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.
October 29, 2020
Investigations
West Philly activist among four men charged with arson for allegedly igniting police cars during George Floyd protests
Federal prosecutors have charged four men with arson in connection with the burning of police vehicles in Philadelphia on May 30, 2020. The incidents occurred in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. One of the defendants, Anthony David Ale Smith, is a prominent Black Lives Matter activist and teacher in West Philadelphia.October 29, 2020
Legislation
City Council passes bill that would ban use of 'less lethal' munitions by cops at Philly protests
Philadelphia City Council has banned police use of "less lethal" munitions such as tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets. The legislation stemmed from protests following the death of George Floyd in the spring, when authorities used these munitions against demonstrators in West Philadelphia and on Interstate-676.October 29, 2020
2020 Election
Pa. voters need to deposit mail-in ballots at drop boxes; it's too late to depend on the post office
Pennsylvania voters should return mail-in ballots in person at secure drop boxes before the Nov. 3 election. Delays in the U.S. Postal Service and a U.S. Supreme Court challenge of the state's mail-in deadline have created a crunch that mail-in voters can't leave to chance.October 29, 2020
Politics
Chris Christie lured into Cameo prank by Montana Democratic candidate
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was pranked on Thursday morning when Mike Cooney, a Democrat candidate for governor in Montana, duped him into sending a message to his Republican opponent, Greg Gianforte.October 28, 2020
Protests
Philly police to release 911 audio, body cam footage in Walter Wallace shooting
Philadelphia officials plan to soon make public the 911 audio recording and body worn camera footage from Monday's fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. The 27-year-old Black man was killed by police on Oct. 26, prompting civil unrest across the city.October 28, 2020
Road Safety
Philly traffic deaths are up 60% in 2020, Bicycle Coalition says
Traffic fatalities in Philadelphia have increased by approximately 60% in 2020, according to data compiled by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Despite a drop in vehicle miles traveled during the COVID-19 pandemic, the relative percentage of crashes is up across the country.October 28, 2020
Investigations
Police seek public help in solving Bucks County teen's death at Lake Nockamixon
Bucks County detectives continue to investigate the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Jason Kutt, who was killed at Nockamixon State Park while sitting with his girlfriend on Oct. 24, 2020. Authorities are searching for the owners of three vehicles that may be potential witnesses.October 28, 2020
Men's Health
Penn Medicine gets $5.4 million grant to study genetic causes of testicular cancer
Penn Medicine has received a $5.4 million grant to investigate the genetic causes of testicular cancer, which is caused by inherited factors in up to half of cases. The research grant from the National Institutes of health will support three related studies.October 27, 2020
Illness
'Rapidly rising' COVID-19 cases in Philly has officials considering more and new restrictions
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley reported a surge in new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, indicating that the upward trend is likely to continue in the weeks and months ahead. The city is reviewing whether additional coronavirus restrictions may be needed to contain the virus.October 27, 2020
Movies
'Concrete Cowboy,' filmed in Philly, will be released on Netflix
Netflix will stream "Concrete Cowboy," the Idris Elba-led film based on Philadelphia's history of Black urban horseback riding. The movie, filmed in Philly, debuted this fall at the Toronto International Film Festival and had its theatrical release disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. The release date will be sometime in 2021.Just In
- Eagles 53-man roster projection, after the first preseason game
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- Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support — here's how to keep kids safe
- Ellen Yin aims to bring the 'ritual and community' of Italian cafes to Philly
- Delaware's Concord Mall could be partially demolished under proposed redevelopment plan
- Eagles 2026 training camp battle tracker
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