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 11, 2026

Education

Drexel gets record $112.6 million gift for new robotics and aerospace facilities

by Michael Tanenbaum

Drexel University has received a record $112.6 million gift to create new facilities for robotics and aerospace engineering and research. The gift comes from the Howley Foundation, named after Drexel alumnus Nick Howley.

June 10, 2026

Business

Walmart plans to bring delivery drones to Philly in 2027

by Michael Tanenbaum

Walmart will begin using Wing drones for deliveries in the Philadelphia region next year. The drones can travel up to 60 mph and use a tether to lower lightweight packages at their destinations.

June 9, 2026

Entertainment

IMAX still 'actively looking' to bring a screen to Philly after Riverview Plaza theater project hits a wall

by Michael Tanenbaum

IMAX is exploring options to bring one of its premium screens back to Philadelphia, which currently has no IMAX theaters, after Apple Cinemas' planned renovation at Riverview Plaza was canceled in May.

June 9, 2026

Recreation

Ocean City Fishing Pier reopens after $700,000 renovation at Great Egg Harbor Inlet

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Ocean City Fishing Pier is open again after a $700,000 renovation that includes new wood railings and fencing, concrete benches along the pier, new fish cleaning stations and picnic tables. The 500-foot pier on the Great Egg Harbor Inlet sits alongside the north side of the Ocean City-Longport Bridge at the northern end of Ocean City.

June 9, 2026

Media

Jamie Apody gets expanded role with FOX29's sports team

by Michael Tanenbaum

Longtime Philly sports reporter Jamie Apody will get an expanded role at FOX29, appearing more often as an anchor on the station's newscasts in addition to continuing as co-host of the 'Phantastic Sports Show.' Apody spent 18 years as a reporter and anchor at 6ABC before her departure from the station in 2023.

June 8, 2026

Food & Drink

Herr's debuts 'Taste the 250' chip flavors inspired by three of Philly's historic sites

by Michael Tanenbaum

Herr's unveiled a trio of new potato chip flavors inspired by Philly's history as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary next month. The company's Freedom Loaded Cheese Fries, Liberty Hickory Barbecue and Jalapeño Cream Cheese chips will be available at stores in the region all summer.

June 5, 2026

Business

Rising Sun Inn, a tavern on an 18th century property that once hid the Liberty Bell, closes for pending sale

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Rising Sun Inn, a tavern on an 18th century Montgomery County property used to safeguard the Liberty Bell for a night during the Revolutionary War, has closed and will be sold to Franconia Township for historic preservation.

June 5, 2026

Arts & Culture

Sun Ra Arkestra mural to be unveiled in East Germantown

by Michael Tanenbaum

A mural honoring the Sun Ra Arkestra jazz collective will be unveiled June 13 on a wall of the October Gallery Museum at 6353 Greene St in East Germantown about a mile away from the band's landmark Morton Street rowhome.

June 4, 2026

Government

City Council cuts Mayor Parker's proposed taxes on Uber, Airbnb in preliminary budget approval

by Michael Tanenbaum

Mayor Cherelle Parker's push to tax Uber, Airbnb and other Big Tech companies was rejected Thursday in the preliminary $7.1 budget passed by City Council. Parker hoped her plan would raise revenue for the School District of Philadelphia and homeless programs.

June 4, 2026

Courts

Former Tabu Lounge bouncer convicted of involuntary manslaughter for punch that killed patron in 2022

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar bouncer Kenneth Frye, 29, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for punching Eric Pope, 41, and causing the man fatal injuries outside the club on 12th Street in Philadelphia's Gayborhood in 2022.