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

June 17, 2022

Prevention

West Nile virus found in Philly region; Here are some tips to prevent mosquito bites

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia public health officials have reported this year's first mosquitoes that are carrying the West Nile virus, an infectious disease that can be transmitted to people through mosquito bites. Officials are recommending a number of tips to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to help people avoid bites this summer. Serious cases of the virus are relatively rare, but older individuals are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms.

June 17, 2022

Development

Residential tower replaces Virgin Hotel in proposal for South Broad Street development

by Michael Tanenbaum

A development proposal at the corner of South Broad and Lombard streets now calls for a 43-story tower with 463 units next to the historic District Health Center One building in Center City. A previous plan discussed at the site had included a Virgin Hotel tower and a second tower, along with a theater and restaurant. New documents from the Philadelphia Historical Commission discuss plans for the restoration of the health center and the construction of the residential tower instead of a hotel.

June 16, 2022

Celebrities

Chad Ochocinco Johnson leaves server $1,000 tip at Green Eggs Café in Center City

by Michael Tanenbaum

Chad Ochocinco Johnson left a $1,000 tip for a server at Green Eggs Cafe in Center City, the latest example of his generous tipping at restaurants. The former NFL star is spending his summer in Philadelphia and has been spotted around town in recent weeks. He's shared updates on his activities in the city on social media. Johnson, an accomplished wide receiver, spent most of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals.

June 16, 2022

Investigations

Eight city employees charged with fraud in alleged theft of pandemic unemployment assistance

by Michael Tanenbaum

Eight employees of the city of Philadelphia were charged Thursday with allegedly providing false information to obtain more than $300,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits. The defendants were still employed by the city and receiving paychecks at the time they filed. The defendants will be fired from their jobs, a city spokesperson said.

June 16, 2022

Arts & Culture

Franklin Institute unveils plans for new space exploration exhibit focused on future trips to moon, Mars

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Franklin Institute will create a new exhibit about the future of space exploration using a $3 million gift from Boeing. The two-story immersive exhibit will include displays about missions to Mars and the moon, and how space technology can be used to improve life on Earth. SPACE is expected to open at the Philadelphia museum in the fall of 2023.

June 16, 2022

Food & Drink

Kevin Hart to open plant-based fast-food restaurant Hart House

by Michael Tanenbaum

Kevin Hart will open a new plant-based fast food restaurant called Hart House, beginning this summer with locations in Los Angeles and Hollywood. The comedian, actor and Philly native started eating a plant-based diet in recent years. For the new restaurant, called Hart House, he tapped former Burger King Chef Michael Salem to develop the menu, which will include a range of 100% plant-based burgers, sandwiches, nuggets, milkshakes and other items.

June 14, 2022

Investigations

Woman alleges Airbnb she rented in Philadelphia had hidden cameras, but police investigation found none

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police and Airbnb investigated a woman's claim that a property she rented in the city contained hidden cameras in the property's ceilings and sprinklers. The investigation found there were no hidden or undisclosed cameras inside the home. The woman had shared her story Sunday night on Twitter, but did not disclose the location of the rental. Airbnb has suspended the account of the property's host amid an ongoing investigation into the incident. The company said it will still provide the woman with a refund.

June 14, 2022

Food & Drink

Herr's names three finalists in search for new Philly-inspired chip flavor

by Michael Tanenbaum

Herr's is holding a "Flavored by Philly" contest to develop a limited-run potato chip that represents the city and region. The Chester County-based company's three finalists are (215) Special Sauce, Long Hots and Provolone and Wiz Wit. Fans are encouraged to vote for a winning chip. The vote will remain open through Aug. 5. The person who submitted the winning flavor will receive a $10,000 prize, a year's supply of Herr's products and a $10,000 donation to a chosen Philadelphia-based nonprofit.

June 14, 2022

Environment

Penn breaks ground on one of state's largest solar projects in effort to reduce carbon emissions

by Michael Tanenbaum

The University of Pennsylvania and Radnor-based Community Energy have broken ground on two solar facilities in central Pennsylvania that will provide about 75% of the electricity needs for Penn's Philadelphia campus and health system. The combined 220-megawatt project will be one of the largest in Pennsylvania, where solar installations have been increasing in recent years.

June 13, 2022

Entertainment

'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' podcast to tape at The Met in September

by Michael Tanenbaum

"The Always Sunny Podcast" will appear for an in-person taping at The Met Philadelphia on Sept. 18, 2022. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m. Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day will lead the popular podcast, which features episode-by-episode breakdowns of the FXX series.