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 5, 2023

Development

Shuttered Macy's at Neshaminy Mall to be replaced with Fusion Gym, sports complex

The former Macy's at the Neshaminy Mall will be replaced by Fusion Gyms, an expanding chain that includes indoor and outdoor sports facilities like basketball courts, boxing rings, pickleball courts and golf courses. The new gym, the fourth Fusion Gyms location, is expected to open in 2025, owner Tony Chowdhury said.

December 4, 2023

Food & Drink

Bastia, a Mediterranean cafe, to open at upcoming boutique hotel in Fishtown

Bastia, a Mediterranean cafe, will open at the upcoming Anna & Bell hotel in Fishtown. Chef Tyler Akin, who also leads French brasserie Le Cavalier in Wilmington, will offer a vegetable and seafood-driven menu. The hotel and restaurant are set to open in March inside the former Penn Home building, which dates to the 18th century.

December 4, 2023

Investigations

1 security guard killed, another injured in stabbing at Macy's in Center City

A Macy's security guard was killed and another was injured in a stabbing incident at the department store in Center City on Monday morning, Philadelphia police said. The incident happened around 11 a.m. following a shoplifting incident at the business at 13th and Market streets. A suspect fled the scene and was later arrested at SEPTA's Somerset Station in Kensington.

December 4, 2023

Investigations

Main Line doctor allegedly lit Lower Merion home on fire after threatening family, police say

A Montgomery County doctor, Amy L. Cohen, 35, allegedly set fire to a home in Lower Merion Township on Nov. 30, according to investigators. Cohen allegedly let a threatening message at the home and mailed similar letters to the homeowner's family members in the days leading up to the fire. No one was injured in the fire.

December 1, 2023

Business

Wegmans sets 2024 opening date for new Bucks County store

Wegmans will open a new grocery store in Bucks County — at Yardley's Prickett Preserve town center — on March 20, 2024. The supermarket chain's new location, the second in Bucks County, is the latest in the company's expansion across the Delaware Valley.

December 1, 2023

Food & Drink

Feast of the 7 Pickles returns to Fishtown this month with twists on Philly foods

Fishtown Pickle Project's Feast of the 7 Fishes returns for its third year Dec. 19. With Kensington's Martha as the venue, this year's menu is inspired by Philly favorites like cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, Tastykakes and scrapple. There will be three seatings at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. with 50 spots available per time slot. Tickets cost $95 apiece.

December 1, 2023

Business

Fishtown food trucks can stay for now after City Council vote on bill to ban them is delayed

A move in Philadelphia City Council to ban food trucks from Girard and Frankford avenues in Fishtown was not voted on Thursday. The fate of the proposed ordinance, which has sparked controversy in the neighborhood, is in limbo as council approaches the end of its session on Dec. 14.

November 30, 2023

Addiction

Weight-loss drug Wegovy could help treat alcohol addiction, researchers say

Wegovy and Ozempic, drugs commonly used for weight loss, may be used to treat alcohol addiction, researchers say. Studies on semaglutide, the ingredient in both drugs, are examining whether people who take the medication can reduce alcohol consumption and cravings to drink. One newly published study offers the first evidence that GLP-1 agonists can help people manage alcohol addiction.

November 30, 2023

Entertainment

Franklin Institute permanently closes Tuttleman IMAX theater

The Franklin Institute's Tuttleman IMAX theater is now permanently closed after it was shut down in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum said the domed theater is no longer a viable business model. The Franklin Institute instead plans to invest in six new exhibits, including the Wondrous Space exhibit that opened earlier this month. The Tuttleman opened in 1990.

November 29, 2023

Adult Health

Certain personality traits – like being an extrovert – may lower risk for dementia

Personality traits like extraversion and conscientiousness may lower the risk of developing dementia, according to new research on the relationship between behavior and cognitive decline. The new study found people with positive traits were more protected from impairment; those with negative characteristics like neuroticism were at greater risk.

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