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.
September 26, 2024
Arts & Culture
Artist paints Phillies mural at Garage bar in Fishtown ahead of playoff run
As the Phillies get ready for another playoff run, the wall of Fishtown bar Garage has a new mural featuring the team's 'Daycare' trio of Brandon Marsh, Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm. The mural was painted this week by artist Glossblack, who previously painted the same wall with an image for former Sixers player Matisse Thybulle in 2021.September 25, 2024
Investigations
Three men allegedly caught stealing 1,600 pounds of beef in Northeast Philly
Authorities arrested three men Tuesday morning in the Tacony neighborhood of Northeast Philly, where authorities said they broke into a locked trailer and were stealing about 1,600 pounds of beef valued at $7,000. The investigation is part of wider probe of food thefts in the region.September 25, 2024
Food & Drink
Amina owner to open Afro-Latin restaurant at former Libertine space in Center City
Felicia Wilson's third Philadelphia restaurant, Fia, will be an Afro-Latin spot offering seafood, steak and Southern comforts at the former space of Libertine inside the Center City Fairfield Inn & Suites. Wilson started Philly's food scene in 2022 with Old City's Amina and then opened her fried chicken restaurant, BlackHen, nearby earlier this year.September 25, 2024
Development
At meeting on 76ers arena, Mayor Cherelle Parker details $50 million community benefits agreement
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker outlined the city's plans for the proposed 76ers arena in Center City and provided details about a $50 million community benefits agreement during a public meeting Wednesday night at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The $1.55 billion project still needs to be approved by City Council after the mayor endorsed the proposal last week.September 24, 2024
Business
Bob & Barbara's must knock down its $35,000 streetery after losing legal fight with city
South Street bar and restaurant Bob & Barbara's Lounge must dismantle its streetery for outdoor dining after the city ordered it removed due to a planned road resurfacing project. The structure cost the business about $35,000 to build earlier this year. The owners said city regulators approved the streetery without notifying them of the upcoming road work, which would have changed their plans and design for the project.September 24, 2024
Film
Questlove's next film project will be a documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson is slated to direct an upcoming documentary examine the legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire, the legendary soul and R&B group whose career spans more than five decades. The project will be a follow-up to Questlove's Oscar- and Grammy-winning directorial debut, "Summer of Soul," which featured archival footage of the Harlem Cultural Festival in the summer of 1969.September 23, 2024
Education
Penn Law professor Amy Wax suspended one year for 'flagrantly unprofessional conduct'
University of Pennsylvania law professor Amy Wax was given a one-year suspension and stripped of her named chair at the Ivy League school after a decision was reached Monday by the Faculty Senate Committee on Academic Freedom. For years, Wax has stoked controversy with disparaging comments about people of color and immigrant communities. The decision ends more than two years of university proceedings to discipline Wax.September 23, 2024
Wildlife
Blue whale spotted off Cape May coast – a rare sighting of the world's largest animal
A blue whale surfaced about 50 miles off the coast of Cape May, New Jersey during an ecological tour led by the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center earlier in September. The endangered species is the world's largest animal, but it is not usually seen this far south in the Atlantic Ocean.September 20, 2024
Courts
Man convicted of throwing firebomb that torched front stoop of Northeast Philly home
Jason Mattis, 51, was found guilty Thursday of throwing a firebomb at a home in the Tacony neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia during the summer of 2022, federal prosecutors said. Mattis was accused of throwing the homemade devices at multiple properties on two separate nights. He was found guilty of possession of an unregistered destructive device. Mattis faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of probation and a $250,000 fine.September 20, 2024
Courts
Sesame Place found not liable in lawsuit claiming discrimination at Bucks County theme park
A federal jury in Philadelphia determined that character performers at Sesame Place in Bucks County did not discriminate against Black children during visits to the theme park. The case was sparked by a viral video in 2022 that appeared to a show a mascot snubbing two Black girls. The lawsuit, which sought $25 million, was filed by another family that made similar allegations. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, which owns Sesame Place, was found not liable.Just In
- McMillan's Bakery in South Jersey will not reopen, family says
- There's an anti-cruising sign still standing in Rittenhouse. It reflects the area's complicated queer history.
- 'Stranger Things' star Cara Buono sees more than a 'clueless '80s mom' in Karen Wheeler as final season unfolds
- Flu cases are on the rise in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
- Joel Embiid probable for Sixers-Nets on Tuesday; Paul George set to return
- Phillies sign right-handed reliever Zach Pop to 2026 contract
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