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 28, 2023

Festivals

Philly comedy festival promises stand-up acts, live podcasts and 12 hours of laughs

by Michael Tanenbaum

The inaugural Philly Comedy Fest will be held at Gaul & Co. Malt House in Port Richmond on Sunday, Sept. 3 from noon to midnight. The festival will have a mix of stand-up acts, live podcasts, music and performance groups. Local comics in the lineup include Matt McCusker, Ian Fidance, Tim Butterly, Sarah Bell and Peggy O'Leary.

August 28, 2023

Food & Drink

Dog-friendly restaurant and bar to open at King of Prussia Mall

by Michael Tanenbaum

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar will open its first Pennsylvania location at the King of Prussia Mall during the second half of 2024. The casual American restaurant is known for its lodge-style environment and mix of sandwiches, burgers, salads and family-size meals. The King of Prussia location will have a dog-friendly outdoor patio with firepits.

August 22, 2023

Development

157-unit apartment building proposed near Lehigh Viaduct in Kensington

by Michael Tanenbaum

Developers are proposing a six-story apartment building in Kensington at the intersection of Lehigh and Frankford avenues. The 157-unit project is in an area that has long been a focus of redevelopment in North Philadelphia. Behind the proposed development is the Lehigh Viaduct, the former coal-hauling railroad that became a hotspot for drug activity in recent decades.

August 22, 2023

Investigations

Eddie Irizarry's family releases video showing fatal police shooting

by Michael Tanenbaum

A video shows Philadelphia police fatally shooting 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry in his car in Kensington on Aug. 14. An attorney for the family released the surveillance video Tuesday. Philadelphia police initially said Irizarry had gotten out of his car and lunged at police, but then revised the story after yet-to-be-released body camera footage shows Irizarry remained inside his car when Officer Mark Dial fired multiple shots through his driver's window and windshield. An investigation is ongoing.

August 22, 2023

Wildlife

Pennsylvania Elk Cam returns to capture 2023 mating season

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Pennsylvania Elk Cam is back for bugling season in 2023. The livestream hosted by HDOnTap captures the life of a herd in State Game Lands 311 in Benezette, Elk County, where the animal has become a tourist attraction.

August 21, 2023

Media

Sixers' arena announcer Matt Cord to be next morning host on 102.9 WMGK

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia 76ers public address announcer and longtime radio personality Matt Cord will be the new morning host at classic rock station 102.9 WMGK, Beasley Media Group announced. Cord will move from the station's midday slot on Sept. 5 and will be joined by cohost Steve Vassalotti. The change comes after the retirement of Philadelphia radio stalwart Jon DeBella at the end of June.

August 21, 2023

Technology

Phillies fans can now use facial recognition to enter Citizens Bank Park

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Phillies will test out a new facial recognition entry at Citizens Bank Park as part of an MLB program to evaluate the biometric technology. Beginning Aug. 21 at the first base gate, fans can use the MLB Ballpark app's Go-Ahead Entry by signing up and taking a selfie. As fans enter the ballpark, their tickets will be authenticated by a camera that recognizes them and validates their account information. The program is voluntary.

August 21, 2023

Investigations

Chester County man dies in crash during Reading's Duryea Hillclimb racing event

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Chester County man racing in the Duryea Hillclimb in Reading, Pennsylvania, died after his car struck a tree on Skyline Drive, officials said. The death of Kihurani Gakuu, 66, prompted the cancelation of Sunday's portion of the annual event, which is affiliated with the Sports Car Club of America. The event has occurred since 1951, as has the Pagoda Hillclimb, which also takes place in Reading.

August 21, 2023

Real Estate

St. Joe's acquires 12-acre property, expands campus along City Avenue

by Michael Tanenbaum

St. Joseph's University has acquired a nearly 12-acre property along City Avenue in West Philadelphia from the Sisters of the Visitation. The private Jesuit college in West Philly has been planning upgrades and new projects at its Hawk Hill campus as part of a 10-year master plan. The parcel at 5848 City Ave. was originally a 19th century country estate and later became a convent.

August 18, 2023

Technology

Comcast creates new backup router that keeps internet connected during power outages

by Michael Tanenbaum

Comcast has debuted a new backup router that maintains internet service for several hours during power outages. The Storm-Ready WiFi router uses cellular data that switches on automatically when broadband service goes down during an outage. The backup router acts as an internet extender that can keep a Wi-Fi connection going for up to four hours. Most power outages are typically resolved within 2-3 hours.