Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Tanenbaum Headshot

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

February 14, 2024

Food & Drink

Stephen Starr is planning an Italian restaurant at the former Barnes & Noble on Rittenhouse Square

Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr is planning to open an Italian restaurant inside the former Barnes & Noble on Rittenhouse Square. Tentatively called Borromini, the restaurant would occupy two floors of the Alison building on Walnut Street. His proposed facade changes must require approval from the historical commission.

February 14, 2024

Travel

Philly is planning an expanded 'Rocky' festival to drive global tourism

Philadelphia planners are developing a "Rocky" festival based on the success of the city's firstRocky Day in December. Thousands of people, including Sylvester Stallone, attended the event outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the bronze statue of Rocky Balboa and iconic museum steps have long been a tourist attraction. Now, the city believes it can expand the celebration as "Rocky" nears its 50th anniversary in 2026.

February 13, 2024

Courts

Drunk driver gets 25 years in prison for crash that killed 2 at Wildwood car rally

A drunk driver has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for a crash that killed two people at the unsanctioned H2oi car rally in Wildwood, New Jersey in September 2022. Gerald White, 38, of New Castle, Delaware, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and aggravated assault in December. The illegal rally brought more than 500 vehicles to the Jersey Shore town for drag racing, drifting and burnouts.

February 13, 2024

Food & Drink

The Brass Tap opens in Manayunk, taking over corner bar property that has mostly languished since the pandemic

The Brass Tap, a Florida-based craft-beer bar chain, has opened its first Philadelphia franchise in Manayunk at the former Old Eagle Tavern. The 30 craft beers on tap cover a selection of regional brewers like Yards Brewing Co., Cape May Brewing Co., Lancaster Brewing Co. and Tröegs Independent Brewing.

February 12, 2024

Investigations

Sharif Street Jr., arrested for assault for inauguration incident, is now charged in new case with a hit-and-run crash

Sharif Street Jr. has been charged with the hit-and-run crash that injured a girl in North Philly in August, police said. Street Jr. is the grandson of former Philly mayor John Street and son of state Sen. Sharif Street. In January, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a private security guard at The Met before Mayor Cherelle Parker's inauguration.

February 12, 2024

Wildlife

State troopers rescue injured bald eagle struck by car in central Pennsylvania

A bald eagle that was hit by a car in Perry County is now recovering thanks to two Pennsylvania state troopers who rescued the injured animal on a roadside in Greenwood Township, officials said. Pennsylvania's bald eagle population is thriving after a successful conservation program that began in 1983.

February 9, 2024

Health News

Experimental prosthetic helps man who lost his arm regain some sense of feeling

A prosthetic hand developed by researchers in Europe could help people with amputations feel senses like temperature and texture, according to a new study. An Italian man who lost his hand was able to use the device to distinguish hot and cold while touching various objects. The technology uses a sensor sensor system installed on the prosthetic limb.

February 9, 2024

Wildlife

Lost baby seal seen wandering along Ocean City street rescued, being nursed back to health

A baby grey seal was rescued in Ocean City on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2024 after residents spotted the male pup wandering near West Avenue and 42nd Street. The seal is the second to be rescued in South Jersey by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center over the last month. In January, a female pup was recovered from a sidewalk in Point Pleasant.

February 9, 2024

Investigations

Remains of 6 people found at East Lansdowne home that was set on fire after shootout

The remains of six people have been recovered from the East Lansdowne home that was set on fire Wednesday after a shootout with police, Delaware County authorities said. The remains of the alleged shooter and arsonist, 43-year-old Cahn Le, was among those found. Authorities have not yet determined a motive in the shooting and fire.

February 9, 2024

Food & Drink

Our Town Brewery opens a taproom with a beer garden in Francisville

Our Town Taproom, the new Philadelphia location from Lancaster's Our Town Brewing, has at 1519 Ridge Ave. It has indoor seating for 45 people and a 600-square-foot beer garden in the back. The brewery offers a mix of classic styles and experimental brews that offer 'a beer for everyone.' The taproom also has ciders and cocktails.

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