioral Health

Philly embeds behavioral health specialist in 911 call center

by Michael Tanenbaum

A new co-responder program launched in Philadelphia will embed behavioral health specialists in the city's 911 radio control and dispatch offices in order to better direct appropriate personnel to behavioral health crises.

October 8, 2020

Prevention

Temple University Hospital now recruiting for COVID-19 vaccine trial

by Michael Tanenbaum

Temple University Hospital will serve as a Phase 3 clinical trial site for Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The Philadelphia hospital is looking to enroll 1,400 participants in the study.

October 8, 2020

2020 Election

Biden pivots to ABC News Town Hall in Philly in lieu of virtual second debate

by Michael Tanenbaum

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will hold a virtual town hall meeting broadcast by ABC News in Philadelphia on Oct. 15, 2020. The event will replace the originally scheduled second presidential debate with Donald Trump, who pulled out of the town hall after learning it would be held virtually.

October 8, 2020

Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market launches GoFundMe for recovery from COVID-19

by Michael Tanenbaum

Reading Terminal Market is seeking donations from the public to help the Center City landmark survive the COVID-19 crisis. A GoFundMe campaign for the 128-year-old Philadelphia market seeks $250,000.

October 8, 2020

Development

At strategic site of Philly refinery explosion, Drexel report envisions community-informed future

by Michael Tanenbaum

A report from Drexel University's Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation and the Clean Air Council envisions a community-driven plan to transform the site of the former PES refinery in South Philadelphia. The 1,400-acre site was acquired this year by Hilco Redevelopment Partners.

October 7, 2020

Lawsuits

Philly sues Pennsylvania for preempting gun safety laws

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania over its Firearm Preemption Laws, which have prevented the city from enforcing local legislation intended to curb gun violence. Philadelphia has seen an alarming surge in shootings and homicides in 2020.

October 7, 2020

Investigations

Ex-boyfriend charged in death of Delaware teen Madison Sparrow

by Michael Tanenbaum

Noah Sharp, 19, has been charged with first-degree murder and related offenses in the death of 17-year-old Madison Sparrow in Newark, Delaware. Sparrow went missing on Oct. 2 and her body was later found in a wooded area. An autopsy determined that she died of blunt force trauma to the head.

October 7, 2020

Investigations

Maskless Bronx woman slapped Wawa employee in New Jersey, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Ashanty Niang, 23, of The Bronx, New York, was charged with assault after she allegedly didn't wear a mask at a Wawa in Hackettstown and slapped an employee who asked her to leave, according to police.

October 7, 2020

Health News

Penn researchers get $3.2 million grant to use artificial intelligence for improving heart transplants

by Michael Tanenbaum

A $3.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will support Penn Medicine researchers in using artificial intelligence to improve outcomes in patients who receive heart transplants.