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

March 12, 2025

Investigations

Man wanted for allegedly killing pregnant ex-girlfriend four years ago arrested in Georgia

Justin Smith, wanted since 2021 for allegedly killing pregnant ex-girlfriend Dianna Brice in Philadelphia, was arrested in Atlanta after four years as a fugitive. Smith faces murder charges and will be extradited.

March 12, 2025

Transportation

As traffic on Delaware River Bridge rises, Pa. and N.J. turnpikes weigh options to ease congestion

The Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes are considering long-term plans to rehabilitate or replace the Delaware River Bridge, which makes Interstate 95 continuous in both states. They are reviewing a series of alternatives to ease traffic over the bridge, which closed for 7 weeks in 2017 when a crack in one of its trusses was found.

March 10, 2025

Transportation

Sewer project will close Market Street ramp to I-95 South for two weeks

The Philadelphia Water Department will complete a sewer improvement project that's slated to close the Market Street ramp to I-95 South from Monday, March 24, through Sunday, April 6, PennDOT officials said. Motorists will be directed to travel southbound on Columbus Boulevard and use the I-95 South ramp at Morris Street to access the highway.

March 10, 2025

Education

Penn freezes hiring to brace for 'severe' impact of cuts to federal funding

The University of Pennsylvania joined a growing list of colleges to freeze hiring on Monday amid concerns about looming federal funding cuts and other policies that could disrupt their financial stability. Penn leaders said the reduction in federal support could be more severe than challenges faced during the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 6, 2025

Investigations

Voice recorder on medical jet that crashed in Northeast Philly contains no cockpit audio, NTSB says

The cockpit voice recorder on the Learjet 55 that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Jan. 31 had not captured audio on flights for 'several years' before the aircraft went down near the Roosevelt Mall, killing 7 people and injuring 24 others, a preliminary NTSB report says. No audio data was recovered from the medical jet's flight.

March 6, 2025

Government

Pa. plans $10.6 million overhaul of voter registration system and other election databases

Pennsylvania will soon undertake a major overhaul of its voter registration system and other databases for election administration, including those used for campaign finance and lobbying disclosures, state department officials said Wednesday.

March 5, 2025

Government

Union leaders lament DOGE 'harassment' as Philly federal workers brace for 'next shoe' to drop

Union leaders for federal workers in Philadelphia have spent weeks sounding alarm about the impact of job cuts piling up at agencies targeted by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Union officials say morale is plummeting and basic government services could be crippled.

March 5, 2025

Business

World of Flight, Nike's Jordan Brand shop, clears hurdles for planned storefront in Center City

Nike has received approval from the city to move forward with its plans for a World of Flight apparel store in Center City. The Jordan Brand shop would be Nike's first location in the United States. The company's proposal included modifications to historic features of the property at 1617 Walnut St. Nike has not given a timeline for the store's opening. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts signed an endorsement deal with Jordan Brand two years ago.

March 5, 2025

Government

Gov. Shapiro encourages fired federal workers to apply for thousands of state job openings

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said the state will recruit former federal employees who were recently fired as part of the Trump administration's DOGE initiative to reduce government waste. Shapiro said the state has about 5,600 job vacancies and needs nurses, accountants, civil engineers, emergency response personnel and other skilled workers.

March 3, 2025

Transportation

As SS United States arrives in Alabama, a documentary about the ship is underway

The SS United States arrived in Mobile, Alabama, on Monday after completing its final voyage, an 1,800-nautical-mile trip from Philadelphia. It is being prepared to be turned into the world's largest artificial reef. A documentary is underway to tell the story of the historic ship and its conversion into a reef.

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