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.
December 19, 2024
Development
76ers arena project enters next phase as Chinatown advocates reel from long fight
City Council's approval of the 76ers' planned arena in Center City on Thursday will send the team's $1.3 billion project into the next phase of its planned development on East Market Street in Center City. Opponents of the project were left reeling and angry about how the deal will impact Chinatown and other neighborhoods in the years ahead.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
Marijuana
Pa. marijuana legalization bill seeking to use state stores faces cloudy future
Two state representatives plan to propose an adult-use cannabis bill that would expand the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to include regulating and selling marijuana. The concept would be a departure from what other states have done when legalizing recreational marijuana, prompting skepticism from some industry advocates.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
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 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.Just In
- Report: Phils ace Zack Wheeler to return Saturday vs. Braves
- Educators, tech advocates weigh in on Mayor Parker's proposed rideshare tax
- For older adults, excessive daytime napping may be a sign of underlying health issues
- Philly's MLB All-Star Game schedule includes fan festival and new 3-on-3 competition
- Who's John Ternus, the Penn graduate named next CEO of Apple?
- Exploring scenarios for the Eagles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
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