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 26, 2024

Development

Former Greensgrow space in West Philly could be revitalized under new nonprofit

by Michael Tanenbaum

City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is seeking ideas from nonprofits to find a new use for the former Greensgrow urban farm on Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia. The property shuttered in 2022 when the nonprofit ceased operations at its locations in Kensington and West Philly, leaving questions about the future of both properties.

July 25, 2024

Transportation

SEPTA reveals design of new Market-Frankford Line subway cars

by Michael Tanenbaum

SEPTA has awarded a $724.3 million contract to Hitachi Rail for 200 new railcars for the Market-Frankford subway line. The new fleet is expected to be delivered by the end of 2031, with the first of the railcars arriving in 2029. The subway cars will have capacity for more passengers, digital signage and longitudinal seating.

July 25, 2024

Movies

Story of Philly squatter from Netflix's 'Worst Roommate Ever' to be made into movie

by Michael Tanenbaum

Jamison Bachman, the serial squatter who tormented roommates up and down the East Coast, will be the subject of a new movie based on the story of a Chestnut Hill woman who sublet a room to him in 2017. The woman's story in Philadelphia was featured in an episode of the Netflix series 'Worst Roommate Ever.'

July 25, 2024

Investigations

Driver who fatally struck cyclist Barbara Friedes allegedly was drunk, speeding

by Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Vahey, 68, has been charged with vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol for the July 17 crash that killed 30-year-old CHOP doctor Barbara Friedes on her bike near Rittenhouse Square. Vahey allegedly was speeding and had a blood-alcohol concentration twice the legal limit, prosecutors said.

July 24, 2024

Investigations

Fuel issue at Bucks County Wawa possibly linked to cars breaking down

by Michael Tanenbaum

Fuel from a gas pump at the Wawa in Richboro, Bucks County, has been linked to multiple cars breaking down since drivers filled up their tanks there last week. The issue has prompted an investigation by the Bucks County Consumer Protection office. Wawa could be on the hook to pay for expensive repairs from claims submitted to its Fuel Quality Guarantee program.

July 24, 2024

2024 Election

How much would Josh Shapiro impact the 2024 election as a vice presidential nominee? In Pennsylvania, perhaps a lot

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is among a few Democrats being considered for the vice presidential nomination to join a presumptive ticket headlined by Kamala Harris. The choice of Shapiro largely would be driven by the goal of getting a home state advantage in the battleground state. It also could alter the trajectory of Shapiro's political career.

July 24, 2024

Media

Howard Eskin to return to SportsRadio 94WIP for first time since allegations of his 'unwelcome kiss' surfaced

by Michael Tanenbaum

SportsRadio 94WUP host Howard Eskin will return to his Saturday morning show this weekend for the first time since allegations surfaced that he made an unwanted advance on a woman at Citizens Bank Park in May. Eskin last hosted his 8 to 10 a.m. show in late June. He was present with media for the start of Eagles training camp on Wednesday after Audacy requested the team grant him access.

July 24, 2024

2024 Election

Fox News proposes Trump-Harris presidential debate in Pennsylvania

by Michael Tanenbaum

Executives at Fox News have contacted the campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to propose a presidential debate in September in Pennsylvania, according to reports. The debate would be the first since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race. A specific location has not yet been proposed.

July 23, 2024

Politics

Bob Menendez to resign U.S. Senate seat in August following bribery conviction

by Michael Tanenbaum

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez said he will resign Aug. 20 as a result of his federal bribery conviction last month. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is expected to appoint a replacement to stand in until the end of Menendez's term in January. Democratic Congressman Andy Kim and Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw are running to replace him.

July 22, 2024

Investigations

Man charged with animal cruelty for allegedly decapitating seagull in North Wildwood

by Michael Tanenbaum

Franklin Ziegler, 29, of Cape May, allegedly killed a seagull by decapitating it in front of people at Morey's Piers in North Wildwood on July 6, authorities said. He has been charged with animal cruelty and related offenses.