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.
January 24, 2024
Wildlife
Rare, colorful painted bunting draws bird lovers to Bartram's Garden
At Bartram's Garden, a rare sighting of a colorful painted bunting has drawn bird lovers to the 50-acre public park in Southwest Philly. The species is native to the southeast U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. When the males mature, they molt to reveal their vibrantly colored plumage that fuses bright shades of blue, green, yellow and red.January 23, 2024
Business
Black & Brew, an East Passyunk Avenue mainstay, will lose its lease at the end of February
Black & Brew, the cafe on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia, must move to a new location after 17 years at its current storefront. The Passyunk Ave Revitalization Corp. is not offering the business the chance to renew its lease at 1523 E. Passyunk Ave., claiming Black & Brew has unpaid debt. Café owner Colleen DeCesare says the business is committed to finding a new location.January 23, 2024
Fitness
Core stability, the foundation of healthy movement, can be strengthened with simple exercises
Core stability is a common fitness goal for everyone from athletes to people seeking relief from chronic pain. The core covers the abdominal muscles, low back, hips, hamstrings and glutes. Simple core exercises can improve posture and help people maintain healthy movements and strength as they age.January 23, 2024
Food & Drink
Puttshack, the new mini-golf bar in Center City, is set to open in February
Puttshack, the tech-infused mini golf bar and restaurant, will open in Philadelphia on Saturday, Feb. 24. The space in the Shops at Liberty Place will feature four nine-hole courses and ball-tracking technology that automatically keeps scores. Food options at Puttshack will include a cheesesteak flatbread and a roast pork and broccoli rabe spring roll.January 23, 2024
Development
Pearl Properties updates look of 35-story tower planned on Jewelers' Row
Pearl Properties has shared new renderings of the 35-story tower proposed for a vacant stretch of Jewelers' Row on Sansom Street, where multiple historic rowhomes were demolished for a Toll Brothers project that was never built. The new proposed building overlooks Washington Square and would have 99 units.January 22, 2024
Development
Cherry Hill completes purchase to preserve 23-acre Holly Ravine Farm
Cherry Hill has completed the $3.86 million purchase of Holly Ravine Farm, a 23-acre property that had been targeted by developers for a senior housing complex. The land will now be permanently preserved as an open space. The property previously was owned by the family of former Cherry Hill Mayor John Gilmour Jr. It was once home to the Cowtail Bar ice cream parlor and a petting zoo.January 22, 2024
Celebrities
Jason Kelce helps Taylor Swift fan get noticed by the pop star at Chiefs-Bills game
During Sunday night's Chiefs-Bills playoff game, Eagles legend Jason Kelce helped a Taylor Swift fan get the pop star's attention by hoisting her up to show off a sign she brought to Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York. It was one of many moments Kelce and Swift had in the spotlight during the game. The Chiefs' win over the Bills sends them to their sixth straight AFC Championship game next weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.January 22, 2024
Development
Drexel plans new 'front lawn' to replace demolished dorms in University City
Drexel University plans to build a new campus green space at the site of the former Myers Hall, which is currently undergoing demolition near 33rd and Race streets in University City. The lawn will be mostly open space and planting beds, with a plaza that includes seating. The space also will be outfitted with electrical outlets. Drexel is targeting an opening in fall 2024.January 19, 2024
Business
Bacterial infections in Pennsylvania's potato crops could lead to supply shortages for chip makers
Pennsylvania's potato crops could be at risk of a bacteria outbreak due to several pathogens found in crops monitored by researchers at Penn State University. The pathogens may threaten the state's potato chip industry led by the likes of Utz, Herr's, Martin's Potato Chips and Snyder's of Hanover.January 19, 2024
Investigations
Infant abandoned at Walmart in Northeast Philly by shoppers who were confronted about stealing
A baby girl was abandoned at a Walmart in Northeast Philadelphia Thursday night by three suspects who were caught attempting to steal from the store, police said. The incident happened around 11 p.m. at the Walmart on the 4300 block of Byberry Road, near Philadelphia Mills. Two men and a woman fled the store when confronted by Walmart security, leaving the infant behind, according to authorities. The baby was taken to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital and reported to be healthy.Just In
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