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.
December 13, 2024
Investigations
Two teens shot at Christmas Village outside City Hall; 14-year-old in critical condition
A shooting in the Christmas Village at Dilworth Park on Friday critically injured a 14-year-old boy and another teen, Philadelphia police said. A suspect taken into custody by Philadelphia police. The shooting happened around 4:30 p.m.December 12, 2024
Recreation
New 200-foot-long pedestrian bridge opens near Forbidden Drive at Wissahickon Valley Park
Wissahickon Valley Park has opened a 200-foot-long pedestrian bridge with an observation deck along Valley Green Run, which is one of the most popular and scenic sites in the city. The $3.5 million project included work to prevent storm-related erosion and stabilize the stream channel underneath the bridge. The bridge offers improved access to Forbidden Drive and the Valley Green Inn.December 12, 2024
Protests
76ers arena opponents plan car caravan protest in Center City during rush hour Thursday
A protest in Center City on Thursday evening plans to bring gridlock traffic to the site of the proposed 76ers arena on East Market Street. Organizers of a car caravan said they plan to simulate the traffic that they expect will happen regularly if the $1.3 billion project is built. City Council voted Thursday morning to advance the team's proposal toward a final vote next week.December 12, 2024
Education
Penn condemns professor's praise for Luigi Mangione, alum charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO
Julia Alekseyeva, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania has retracted comments calling Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, an 'icon' who made her proud to teach at the Ivy League school. A deputy dean at Penn's School of Arts & Sciences condemned her comments.December 11, 2024
Investigations
As drone sightings mount in Philly area, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick calls for more transparency
Sightings of suspected drones have been reported in a growing number of municipalities in the Philadelphia region over the last week, adding to reports of similar aircraft that has appeared in the sky in New Jersey and prompted a FBI investigation over the last month. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has called for a public briefing to increase transparency into the unexplained activity.December 11, 2024
Development
Sixers arena vote postponed again Wednesday evening, now set to take place before Thursday's council meeting
A key vote on legislation for the Philadelphia 76ers new arena plan was delayed for a second time Wednesday afternoon. City Council members are now slated to vote on the bills at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, before council's regular weekly meeting. The delay is said to be due to ongoing negotiations between the 76ers and members of the council.December 10, 2024
Investigations
Accused YBC Dul killer's mom allegedly provided rifle used to shoot the rapper
Lotoya Donaldson, 39, allegedly gave a rifle to her son that was used in the fatal shooting of West Philadelphia rapper and gang leader YBC Dul, whose real name is Abdul Vicks. Two weeks later, 16-year-old Aiden Waters was charged with killing Vicks. Donaldson is Waters' mother, police said.December 10, 2024
Transportation
East Wyoming Avenue Bridge in North Philly closed indefinitely due to structural deficiencies
The East Wyoming Avenue Bridge in North Philadelphia has been closed until further notice due to structural problems with the span's steel beams, the Philadelphia Department of Streets said Tuesday. Detours for eastbound and westbound traffic will be established using the roads the surround the bridge, which crosses Frankford Creek just north of the Juniata Golf Club.December 10, 2024
Social Media
Sixers' Jared McCain partners with Instagram in campaign to combat sextortion
Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Jared McCain shared a video on Instagram on Monday talking about the dangers of sextortion and how people can protect themselves online. Sextortion has become a much more common crime in the age of social media and scammers often target minors, especially teenage boys. Meta, Instagram's parent company, said it chose to work with McCain as a way to reach a wide audience of young people who look up to him.December 9, 2024
Arts & Culture
Phillies seek artist to paint new mural above Ashburn Alley
The Phillies are asking artists to submit ideas for a new mural to be painted on a wall above Ashburn Alley in Citizens Bank Park ahead of the 2025 season. The winner of the contest also gets $10,000 and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a game. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 14.Just In
- Report: Phils ace Zack Wheeler to return Saturday vs. Braves
- Educators, tech advocates weigh in on Mayor Parker's proposed rideshare tax
- For older adults, excessive daytime napping may be a sign of underlying health issues
- Philly's MLB All-Star Game schedule includes fan festival and new 3-on-3 competition
- Who's John Ternus, the Penn graduate named next CEO of Apple?
- Exploring scenarios for the Eagles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
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