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.
March 25, 2024
Government
Philly Prisons Commissioner Blanche Carney to retire in April after 8 years
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 22, 2024
Food & Drink
Schwarburger 2.0, bratwurst sandwich coming to Citizens Bank Park in 2024
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 22, 2024
Transportation
TSA tests handheld language translation devices at Philadelphia airport
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
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 21, 2024
Development
Phillies join Comcast Spectacor's $2.5 billion development plan for Sports Complex
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 21, 2024
Food & Drink
Opening of FDR Park's Southeast Asian Market delayed until end of April
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 20, 2024
Recreation
Tyler Arboretum to reopen miles of trails that were closed due to invasive beetle
Tyler Arboretum will reopen 11.5 miles of trails that were closed last year due to an infestation of the invasive emerald ash borer, a beetle that destroys ash trees. Hundreds of trees have been removed in recent months because they were damaged by the insects and became a public hazard. The first section of shuttered trails will reopen to the public on April 7. A total of 17 miles of trails had been closed.March 20, 2024
Real Estate
Pennypack Farm to be permanently protected in Horsham
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.March 20, 2024
Transportation
Philly's intercity bus stop could be moving to another temporary location in Northern Liberties
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 19, 2024
Celebrities
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts pays for funeral of Texas football player killed in shooting
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts paid for the funeral of 18-year-old Jarvin Coles, the Texas high school football player who was fatally shot while attending a party in Humble, outside Houston, on March 10. Coles attended North Shore High School, which is a rival of Channelview High School, where Hurts' father has coached for nearly two decades.Just In
- How a Flyers fan became a part of Noah Cates' warmup routine
- A Pierre Robert mural is coming to Center City, but its exact site is undetermined
- Condom maker to increase prices by 30% due to Iran war supply issues
- Why traffic for Flyers and Sixers playoff games will be even worse than usual
- Report: Phillies C J.T. Realmuto placed on IL with lower back injury
- Red Cross is offering gift cards to encourage spring blood donations
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