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

December 18, 2024

Business

Avana, a new comfort food restaurant from Amina's owner, to open on Ben Franklin Parkway

Avana, a new restaurant from Amina and BlackHen owner Felicia Wilson, opens in the Park Towne Place apartment building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Dec. 29. It will offer comfort food, including a twist on McDonald's famed McRib sandwich. Wilson also recently opened the Latin Fusion restaurant Fia at Center City's Fairfield Inn & Suites.

December 18, 2024

Social Media

Drone sightings in the region are fueling conspiracies. Five years ago, similar hysteria erupted in Colorado.

The flood of drone sightings in New Jersey and elsewhere over the last month draws parallels to reports that were made in Colorado five years ago. While federal probes have concluded most of the suspected drone sightings were routine aircraft, the current hysteria has fueled conspiracies on social media.

December 17, 2024

Food & Drink

Sample over 50 brews at Ardmore Music Hall's island-themed Winter Beer Fest

Ardmore Music Hall will host its annual Winter Beer Fest on Saturday, Jan. 11, offering attendees of the island getaway-themed event more than 50 brews to sample along with an a la carte menu. Musical performances are planned from Philly-based jazz quintet Slowey and the Boats and DJ lil''dave.

December 16, 2024

Investigations

In wake of Christmas Village shooting, Mayor Cherelle Parker says incident 'does not define us'

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city officials gathered outside City Hall on Monday to discuss last week's shooting at the Christmas Village in Dilworth Park, where three teenagers were injured and a 14-year-old boy was taken into custody. Parker said the shooting reinforces the need for gun violence prevention and intervention to steer young people in the right direction.

December 16, 2024

Real Estate

Phillies legend Mike Schmidt's former Delco home sells for $3 million

Phillies legend Mike Schmidt's former home in Upper Providence Township, Delaware County sold in early December after more than a year on and off the market. Schmidt bought the home at 24 Lakewood Drive for $490,000 in 1979, the year before the third-baseman helped lead the Phillies to their first World Series title. Property records show it sold in December for $2.995 million.

December 13, 2024

Investigations

White House, FBI downplay drone sightings amid growing concern from N.J., Pa. officials

Most of the suspected drone sightings in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York appear to be manned aircraft being operated legally, according to the White House, FBI and Department of Homeland Security. Some elected officials, Including U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, have doubts about the origin of the aircraft and the threats they may pose.

December 13, 2024

Development

Monopoly-themed boutique hotel to be built in Atlantic City

A boutique hotel to be built in Atlantic City is inspired by Monopoly, the board game based on the city's streets and landmarks. The hotel is expected to break ground early next year on Tennessee Avenue, part of the city's Orange Loop district named after the orange spaces on the game board.

December 13, 2024

Investigations

Two teens shot at Christmas Village outside City Hall; 14-year-old in critical condition

A shooting in the Christmas Village at Dilworth Park on Friday critically injured a 14-year-old boy and another teen, Philadelphia police said. A suspect taken into custody by Philadelphia police. The shooting happened around 4:30 p.m.

December 13, 2024

Lawsuits

New Jersey sues gun manufacturer Glock over switches that convert pistols into fully automatic guns

A New Jersey lawsuit filed against Glock claims the company has not done enough to stop illegal gun switches from being added to its popular pistols. The third-party devices are used to convert semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic machine guns.

December 12, 2024

Recreation

New 200-foot-long pedestrian bridge opens near Forbidden Drive at Wissahickon Valley Park

Wissahickon Valley Park has opened a 200-foot-long pedestrian bridge with an observation deck along Valley Green Run, which is one of the most popular and scenic sites in the city. The $3.5 million project included work to prevent storm-related erosion and stabilize the stream channel underneath the bridge. The bridge offers improved access to Forbidden Drive and the Valley Green Inn.

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