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

July 24, 2024

2024 Election

How much would Josh Shapiro impact the 2024 election as a vice presidential nominee? In Pennsylvania, perhaps a lot

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is among a few Democrats being considered for the vice presidential nomination to join a presumptive ticket headlined by Kamala Harris. The choice of Shapiro largely would be driven by the goal of getting a home state advantage in the battleground state. It also could alter the trajectory of Shapiro's political career.

July 24, 2024

Media

Howard Eskin to return to SportsRadio 94WIP for first time since allegations of his 'unwelcome kiss' surfaced

by Michael Tanenbaum

SportsRadio 94WUP host Howard Eskin will return to his Saturday morning show this weekend for the first time since allegations surfaced that he made an unwanted advance on a woman at Citizens Bank Park in May. Eskin last hosted his 8 to 10 a.m. show in late June. He was present with media for the start of Eagles training camp on Wednesday after Audacy requested the team grant him access.

July 24, 2024

2024 Election

Fox News proposes Trump-Harris presidential debate in Pennsylvania

by Michael Tanenbaum

Executives at Fox News have contacted the campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to propose a presidential debate in September in Pennsylvania, according to reports. The debate would be the first since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race. A specific location has not yet been proposed.

July 23, 2024

Politics

Bob Menendez to resign U.S. Senate seat in August following bribery conviction

by Michael Tanenbaum

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez said he will resign Aug. 20 as a result of his federal bribery conviction last month. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is expected to appoint a replacement to stand in until the end of Menendez's term in January. Democratic Congressman Andy Kim and Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw are running to replace him.

July 22, 2024

Courts

Former Philly officer sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for shooting of 12-year-old T.J. Siderio

by Michael Tanenbaum

Edsaul Mendoza, the former Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot 12-year-old T.j. Siderio in South Philly two years ago, was sentenced Monday to spend between eight and 20 years in prison. Mendoza pleaded guilty in April to third-degree murder and possession of an instrument of crime. Siderio, who initially fired into an unmarked car with undercover officers, was killed while unarmed and lying on the ground, investigators said.

July 22, 2024

Investigations

Man charged with animal cruelty for allegedly decapitating seagull in North Wildwood

by Michael Tanenbaum

Franklin Ziegler, 29, of Cape May, allegedly killed a seagull by decapitating it in front of people at Morey's Piers in North Wildwood on July 6, authorities said. He has been charged with animal cruelty and related offenses.

July 22, 2024

Health News

Living in greener neighborhoods can slow cognitive decline, among other benefits

by Michael Tanenbaum

Living near a park or other green spaces during middle age can slow down the rate of cognitive decline that leads to conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease, researchers say. The cognitive benefits of green neighborhoods are greatest in poorer and densely populated areas, according to a new study in Boston University's School of Public Health.

July 19, 2024

Investigations

Police have arrested a woman caught on video shooting a baby in a stroller in Northeast Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police are searching for a woman who shot at a couple with their baby in Holmesburg on Thursday evening. The 7-month-old buy was struck in the leg during the gunfire, authorities said. The shooting happened on the 4000 block of Meridian Street. Police released video on Friday showing the suspect open fire.

July 19, 2024

Education

Penn State Abington to construct its first new academic building in more than 50 years

by Michael Tanenbaum

Penn State University plans to construct a new academic building at its Abington campus. The three-story building would be the first new academic facility built there since 1973. Construction on the $68 million project is expected to begin in August. It will include classrooms, laboratories, workspaces for career development, art studios and faculty offices.

July 19, 2024

Wildlife

Cape May's Congress Hall brings in trained hawks to scare off seagulls that bother hotel guests

by Michael Tanenbaum

The 19th century Cape May hotel Congress Hall is teaming up with local falconers to use a pair of Harris's hawks that will keep seagulls away from the resort and its guests. The owners of the resort said they tried other methods, but decided that the best way to scare off the pesky birds would be to station birds of prey in areas where seagulls often try to steal food. Ocean City has a similar program on its boardwalk and elsewhere on the island.