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 13, 2016

Indictment

Philadelphia lawyer indicted in Baltimore drug trafficking ring

by Michael Tanenbaum

A prominent Philadelphia defense attorney has been indicted on charges that he allegedly laundered money for a drug trafficking organization in Maryland and tampered with an official investigation, the U.S. Attorney's Office following an arraignment on Friday.

February 13, 2016

Hospitals

CHOP joins $3.5M investment toward needle-free blood-draw device

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia joined multiple investors this week who collectively contributed $3.5 million to a medical device firm seeking to develop and commercialize a blood-draw mechanism that would eliminate the need for multiple needle-pricks for hospital inpatients.

February 13, 2016

SEPTA

Drexel criminologist to evaluate impact of SEPTA's body camera initiative

by Michael Tanenbaum

At the beginning of 2016, SEPTA became the first transit police system in the United States to roll out a plan that will equip all of its officers with body cameras by the end of the year. The initiative, touted by SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestle as a way to ensure credibility and compliance, came after a widely publicized incident last June when surveillance video showed a transit officer shove a man suspected of skipping his fare.

February 13, 2016

Fire

Firefighters battle 6-alarm blaze at Frankford auto repair shop

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia firefighters are battling a 5-alarm blaze that broke out Saturday morning at an auto repair shop in the Frankford section of the city.

February 13, 2016

Celebrities

President Obama dines with political hopeful Will Smith in Los Angeles

by Michael Tanenbaum

In the lead-up to the release of Will Smith's controversial football biopic 'Concussion,' the Philadelphia native opened up about his interest in a pursuing a political career. On Thursday, Smith had a chance to sit down for a private dinner in Los Angeles with the man who holds the world's highest political office, President Barack Obama.

February 13, 2016

Charges

Pennsylvania trooper charged in recorded beating of skater

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Pennsylvania state trooper who allegedly attacked a longboarder in Harrisburg last May is now facing criminal charges following an investigation into his use of force.

February 12, 2016

Business

How a Philly ad agency standardized the diamond engagement ring

by Michael Tanenbaum

In many parts of the world, the ritual act of engagement is completed by placing not just any ring, but a diamond ring, on the outstretched finger of the bride-to-be.

February 11, 2016

Emergency

Five buildings evacuated after transformer explodes in Center City

by Michael Tanenbaum

Five buildings in Center City were evacuated late Thursday afternoon after an underground transformer explosion caused an electrical fire and sent smoke billowing up from the sidewalk at 23rd and Walnut streets.

February 11, 2016

Business

Philadelphia's RevZilla, Cycle Gear join forces under new holding company

by Michael Tanenbaum

After a week of feverish speculation about a rumored acquisition of Philadelphia-based motorcycle gear retailer Revzilla, the company announced Thursday it has completed an agreement to form a new holding company that will own both Revzilla and Cycle Gear, which had reportedly been pursuing a multimillion-dollar acquisition.

February 11, 2016

PennDOT

PennDOT to eliminate Pennsylvania registration stickers in 2017

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Pennsylvania Department of Transporation announced Thursday a plan to eliminate registration stickers statewide and implement Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology that will aid law enforcement efforts and provide greater convenience to drivers.