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

September 29, 2020

Public Spaces

Philly group gets state grant to transform troubled Fairhill railyard into city park

by Michael Tanenbaum

A community group in Philadelphia's Fairhill neighborhood has received a state grant to create a 1.3-acre park at a railyard that was once notorious for drug activity. The grant will help expand the existing Gurney Street Trail and will build toward the broader vision for the Richmond Industrial Trail.

September 29, 2020

Athletes

Struggling former St. Joe's star Delonte West picked up by Mark Cuban in Dallas

by Michael Tanenbaum

Dallas Mavericks owner and entrepreneur Mark Cuban reportedly is helping Delonte West, his former player and a standout at St. Joseph's University. West, who suffers from bipolar disorder, has been homeless in recent years and was spotted asking for money this week in Dallas. Cuban is seeking to get West mental health treatment.

September 28, 2020

Investigations

Driver sought in hit-and-run that killed woman in Cheltenham

by Michael Tanenbaum

Cheltenham Township police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Cheltenham Avenue on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. The victim was identified as 30-year-old Philadelphia resident Shanna Hurdle. Investigators are looking for a white 2019 or 2020 GMC Acadia.

September 28, 2020

Election 2020

Politicians get naked to raise awareness of Pa.'s ballot secrecy envelopes

by Michael Tanenbaum

Allegheny County Councilmember Bethany Hallam and several other elected officials in Western Pennsylvania have launched a nude photo campaign to educate voters about "naked ballots," which will not be counted in the 2020 election.

September 28, 2020

Media

6ABC meteorologist Melissa Magee departs station after 11 years

by Michael Tanenbaum

Meteorologist Melissa Magee will leave 6ABC after 11 years at the Philadelphia television station, she announced in a statement on Facebook. Magee will return home to Los Angeles to be closer to her family.

September 28, 2020

Addiction

Wawa to begin selling Nicorette products for smoking cessation

by Michael Tanenbaum

Wawa and GSK Consumer Healthcare have formed a partnership to bring Nicorette smoking cessation products to the convenience store chain's 900-plus locations. All Wawa stores will carry both Nicorette gum and Nicorette lozenges.

September 25, 2020

Investigations

After Amber Alert, abducted 7-year-old girl recovered safe in New York City on Friday night

by Michael Tanenbaum

Giselle Torres was safely recovered in New York City, the Pennsylvania State Police said Friday night. An Amber Alert had been issued on Sept. 25 for 7-year-old Torres, who police say was abducted from Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. Authorities searching for her father, Juan Pablo Torres, 41.

September 25, 2020

Investigations

Philadelphia city treasurer fired, charged in fraud schemes

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia City Treasurer Christian Dunbar was terminated from his job on Friday as federal prosecutors announced bank embezzlement and marriage fraud charges stemming back to 2006. Dunbar became deputy treasurer in 2016 and was promoted to treasurer in 2019. Mayor Jim Kenney said the city will investigate whether any fraud may have occurred during his time in office.

September 25, 2020

NBA

Allen Iverson lashes out at unnamed journalist on 'All the Smoke' podcast

by Michael Tanenbaum

Allen Iverson had strong words for an unnamed sports journalist during an appearance on Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes' "All The Smoke" podcast. Iverson appears to have been referring to Jason Whitlock of "Outkick the Coverage," who has been mired in controversy over remarks about women in sports media.

September 25, 2020

Weather

Foggy Philly skyline captured in mesmerizing time-lapse video

by Michael Tanenbaum

A thick fog rolled through Philadelphia on Friday morning, creating a stunning scene as a bank swept across the Center City skyline. A time-lapse video from 6ABC's Chopper 6 shows the impressive view. This weekend's weather forecast calls for patches of rain and sunshine.