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.
July 21, 2020
Controversies
Bloomsburg Fair denies transphobic motive for dunk tank with Pa. Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine impersonator
The Bloomsburg Fair has come under fire for using a likeness of Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, a transgender woman, in a dunk tank game. The fair has denied that the game represented an anti-transgender stance.July 20, 2020
Humor
Grandma wowed in viral video of 'magic' trick with Wawa cups
A viral video on Reddit shows a young man fooling an elderly woman – possibly his grandmother – with a deceptive magic trick using coffee cups from Wawa.July 20, 2020
Protests
As Trump threatens to send federal agents to Philly, Kenney says city will 'resist'
Philadelphia officials said they have not been informed of plans to send federal law enforcement to city, as President Donald Trump hinted Monday. As protests against racism and police brutality continue in Portland, federal agents have been deployed to the city, prompting widespread criticism of the Trump administration.July 20, 2020
Music
'Here Come the Sixers' gets epic punk cover from South Philly band
South Philadelphia band Longfriend Timefriend recorded a live punk cover of the Philadelphia 76ers theme song, "Here Come the Sixers." The band hopes the song will energize the Sixers as they resume the 2020 NBA season in Orlando.July 20, 2020
Health Stories
Mütter Museum artifacts shine light on Civil War-era smallpox vaccine
The Mütter Museum in Philadelphia staff found smallpox vaccination kits from the Civil-War era. Analysis discovered ancient DNA, and researchers have reconstructed a picture of the early vaccine used to fight the deadly scourge. This could spark ideas in today's fight against the novel coronavirus, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.July 20, 2020
Investigations
Tragic car crash on Broad Street kills pedestrian's unborn baby
Philadelphia police are investigating a car crash on North Broad Street that critically injured a 27-year-old pregnant pedestrian, and killed her unborn child. Charges have been filed against 19-year-old Yaaseen Bivines, who is accused of DUI and driving without a license. The charges include third degree murder.July 20, 2020
Investigations
Babysitter charged with murder of missing toddler in Strawberry Mansion
Two-year-old King Hill disappeared from his family in Philadelphia on July 7, 2020. After an intensive search and investigation, 24-year-old Tianna Parks was charged with murder and related offenses in the boy's death. Authorities continue to search for Hill's remains.July 17, 2020
Controversies
Allen Iverson responds to criticism for posting photo with Louis Farrakhan
NBA Hall of Famer and former Philadelphia 76ers superstar Allen Iverson says an Instagram photo he shared of himself with Louis Farrakhan "wasn't meant to offend anyone," adding that he does not support the Nation of Islam leader's anti-Semitic or homophobic views.July 17, 2020
Addiction
Penn Medicine emergency department participating in NIH opioid recovery study
A National Institutes of Health study with a site at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center will assess the use of buprenorphine as a bridge treatment for patients with opioid addiction. Researchers will examine whether it effectively covers the gap before outpatient recovery services can continue treatment.July 17, 2020
Lawsuits
Philly towing companies used pit bulls, other intimidation tactics, attorney general claims
A group of Philadelphia towing companies sued by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office are accused of violating the Philadelphia Code and using intimidation to threaten consumers who had their vehicles towed in the city.Just In
- Kylie Kelce plays basketball with Josh Shapiro on the roof of the capitol and compares Jason to the Phanatic
- Southwest unveils new plane designed for America's 250th anniversary. Its first flight is to Philly
- Hatching of three eaglets in nest at Kerr Park in Downingtown causes area to be blocked off
- Eagles lose a pair of key front office people in Alec Halaby and Bryce Johnston
- Taryn Hatcher is giving away her Phillies gear to raise money for the Pennsylvania SPCA
- Phillies prospect watch: Dante Nori continues to mash the ball
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