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

March 26, 2024

Business

Volvér, Jose Garces' Kimmel Center restaurant, to close this summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Chef Jose Garces' Volvér will close in June after 10 years as the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts' main dining option. A spokesperson for Ensemble Arts Philly, which owns the Center City entertainment venue, said a replacement restaurant will be revealed in the coming months.

March 25, 2024

Government

Philly Prisons Commissioner Blanche Carney to retire in April after 8 years

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Prisons Commissioner Blance Carney is expected to retire in April after 8 years leading the city's Department of Prisons. Carney faced mounting criticism in the wake of several high-profile inmate escapes over the last year. The correctional officers union also voted "no confidence" in Carney last year.

March 25, 2024

Recreation

Dorney Park shows off Iron Menace, a new roller coaster with a 160-foot drop

by Michael Tanenbaum

Iron Menace, the newest roller coaster at Dorney Park in Allentown, has a 160-foot drop, four inversions and reaches a top speed of 64 mph. When it debuts in May, the ride will be the first dive roller coaster in the Northeast and one of six in the United States. Dorney Park shared a test video of Iron Menace ahead of its opening.

March 22, 2024

Transportation

TSA tests handheld language translation devices at Philadelphia airport

by Michael Tanenbaum

The TSA is testing language translation devices at security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport. The technology, which translates English into 83 languages, can play audio or display text to help people understand security officers' instructions.

March 22, 2024

Courts

Man, woman sentenced to life in prison for murder-for-hire shooting of Philly teacher

by Michael Tanenbaum

Julie Jean, 35, and Zakkee Alhakim, 34, were found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison Thursday for conspiring to kill Philadelphia teacher Rachel King at a Dunkin' Donuts in April 2023. Prosecutors claimed Jean hired Alhakim to fatally shoot King due to the fallout of her relationship with King's fiance. King had taught at Grover Cleveland Elementary School for 10 years.

March 22, 2024

Food & Drink

Schwarburger 2.0, bratwurst sandwich coming to Citizens Bank Park in 2024

by Michael Tanenbaum

Fans at Citizens Bank Park this season can try a variety of new foods from Aramark, which will offer the Schwarburger 2.0, a bratwurst sandwich and a loaded funnel cake fry sundae. Manco & Manco's boardwalk-style, Jersey Shore pizza also will have a new stand in the upper deck.

March 21, 2024

Food & Drink

Opening of FDR Park's Southeast Asian Market delayed until end of April

by Michael Tanenbaum

The annual Southeast Asian Market that brings more than 70 vendors to South Philly's FDR Park will have its opening delayed by a month. The market is now expected to open at the end of April. SEA Market was recently recognized by Food & Wine magazine as one of the best of its kind in the country. It offers ethnic cuisines and goods from Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

March 21, 2024

Development

Phillies join Comcast Spectacor's $2.5 billion development plan for Sports Complex

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Phillies are joining Comcast Spectacor's $2.5 billion plan to build new amenities at the Sports Complex in South Philly, the team announced Thursday. The proposal includes restaurants and retail, a concert venue, hotels, residences and outdoor fan spaces. The proposal coincides with the 76ers' campaign to leave the Sports Complex and construct a new arena in Center City.

March 20, 2024

Transportation

Philly's intercity bus stop could be moving to another temporary location in Northern Liberties

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia is considering a plan to relocate its intercity bus station for the third time in less than a year. A proposal would shift the station that serves Megabus, Greyhound and other carriers to a parking lot near the current station at Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street. If the plan is approved, the change could be made this summer.

March 20, 2024

Real Estate

Pennypack Farm to be permanently protected in Horsham

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennypack Farm in Horsham will be permanently protected with a $1.85 million conservation easement from an agricultural land protection program in Montgomery County. The 35-acre property sits adjacent to the College Settlement of Philadelphia, which provides educational farming programs and camps for urban youth.