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.
June 3, 2020
Primary Election
U.S. Rep Brian Fitzpatrick challenged by Andy Meehan in Republican primary
In Pennsylvania's 1st District of the U.S. House, there are contested primaries on the Republican and Democratic sides of the ballot. The congressional district covers portions of Bucks and Montgomery counties. On the Republican side, incumbent Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is challenged by Andy Meehan, a financial planner and investment advisor who has criticized Fitzpatrick for his bipartisan leanings in Congress. On the Democratic ticket, Bucks County solicitor and Ivyland Borough Councilmember Christina Finello has defeated Skylar Hurwitz, a technology entrepreneur in New Hope.June 3, 2020
Weather
Three people die as severe thunderstorms, damaging winds pummel Philly region
Three people were killed in Montgomery County on Wednesday as the Philadelphia region was hammered by severe thunderstorms with powerful, damaging winds, officials said.June 3, 2020
Illness
Philly health department recommends protesters get tested for COVID-19
Philadelphia health officials have recommended that people who participate in protests demanding justice for George Floyd seek testing for COVID-19. Civil unrest arrived in Philadelphia as the city prepares to enter Pennsylvania's COVID-19 yellow phase on June 5, a date that may be pushed back.June 3, 2020
Investigations
Philly police investigate 50 ATM explosions, residents hear startling booms across the city
Philadelphia police are investigating 50 ATM explosions across the city since widespread protests and rioting began on Saturday afternoon, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said Wednesday. Residents have reported loud booming sounds throughout the city in recent days, leading to rampant speculation about their source.June 2, 2020
Protests
Philly mayor, police commissioner condemn armed vigilante group in Fishtown
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said the city will not tolerate displays of armed vigilantism such as those seen Monday night in Fishtown. A local reporter was allegedly assaulted for filming a group that stood outside the 26th District Police station with bats and clubs.June 2, 2020
Primary Election
Joe Biden, Donald Trump cruise to Pennsylvania primary wins amid protests and pandemic
Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing civil unrest in the United States, Pennsylvania residents turned out for Tuesday's primary election to decide who will be Democratic challenger to President Donald in November. Former Vice President Joe Biden, who spoke in Philadelphia on Tuesday morning, is the presumptive Democratic pick since Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders suspended his trailing campaign in early April.June 2, 2020
PennDOT
PennDOT resumes driver's license tests as state advances in COVID-19 reopening
Driver's skills tests and motorcycle skills tests can once again be scheduled in Pennsylvania amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Open PennDOT centers will prioritize those who had tests canceled prior to the pandemic.June 2, 2020
Investigations
Man dies in explosion while attempting to loot ATM in Kensington, police say
A 24-year-old man died in an explosion after attempting to break into an ATM outside Sidekicks Sports Bar in the Kensington section of Philadelphia on June 2, 2020. The incident occurred amid ongoing civil unrest across the country after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.June 2, 2020
Primary Election
Progressive Nikil Saval unseats incumbent Sen. Larry Farnese in Pa. Senate's 1st District primary
Challenger Nikil Saval has defeated incumbent State Sen. Larry Farnese in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania's 1st District senate seat. The district covers parts of Center City, South Philly and North Philly. The Associated Press is projecting Savel, a democratic socialist endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, will win. Farnese, a lawyer, has held the office since 2009. Saval, a cofounder of the progressive group Reclaim Philadelphia, is a widely published writer and editor with experience at n+1 and contributions to The New York Times and The New Yorker. Saval's campaign is focused on guaranteed affordable housing for all, prison reform, universal expansion of health care, reconstruction of Philadelphia's schools and a Green New Deal for Pennsylvania's economy and environment.June 2, 2020
Sixers
Sixers' Ben Simmons calls President Trump 'cowardly'; Phillies' Harper says 'love everyone equally'
Philadelphia 76ers and Phillies stars Ben Simmons and Bryce Harper spoke out Tuesday on the civil unrest across the United States after George Floyd was killed at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020. Simmons called President Donald Trump "cowardly," while Harper vowed to support the black community.Just In
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