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

February 3, 2025

Investigations

Jet crash in Northeast Philly is among the city's 'worst black swan events,' Mayor Parker says

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker provided an update Monday on injuries and other fallout from the medical jet crash in Northeast Philadelphia last Friday. Seven people died and 24 people have been treated for injuries, including two in critical condition. The NTSB is analyzing data from a black box that was recovered at the crash site.

February 3, 2025

Investigations

Police officer fatally shoots man on I-95 ramp near Philly airport

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a 36-year-old man dead early Monday morning on a highway ramp near Philadelphia International Airport, authorities said. An officer opened fire on the man when he became involved in a scuffle with another officer who was unable to subdue him with a Taser, according to a preliminary investigation.

January 31, 2025

Music

Will Smith teases new rap album with a 'Matrix'-themed music video

by Michael Tanenbaum

Will Smith is turning back time with a new rap album, 'Based on a True Story,' that will be his first release in 20 years. 'Beautiful Scars,' a new single featuring Big Sean, has a music video that pokes fun at Smith's infamous decision to turn down the role of Neo in the 1999 movie 'The Matrix.'

January 31, 2025

Social Media

Philly designer’s Eagles apparel was worn by Pete Davidson – and blatantly ripped off by Forman Mills

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia fashion designer Jay Pross, known for his Art History 101 brand, has gone viral during the Eagles' Super Bowl run thanks to comedian Pete Davidson wearing one of his Big Dom hoodies on late-night TV and during other appearances. The success has spawned bootleggers, including a recent ripoff of one of Pross' designs by discount retailer Forman Mills.

January 31, 2025

Government

Under new Pa. Treasury program, more than 8,000 residents will be mailed checks for their unclaimed property

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Pennsylvania Treasury's new Money Match program will send checks to thousands of residents who are the rightful owners of unclaimed property held by the state. The program covers financial property owned by individuals and valued at $500 or less. Letters will first be mailed to residents to inform them that they will receive checks within 45 days. The treasury holds more than $4.5 billion in various types of unclaimed property that belongs to residents.

January 31, 2025

Investigations

Medical jet crashes seconds after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport

by Michael Tanenbaum

A medical jet crashed Friday night in Northeast Philadelphia in the area of the Roosevelt Mall near Cottman Avenues. and Roosevelt Boulevard. Six people were onboard, including a girl and her mother who came Philadelphia from Mexico for medical treatment at Shriner's Hospital and were returning home.

January 30, 2025

Investigations

Body found in trash can near West Philly community center, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Human remains were found inside a trash can near the Lucien E. Blackwell Community Center and Parkway West High School in West Philadelphia on Thursday morning, authorities said. The case is being investigated as a homicide, police said.

January 30, 2025

Investigations

Montgomery County prisoner allegedly tried to hire a hitman on Instagram to kill his ex-girlfriend

by Michael Tanenbaum

Montgomery County Correctional Facility inmate Zunier Walker-Wilson, 22, allegedly devised a murder-for-hire plot to have his ex-girlfriend killed in exchange for $15,000 in cash, a luxury watch and a Dodge Durango, the district attorney's office said. Wilson-Walker is accused of instructing Jaden Jones, 20, of Norristown, to put out the hit on Instagram.

January 29, 2025

Lifestyle

What's included in the Bellevue Hotel's $59,000 Super Bowl package?

by Michael Tanenbaum

The historic Bellevue Hotel in Center City is offering a $59,000 package for a Super Bowl party in its presidential suite on the 14th floor of the renovated building on South Broad Street. The VIP promotion for the Eagles-Chiefs game includes catering by Cescaphe, top-shelf bar service, gifts and a photographer to capture it all.

January 29, 2025

Investigations

'Sadistic' dog owner charged with stabbing and killing his two pets inside Bucks County home

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Bucks County man faces animal cruelty charges after allegedly abusing and killing his two dogs in his Newtown Township home. Prosecutors say he could face up to 18 years in prison.