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

August 29, 2023

Development

Former Family Court building to become hotel, African American Museum to move to the Parkway

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia has selected two developers renovate the city's former Family Court building into a new hotel on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Another lot behind the Free Library of Philadelphia's Parkway Central building will be developed into the new home of the African American Museum in Philadelphia and a new Children and Family Center connected to the Free Library.

August 29, 2023

Investigations

Dozens of dead dogs found at South Jersey home, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Evesham Township police found more than 30 dead dogs at a couple's home on Monday after receiving a report of suspected animal cruelty. The remains of the dogs were found throughout the home, police said. A child at the property was taken into the care of the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Nine dogs that were found alive were taken a local animal shelter, and one was euthanized.

August 29, 2023

Transportation

Steel beams to be installed where truck fire caused I-95 collapse

by Michael Tanenbaum

Steel beams will be installed this week at the section of I-95 in Northeast Philly where a tanker-truck fire caused a portion of the highway bridge to collapse in June. Lane restrictions will be in effect on Tuesday and Thursday as the beams are installed to create a permanent roadway.

August 28, 2023

Food & Drink

Dog-friendly restaurant and bar to open at King of Prussia Mall

by Michael Tanenbaum

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar will open its first Pennsylvania location at the King of Prussia Mall during the second half of 2024. The casual American restaurant is known for its lodge-style environment and mix of sandwiches, burgers, salads and family-size meals. The King of Prussia location will have a dog-friendly outdoor patio with firepits.

August 28, 2023

Festivals

Philly comedy festival promises stand-up acts, live podcasts and 12 hours of laughs

by Michael Tanenbaum

The inaugural Philly Comedy Fest will be held at Gaul & Co. Malt House in Port Richmond on Sunday, Sept. 3 from noon to midnight. The festival will have a mix of stand-up acts, live podcasts, music and performance groups. Local comics in the lineup include Matt McCusker, Ian Fidance, Tim Butterly, Sarah Bell and Peggy O'Leary.

August 22, 2023

Investigations

Eddie Irizarry's family releases video showing fatal police shooting

by Michael Tanenbaum

A video shows Philadelphia police fatally shooting 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry in his car in Kensington on Aug. 14. An attorney for the family released the surveillance video Tuesday. Philadelphia police initially said Irizarry had gotten out of his car and lunged at police, but then revised the story after yet-to-be-released body camera footage shows Irizarry remained inside his car when Officer Mark Dial fired multiple shots through his driver's window and windshield. An investigation is ongoing.

August 22, 2023

Wildlife

Pennsylvania Elk Cam returns to capture 2023 mating season

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Pennsylvania Elk Cam is back for bugling season in 2023. The livestream hosted by HDOnTap captures the life of a herd in State Game Lands 311 in Benezette, Elk County, where the animal has become a tourist attraction.

August 22, 2023

Development

157-unit apartment building proposed near Lehigh Viaduct in Kensington

by Michael Tanenbaum

Developers are proposing a six-story apartment building in Kensington at the intersection of Lehigh and Frankford avenues. The 157-unit project is in an area that has long been a focus of redevelopment in North Philadelphia. Behind the proposed development is the Lehigh Viaduct, the former coal-hauling railroad that became a hotspot for drug activity in recent decades.

August 21, 2023

Media

Sixers' arena announcer Matt Cord to be next morning host on 102.9 WMGK

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia 76ers public address announcer and longtime radio personality Matt Cord will be the new morning host at classic rock station 102.9 WMGK, Beasley Media Group announced. Cord will move from the station's midday slot on Sept. 5 and will be joined by cohost Steve Vassalotti. The change comes after the retirement of Philadelphia radio stalwart Jon DeBella at the end of June.

August 21, 2023

Technology

Phillies fans can now use facial recognition to enter Citizens Bank Park

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Phillies will test out a new facial recognition entry at Citizens Bank Park as part of an MLB program to evaluate the biometric technology. Beginning Aug. 21 at the first base gate, fans can use the MLB Ballpark app's Go-Ahead Entry by signing up and taking a selfie. As fans enter the ballpark, their tickets will be authenticated by a camera that recognizes them and validates their account information. The program is voluntary.