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 25, 2020

Illness

Philly falls below 100 COVID-19 cases per day as mask use rises

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said the city's weekly average COVID-19 cases counts have hit their lowest point since the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in mid-April. The improvement is attributed, in part, to wider compliance with the city's face mask mandate.

August 25, 2020

Legislation

Wolf calls for legalizing recreational marijuana to support Pa. businesses impacted by COVID-19

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has called for the General Assembly to send him a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana. Revenue from sales would support small businesses and restorative justice programs in Pennsylvania.

August 25, 2020

Entertainment

Brooklyn Bowl music venue, restaurant, bowling alley planned for Fishtown

by Michael Tanenbaum

Brooklyn Bowl, a popular live music venue founded in Williamsburg, New York City, will partner with Live Nation to open a location in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood. The venue, restaurant and bowling alley will replace the former Revolutions Philadelphia on Delaware Avenue.

August 25, 2020

Celebrities

Kevin Hart blames Tom Hanks for choice not to reveal his own COVID-19 diagnosis

by Michael Tanenbaum

Comedian and actor Kevin Hart revealed that he was diagnosed with COVID-19 back in March. During a comedy set in Ohio put on by Dave Chappelle, Hart said he decided not go public with his illness because it happened around the same time Tom Hanks came forward.

August 25, 2020

Investigations

Atlantic City police officer found dead in car, authorities say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Atlantic City Police Officer Richard Link, 29, of Brigantine, was found dead in his car in Galloway Township, New Jersey, on Aug. 22, 2020. Authorities said Tuesday afternoon that Link died by suicide.

August 25, 2020

Courts

Federal judge rules Philly can shut down homeless encampments

by Michael Tanenbaum

A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Philadelphia can proceed with plans to "terminate and dissolve" two homeless tent encampments located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Ridge Avenue. The encampments, doubling as protests against chronic homelessness, formed in June.

August 24, 2020

Business

Wawa testing new dinner menu items including pasta, platters, burger and fries

by Michael Tanenbaum

Wawa will test a number of new dinner menu items at select locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, Delaware and Washington, D.C. The pilot program includes a new and improved burger, pasta dishes, rotisserie-style chicken and Heat and Eat meals.

August 24, 2020

NBA

Allen Iverson pens tribute to 'fiercest competitor' Kobe Bryant on 8/24

by Michael Tanenbaum

As family, friends and fans remember the life of Kobe Bryant, former Philadelphia 76ers great Allen Iverson wrote an essay for The Players Tribune paying tribute to his NBA contemporary. Bryant would have turned 43 years old on Sunday, while Los Angeles celebrates Kobe Bryant Day on Monday, in recognition of his two jersey numbers.

August 24, 2020

Schools

Philly Catholic League cancels high school fall sports amid coronavirus pandemic

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Catholic League's 17 high school teams will opt out of the 2020 fall sports season, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Monday. Despite PIAA approval to move forward with fall sports, Philadelphia public and private schools have heeded the recommendation of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf to suspend sports during the coronavirus pandemic.

August 19, 2020

Illness

Philly health department warns of COVID-19 outbreak at Tacony church

by Michael Tanenbaum

At least nine COVID-19 cases have been linked to an outbreak at the City Reach Philly Church in the Tacony section of Northeast Philadelphia, the health department announced Wednesday. The city believes others connected to the church likely were infected in August. Services have been suspended pending further case investigation and contact tracing.