Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Tanenbaum Headshot

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

December 11, 2024

Investigations

As drone sightings mount in Philly area, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick calls for more transparency

Sightings of suspected drones have been reported in a growing number of municipalities in the Philadelphia region over the last week, adding to reports of similar aircraft that has appeared in the sky in New Jersey and prompted a FBI investigation over the last month. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has called for a public briefing to increase transparency into the unexplained activity.

December 10, 2024

Social Media

Sixers' Jared McCain partners with Instagram in campaign to combat sextortion

Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Jared McCain shared a video on Instagram on Monday talking about the dangers of sextortion and how people can protect themselves online. Sextortion has become a much more common crime in the age of social media and scammers often target minors, especially teenage boys. Meta, Instagram's parent company, said it chose to work with McCain as a way to reach a wide audience of young people who look up to him.

December 10, 2024

Transportation

East Wyoming Avenue Bridge in North Philly closed indefinitely due to structural deficiencies

The East Wyoming Avenue Bridge in North Philadelphia has been closed until further notice due to structural problems with the span's steel beams, the Philadelphia Department of Streets said Tuesday. Detours for eastbound and westbound traffic will be established using the roads the surround the bridge, which crosses Frankford Creek just north of the Juniata Golf Club.

December 10, 2024

Investigations

Accused YBC Dul killer's mom allegedly provided rifle used to shoot the rapper

Lotoya Donaldson, 39, allegedly gave a rifle to her son that was used in the fatal shooting of West Philadelphia rapper and gang leader YBC Dul, whose real name is Abdul Vicks. Two weeks later, 16-year-old Aiden Waters was charged with killing Vicks. Donaldson is Waters' mother, police said.

December 9, 2024

Arts & Culture

Phillies seek artist to paint new mural above Ashburn Alley

The Phillies are asking artists to submit ideas for a new mural to be painted on a wall above Ashburn Alley in Citizens Bank Park ahead of the 2025 season. The winner of the contest also gets $10,000 and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a game. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 14.

December 9, 2024

Transportation

PennDOT seeks public feedback on long-term transit plans to redesign Roosevelt Boulevard

PennDOT will hold four public meetings to discuss the future of Roosevelt Boulevard and how it can be redesigned to improve safety, accessibility and reliability. Working with the city and SEPTA, PennDOT is gathering feedback on whether the high-traffic corridor in Northeast Philly would be best served by adding a new subway, light rail or bus line. Officials hope to transform the design of Roosevelt Boulevard by 2040.

December 6, 2024

Courts

Fake nurse pleads guilty to sexually assaulting women at urgent care clinics in Montgomery County

Ramon Garcia, 34, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges that he posed as a nurse and sexually assaulted multiple women at Carbon Health Urgent Care clinics in Jenkintown and Dresher between November 2023 and March 2024. More than a dozen women reported incidents to police. Garcia faces a sentence of 5-10 years in state prison.

December 6, 2024

Investigations

Drone sightings now reported above South Jersey towns, too. Police are investigating

Police in departments in Evesham, Cherry Hill, Medford and Mount Laurel have received reports about drones flying in the sky. People in North Jersey began seeing suspected drones above North Jersey municipalities in November, prompting an investigation by the FBI and other law enforcement.

December 5, 2024

Investigations

Woman, 73, killed by light pole that fell at Roxborough High School athletic field

A wooden light pole fell and fatally struck a 73-year-old woman at the Roxborough High School athletic field on Thursday morning, authorities said. The incident happened on a windy day that saw gusts up to 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The woman who died was not immediately identified. Outdoor activities at the athletic field have been suspended until further notice, school district officials said.

December 5, 2024

Business

Island-themed bar and Mediterranean restaurant to open in Midtown Village

Philadelphia restaurateur Teddy Sourias will debut his latest concept, Mona, in a multi-level storefront at 1308 Chestnut St. on Friday. The island-themed Mediterranean restaurant features a menu inspired by Greece and other coastal communities. Sourias' other spots in Center City include Uptown Beer Garden and 101 Speakeasy.

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