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 22, 2020

Video Games

'SimCity'-style, Philly urban planning game in the works at Drexel

by Michael Tanenbaum

Drexel University and The Knight Foundation are working on a video game that uses public data in Philadelphia to let players make choices about urban planning and community development. The game, SIM-PHL, is expected to be released in 2021.

June 19, 2020

Development

Amtrak chooses developer for $400 million renovation at 30th Street Station

by Michael Tanenbaum

A large, multi-year renovation project at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station will be led by Plenary Infrastructure, including improvements to retail, amenities and outdoor spaces, Amtrak officials announced.

June 19, 2020

Illness

Scientists developing 'nanosponges' to decoy coronavirus from living lung cells

by Michael Tanenbaum

Experiments at the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories aim to prove that bio-friendly, nano-sized droplets can be used as a decoy to prevent the coronavirus from attacking lung cells. These nanosponges are covered in fragments of lung and immune cell membranes.

June 19, 2020

Photography

Philly artist's George Floyd protest photography featured in The New Yorker

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia ceramics artist Isaac Scott turned to photography amid civil unrest and protests demanding justice for George Floyd, a black man killed by Minneapolis police. Scott's work was featured this week in The New Yorker.

June 19, 2020

Illness

Philly suburbs poised to enter COVID-19 green phase on June 26

by Michael Tanenbaum

Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties all will enter the green phase of Pennsylvania's COVID-19 reopening plan on June 26, 2020. Philadelphia will begin the green phase on July 3, with some restrictions lifted the week prior.

June 18, 2020

Investigations

Feds charge man in explosion of North Philly ATM

by Michael Tanenbaum

David Elmakayes, 24, allegedly attempted to explode an ATM in North Philadelphia on June 3, 2020, amid civil unrest across the city. Authorities also charged Elmakayes with a weapons offense.

June 18, 2020

Celebrities

Former Eagle Donovan McNabb joins Kevin Hart on quarantine series 'Cold Calls'

by Michael Tanenbaum

Comedian and North Philadelphia native Kevin Hart had former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb on his "Cold Calls" web series, an improvised version of the "Cold as Balls" series.

June 18, 2020

Food & Drink

Philly restaurant Porta apologizes for Instagram post seeking to hire new staff

by Michael Tanenbaum

Porta Philadelphia issued an apology for not communicating with employees about their need to reapply for jobs amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The pizzeria has remained closed since March and announced it would be hiring for all positions ahead of a limited reopening.

June 18, 2020

Illness

Philly sets July 3 target for COVID-19 green phase, outlines reopening plan

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia hopes to enter the green phase of Pennsylvania's COVID-19 reopening plan on July 3, 2020. This would allow several restricted activities — salons, gyms, malls and small social gatherings — to resume after being closed for more than three months during the coronavirus pandemic.

June 17, 2020

Social Media

Comedian, N.J. native Chris D'Elia accused of sexual misconduct, targeting underage females using social media

by Michael Tanenbaum

Multiple women on Twitters have accused Comedian Chris D'Elia of sexual misconduct via social media, claiming the Netflix comic attempted to groom and meet them while they were underage.