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

July 15, 2020

Phillies

Phillies will use cardboard cutouts, fake crowd noise at Citizens Bank Park

by Michael Tanenbaum

As the Philadelphia Phillies adjust to the reality of a fan-free experience, Citizens Bank Park will feature cardboard cutouts and artificial crowd noise to ease the unnerving impact of COVID-19.

July 15, 2020

Education

Philly schools unveil COVID-19 reopening plan with hybrid digital schedule

by Michael Tanenbaum

The School District of Philadelphia's COVID-19 reopening plan is built around a staggered learning system that provides a mix of in-person and digital instruction. Students will have the option of enrolling in all-digital program.

July 15, 2020

Eagles

Philly officials walk back comments on Eagles fans attending games at Lincoln Financial Field

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Eagles will continue to work with the city to determine whether fans will be allowed to attend games at Lincoln Financial Field during the 2020 NFL season. City officials initially said fans will be prohibited, but now say the situation will be monitored during the COVID-19 crisis.

July 14, 2020

Illness

Amid COVID-19 crisis, Philly cancels all large events for seven months

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia has canceled all large public events in the city until Feb. 28, 2021 in effort to prevent a surge in coronavirus cases seen in other parts of the United States.

July 14, 2020

Food & Drink

Trolley Car Ice Cream Shoppe relocating to Fishtown outside Fillmore Philadelphia

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Trolley Car Ice Cream Shoppe will take up residence in the courtyard outside the Fillmore Philadelphia in Fishtown. Developer Ken Weinstein donated the iconic 1948 PCC trolley car to the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District.

July 14, 2020

Government

Philly Managing Director Brian Abernathy announces resignation

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney's second-in-command, Brian Abernathy, will step down from his role as city managing director effective Sept. 4. Abernathy has been a key figure in Philadelphia's response to the COVID-19 crisis.

July 14, 2020

Business

Amazon grocery stores rumored for Center City, Bensalem, Warrington, report says

by Michael Tanenbaum

Amazon plans to open at least three grocery stores in the Philadelphia area, including one in Center City and two in Bucks County. The tech giant, which already owns Whole Foods, aims to debut a separate brand focused on prepared foods, mainstream goods and foodservice components.

July 13, 2020

Investigations

Driver sought in fatal hit-and-run on cyclist in North Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

A 32-year-old cyclist was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Ridge Avenue in North Philadelphia near Laurel Hill Cemetery on July 12, 2020. Philadelphia police are searching for the driver of the vehicle, who fled the scene of the accident.

July 13, 2020

Sixers

Sixers' Ben Simmons teased for bungling fish toss back into Orlando water

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons caught a fish at the NBA's "Disney Bubble," but his botched effort to throw it back into the water made for a viral video and lots of jokes.

July 13, 2020

Investigations

Video of Allentown cop kneeling on man's head prompts investigations by police, Lehigh County D.A.

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Allentown Police Department and Lehigh County District Attorney's Office are investigating an incident in which an officer was seen placing his knee on the neck of a man outside St. Luke's Hospital on July 11, 2020. The incident recalls the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.