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

December 2, 2020

Development

Developer Bart Blatstein pitches second project along Washington Avenue

by Michael Tanenbaum

A proposal for a vacant lot at Washington Avenue and 13th Street would bring 375 apartments, office and retail space to an area that has been developing residential density in Philadelphia over the last several years. The project is proposed near the long-awaited complex from developer Bart Blatstein, who aims to add another 1,100 apartments to Broad Street and Washington Avenue.

December 1, 2020

Business

Philly extends tax relief to restaurants, bars impacted by COVID-19

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia has extended tax relief measures to assist bars and restaurants impacted by the latest round of COVID-19 restrictions that prohibit indoor dining in the city until at least the end of the year. Case counts in Philadelphia are showing some signs of slowing from the recent surge, but hospitalizations continue to rise.

December 1, 2020

Wellness

Jefferson sleep study on flies suggests vibration could be an aid for humans

by Michael Tanenbaum

Vibration could be an important tool for sleep researchers to explore in developing aids to help people get better rest, according to researchers from Thomas Jefferson University. A new study published in Cell Reports examines how gentle vibration induces sleep in fruit flies.

December 1, 2020

Business

Fashion District Philadelphia owner PREIT expected to emerge from bankruptcy

by Michael Tanenbaum

PREIT, the owner of 21 malls in the U.S., including Fashion District Philadelphia and the Cherry Hill Mall, will emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early December after a court approved its prepackaged financial restructuring plan. The mall owner has struggled with declining revenue during the coronavirus pandemic.

December 1, 2020

Courts

Philly woman reaches $325,000 settlement with city of Wildwood after viral beach arrest

by Michael Tanenbaum

Emily Weinman, of Philadelphia, was awarded $325,000 in a settlement with the city of Wildwood, New Jersey, after she was arrested on a beach around Memorial Day in 2018. Video of the incident went viral at the time, and Weinman accepted a plea deal. She later filed a federal civil lawsuit alleging the officers used excessive force against her.

November 30, 2020

Investigations

Instagram model, Pennsylvania native found dead in Houston

by Michael Tanenbaum

Instagram influencer Alexis Sharkey, 26, a Pennsylvania native, was found dead in Houston on Saturday after she was reported missing. The 26-year-old moved to Texas in January with her husband, Thomas Sharkey. Houston police are investigating Sharkey's death.

November 30, 2020

Cyber Monday

Here are some great Cyber Monday deals for the Philly area

by Michael Tanenbaum

Several Philadelphia businesses are offering great Cyber Monday deals in 2020, giving shoppers a chance to find the best price on a gift for the upcoming holidays. Discounts are available on sports apparel, liquor products and other items.

November 30, 2020

Investigations

Customer fatally shoots robbery suspect at Wing Stop in Northeast Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 29, 2020, at the Wing Stop located in a small shopping center in the 2100 block of Cottman Avenue, in Northeast Philadelphia. According to investigators, a customer with a valid permit to carry a firearm thwarted an attempted robbery at the restaurant, killing the 53-year-old suspect.

November 30, 2020

Weather

Philadelphia area under tornado watch as storms charge through region

by Michael Tanenbaum

A tornado watch for Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties that will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Monday night (Nov. 30, 2020).

November 25, 2020

Eagles

Seahawks' D.K. Metcalf votes Eagles should bench Carson Wentz, start Jalen Hurts

by Michael Tanenbaum

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf believes the Philadelphia Eagles should start rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts over Carson Wentz when the two teams meet on "Monday Night Football" on Nov. 29. Wentz has struggled all season, turning the ball over at a historic rate, and the Eagles are clinging to embarrassing NFC East division lead at 3-6-1.