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

September 30, 2021

Investigations

Customs officials in Philly seize more than $6.5 million in counterfeit currency from Russia

by Michael Tanenbaum

More than $6.5 million in fake currency was seized by U.S. Customs & Border Protection Officers at the Port of Philadelphia, where investigators say the fake money was sent in a series of parcels from Russia. The packages contained counterfeit U.S. dollars and euros. Officials said the money, which was shipped via international air cargo, ultimately was destined for Chicago.

September 30, 2021

Government

Philly may make the outdoor dining setups prompted by COVID-19 permanent fixtures

by Michael Tanenbaum

A pair of bills introduced to Philadelphia City Council would permanently establish the outdoor dining regulations that were created to help restaurants remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bills would allow restaurants to maintain sidewalk cafés and streeteries.

September 29, 2021

Arts & Culture

Philadelphia Photo Arts Center rebrands as TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Photo Arts Center has rebranded as the TILT Institute for Contemporary Image, entering a new phase 12 years after the nonprofit organization became a home for digital photography enthusiasts in Philadelphia. TILT now hopes to appeal to photographers of all ages and experience levels around the world with a growing virtual presence in addition to its physical location in South Kensington.

September 29, 2021

Music

J. Cole postpones Philly show at Wells Fargo Center due to 'embarrassing' production delays

by Michael Tanenbaum

J Cole announced that his "Off-Season" tour date at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia has been moved from Wednesday, Sept. 29 to Wednesday, Oct. 27 due to delays associated with the concert production. The rapper announced the change and apologized to fans in a video on Instagram.

September 28, 2021

Investigations

Grand jury to investigate whether Sharon Hill cops are criminally responsible for Fanta Bility's death

by Michael Tanenbaum

Fanta Bility was shot and killed by Sharon Hill police during a shooting outside a high school football game at Academy Park High School on Aug. 27, 2021, an initial ballistics analysis found with "near certainty." Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer has petitioned a grand jury to investigate the officers' deadly use of force.

September 28, 2021

Woman charged in fatal stabbing of Pa. jeweler featured in Netflix series 'Jailbirds: New Orleans'

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Netflix series "Jailbirds: New Orleans" features Magen Hall, a Tennessee native accused of stabbing Pennsylvania jeweler Patrick Murphy to death in New Orleans in February 2019. The show, now in its second series, has drawn criticism and backlash for its portrayal of life behind bars.

September 28, 2021

Movies

John Leguizamo blasts lack of diversity on 'Super Mario Bros.' movie as Charlie Day takes Luigi baton

by Michael Tanenbaum

Actor and comedian John Leguizamo is excited about the planned reboot of "Super Mario Bros.," but said he was disappointed by a lack of diversity among the voice actors cast in the animated film slated for release in December 2022. Leguizamo played Luigi in the 1993 live-action movie "Super Mario Bros," a role that will be taken over by Charlie Day in the upcoming release from Nintendo, Universal and Illumination.

September 27, 2021

Sixers

Potential Sixers alternate jersey leaks with Spectrum-themed design for 2021

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Sixers' 2021 City Edition uniforms appear to commemorate the team's storied history at the former Spectrum in South Philadelphia, based a on a leaked photo shared by rookie Charles Bassey.

September 27, 2021

Obituaries

Son of Carnegie Mellon University president dies in Monongahela River drowning

by Michael Tanenbaum

Thomas Jahanian, the 28-year-old son of Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian, died after drowning in the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, authorities said. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission spotted Jahanian after he went underwater near the 10th Street Bridge. University officials later confirmed the victim was Jahanian.

September 27, 2021

Delco veteran's junk removal business lands Discovery Channel reality TV series

by Michael Tanenbaum

"Operation Hidden Treasures," a new reality TV series on the Discovery Channel, features military veterans working for JDog Junk Removal & Hauling as they complete tough jobs and find new homes for discarded items. The company was founded in the Philadelphia area by Jerry Flanagan, a U.S. Army veteran who has grown the business into 250 franchises across the United States.