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

November 29, 2023

Investigations

Driver sentenced up to 24 years in prison for fatal hit-and-run at Bucks County McDonald's

by Michael Tanenbaum

A New Jersey man who ran his truck over another man at a McDonald's in Bucks County in February was sentenced to 12-24 years in prison on Wednesday. Daniel Dietrich, 46, of Palmyra, struck and killed 47-year-old Jason Smith, of Levittown, during a road-rage encounter in Bristol Township on Feb. 5. Dietrich pleaded guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and related offenses.

November 29, 2023

Fashion

Rob McElhenney reveals his bidding war rival for the Princess Diana Eagles jacket was wife Kaitlin Olson

by Michael Tanenbaum

On the latest episode of the 'New Heights' podcast, Rob McElhenney revealed that Kaitlin Olson, his wife and 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" co-star, was outbidding him in the charity auction for the Princess Diana Eagles jacket signed by Kylie Kelce. The couple told Jason and Travis Kelce they ultimately agreed to jointly bid $100,000 for the jacket, which benefits the Eagles Autism Foundation.

November 28, 2023

Politics

Grandmother of Lower Merion family among hostages released by Hamas

by Michael Tanenbaum

Hamas released 12 hostages Tuesday, including 84-year-old Deitza Heiman, as part of the cease-fire in Gaza. Heiman, who has family in Lower Merion Township, was taken hostage less than two miles from the border with Gaza in southern Israel during the Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7. As part of Tuesday's hostage deal, Israel agreed to release 30 Palestinian prisoners.

November 28, 2023

Development

Apartments, restaurant proposed at site of former Oak Lane Diner in North Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

The site of the former Oak Lane Diner in North Philadelphia could be redeveloped as an apartment building with a new restaurant and office space. The proposal calls for a seven-story mixed-use building at the corner of North Broad Street and 66th Avenue, with 65 residential units for seniors (including 46 affordable units with income restrictions). The Oak Lane Diner permanently closed after a fire in 2015.

November 28, 2023

Government

New Pa. law requires consent for medical students to perform pelvic, rectal exams on unconscious patients

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania medical facilities now must get written and verbal consent to perform pelvic, prostate and rectal exams on patients who are unconscious under anesthesia. The law, which was signed Monday, makes Pennsylvania one of at least 20 states to require informed consent for these exams, which historically have been done by medical students for training purposes even when they are not necessary for the patients.

November 27, 2023

Construction

Demolition of Walnut Street pedestrian bridge at Penn's Landing is underway

by Michael Tanenbaum

PennDOT crews are demolishing the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge and rotunda staircase at Penn's Landing as part of the construction of the 11 1/2-acre park that will cap I-95 along the Delaware River waterfront. Lane restrictions on Columbus Boulevard and detours on I-95 will be in effect over the coming weeks.

November 27, 2023

Movies

Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' movie to hit streaming platforms in December

by Michael Tanenbaum

Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' concert film will begin streaming on-demand Dec. 13. on Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, Xfinity, Google Play and YouTube. The extended version of the movie features performances of the songs 'Wildest Dreams,' 'The Archer' and 'Long Live.' Those performances were not included in the film's theatrical release.

November 27, 2023

Investigations

Vermont man accused of shooting 3 Palestinian students, including one from Haverford College, pleads not guilty

by Michael Tanenbaum

Kinnan Abdalhamid, 20, is one of three Palestinian college students who were shot Saturday in Burlington, Vermont. Abdalhamid is a student at Haverford College in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Jason Eason, 48, was arrested Sunday and charged with attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty amid an ongoing hate crime investigation.

November 22, 2023

Courts

Drunk driver who killed three people, among them two state troopers, sentenced to decades in prison

by Michael Tanenbaum

The woman who was driving drunk on I-95 in South Philly when she struck and killed two Pennsylvania State Troopers and another man was sentenced to 27.5 to 60 years in prison. Jayana Webb, 23, pleaded guilty to charges for the deaths of Martin F. Mack III, Branden T. Sisca, and Reyes Rivera Oliveras. The crash happen in March 2022.

November 22, 2023

Government

Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia's next police commissioner, says city's public safety issues are 'solvable'

by Michael Tanenbaum

Kevin Bethel will become Philadelphia's next police commissioner after being appointed by Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker. Bethel has three decades of experience in the Philadelphia Police Department, including a former stint as deputy police commissioner before he left to join the Philadelphia School District. Most recently, he has served as Philadelphia's chief of school safety.