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

October 23, 2024

Courts

Former N.J. trooper sentenced to probation for punching handcuffed woman

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former New Jersey state trooper Nicolas Hogan, 28, will serve two years of probation after pleading guilty to striking a woman who was handcuffed in the back of a squad car in Upper Deerfield, Cumberland County, in September 2022. The woman, who's since filed a lawsuit, had spit toward another trooper from the back of a squad car, prosecutors said.

October 23, 2024

Investigations

Second person charged in killing of West Philly rapper YBC Dul

by Michael Tanenbaum

Rashawn Williams, 18, is the second person charged in the drive-by shooting death of YBC Dul, a West Philadelphia rapper and gang leader. Dul, whose name was Abdul Vicks, was fatally shot Aug. 23 in Olney, leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old Aiden Waters two weeks later.

October 23, 2024

Investigations

Man caught on video setting fire outside Old City synagogue early Tuesday

by Michael Tanenbaum

A man seen on video Tuesday morning setting a fire in a dumpster outside the Congregation Mikveh Israel synagogue in Old City is wanted by Philadelphia police. The fire damaged a window at the temple. Separately a statue was vandalized at the synagogue later in the day, police said.

October 22, 2024

Arts & Culture

Philly's new portal sculpture goes live, connecting LOVE Park to three cities around the world

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia's new portal sculpture at LOVE Park went live Tuesday morning, linking the city to livestreams from other installations in Dublin, Ireland; Vilnius, Lithuania; and Lublin, Poland. The network will later expand to include cities in Brazil and Ethiopia. Each portal is mounted with a camera and has a screen showing live video from the other sculptures around the world.

October 21, 2024

2024 Election

Experts question legality – and effectiveness – of Elon Musk's money handouts to boost voter turnout

by Michael Tanenbaum

Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump, has been offering money to people who sign a conservative-leaning petition in hopes that it will increase Republican turnout in November's election. Some experts believe Musk's actions in Pennsylvania and other states violate federal election law. One Temple University professor thinks the Tesla and SpaceX founder's strategy will fail.

October 21, 2024

Arts & Culture

New Portal sculpture at LOVE Park will link Philly to other cities via livestream

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Portal sculpture at LOVE Park is part of an art project that connects cities using 24/7 livestreams that show what's happening in the places where the sculptures are installed. The concept coming to Philadelphia was developed in 2016 by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys. Other Portals can be found in Lithuania, Poland and Ireland cities.

October 18, 2024

Business

Radio host Andre Gardner laid off from 102.9 WMGK after 22 years

by Michael Tanenbaum

Andre Gardner, the longtime host of the afternoon show at 102.9 WMGK, revealed Friday he has been laid off by station owner Beasley Media Group after 22 years at the classic rock station. Gardner said his position was eliminated due to budgetary issues stemming from challenges that face the radio industry at large, including declining advertising revenue and the switch to digital formats.

October 18, 2024

2024 Election

Elon Musk heads to Oaks to campaign for Donald Trump on Friday night, offering money to Pa. voters

by Michael Tanenbaum

Elon Musk will be at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Montgomery County on Friday night for another town hall event organized by his America PAC in support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Musk. was in Delaware County on Thursday night for a Q&A session at Ridley High School in Folsom. His PAC is focused on increasing Republican turnout.

October 18, 2024

Food & Drink

Inaugural Philly Coffee Festival offers tastings from more than 30 roasters

by Michael Tanenbaum

The inaugural Philly Coffee Festival will be held this weekend at the 23rd Street Armory, bringing together more than 30 roasters from the region for tastings, exhibitions and live music on Saturday and Sunday. Participating roasters include La Colombe, Pilgrim Roasters, Bucks County Coffee Co. and Talk N' Coffee.

October 17, 2024

Investigations

Paramedic stabbed twice by patient in an ambulance in North Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

A paramedic was stabbed in the chest and hand Tuesday morning by a patient in an ambulance in North Philadelphia, police said. The suspect fled from the ambulance and was taken into custody a short time later, police said. The paramedic was hospitalized in critical condition, but is expected to survive, authorities said.