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

November 15, 2023

Investigations

Video of East Oak Lane robbery shows suspects tying up family members as child watches

by Michael Tanenbaum

A family was robbed at gunpoint and tied up as a 4-year-old girl watched inside an East Oak Lane home, Philadelphia police said. Investigators shared video of the Nov. 6 incident on Tuesday. A safe, cash, jewelry and guns were stolen from the property on the 6600 block of North Seventh Street. Authorities are searching for four suspects who fled the home in a black Acura.

November 14, 2023

Food & Drink

Flight Club darts bar to open in Center City next summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Flight Club, a new darts bar, is coming to Philadelphia in 2024 inside the historic Stock Exchange building at 1417 Walnut St. in Center City. The tech-driven concept uses an automatic scoring system that encourages more socializing. Philadelphia will be the seventh U.S. city where the London-based bar is expanding. Over the last five years, Flight Club locations have opened in Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Las Vegas and Denver.

November 14, 2023

Courts

Federal court rules Montgomery County township can't ban display of 'thin blue line' flag on municipal property

by Michael Tanenbaum

A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Springfield Township, Pennsylvania's resolution banning the pro-police 'thin blue line' flag on township property was unconstitutional. The black and white American flag featuring a thin blue stripe has been a controversial symbol seen by many as a point of opposition to Black Lives Matter and other racial justice groups. U.S. District Judge Karen Marston ruled that the prohibition of the flag's display violated the protection of free speech.

November 14, 2023

Development

Luxury apartment tower to open near Yards taproom, Silk City Diner in Northern Liberties

by Michael Tanenbaum

Southern Land Co. topped off its 12-story luxury apartment building at Fifth and Spring Garden streets in Northern Liberties on Monday, Nov. 13. The project will add 329 units and 14,000 square feet of commercial space to the Philadelphia neighborhood. The building, which will offer coworking spaces, will begin leasing units in late 2024.

November 13, 2023

Illness

Pennsylvania's rising Lyme disease cases are being fueled by land development, scientists say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Lyme disease cases are increasing in Pennsylvania partly due to land development that clears forests, scientists say. Clearing woodlands makes people more prone to tick bites and giving ticks fewer options for hosts. Pennsylvania's 8,413 confirmed Lyme disease cases last year led the nation for the 11th time in the last 12 years.

November 13, 2023

Investigations

Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office agent charged with child pornography possession

by Michael Tanenbaum

An agent with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office in Allentown was charged Monday with possessing child pornography on his home computer. Joshua Steven Gonzalez, 39, of South Whitehall Township, was arrested following an investigation of a tip received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

November 8, 2023

Investigations

Former J.R. Masterman School teacher fatally struck by car while biking in Roxborough

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former J.R. Masterman School teacher Kevin St. Clair, 64, was killed in a multi-car crash while biking in Roxborough on Monday night. He is the 10th cyclist to be killed in a car crash in the city this year, marking the highest number on record in Philadelphia. St. Clair was a sixth grade teacher, middle school dean and cross-country coach.

November 8, 2023

Investigations

Montgomery County authorities offer $10,000 reward to solve woman's cold case murder

by Michael Tanenbaum

Julie Barnyock's cold case murder has remained unsolved for 30 years since she went missing from SEPTA's Lansdale Station in Montgomery County. Her body was found in a nearby rail yard three weeks later. Montgomery County prosecutors are offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

November 8, 2023

Senior Health

Eating strawberries may lower the risk of dementia, study finds

by Michael Tanenbaum

Eating strawberries may slow cognitive decline and the progression of dementia among middle-aged people, especially those who are overweight. A new study from the University of Cincinnati suggests the berries may improve cognitive performance and mood, possibly because they reduce inflammation in the brain. Strawberries and blueberries also may both be helpful supplements for adults with mild cognitive impairment.

November 7, 2023

2023 Election

Cherelle Parker wins to becomes Philly's 100th mayor and first woman to lead city

by Michael Tanenbaum

In Philadelphia's mayoral election, Democrat Cherelle Parker defeated Republican David Oh on Tuesday. She will be the city's 100th mayor and the first woman to hold the office. Parker's victory comes at a significant moment for Philadelphia as the city seeks a new police commissioner and decides key issues like whether to approve a new 76ers arena in Center City.