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

January 23, 2024

Development

Pearl Properties updates look of 35-story tower planned on Jewelers' Row

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pearl Properties has shared new renderings of the 35-story tower proposed for a vacant stretch of Jewelers' Row on Sansom Street, where multiple historic rowhomes were demolished for a Toll Brothers project that was never built. The new proposed building overlooks Washington Square and would have 99 units.

January 22, 2024

Development

Drexel plans new 'front lawn' to replace demolished dorms in University City

by Michael Tanenbaum

Drexel University plans to build a new campus green space at the site of the former Myers Hall, which is currently undergoing demolition near 33rd and Race streets in University City. The lawn will be mostly open space and planting beds, with a plaza that includes seating. The space also will be outfitted with electrical outlets. Drexel is targeting an opening in fall 2024.

January 22, 2024

Celebrities

Jason Kelce helps Taylor Swift fan get noticed by the pop star at Chiefs-Bills game

by Michael Tanenbaum

During Sunday night's Chiefs-Bills playoff game, Eagles legend Jason Kelce helped a Taylor Swift fan get the pop star's attention by hoisting her up to show off a sign she brought to Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York. It was one of many moments Kelce and Swift had in the spotlight during the game. The Chiefs' win over the Bills sends them to their sixth straight AFC Championship game next weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.

January 22, 2024

Development

Cherry Hill completes purchase to preserve 23-acre Holly Ravine Farm

by Michael Tanenbaum

Cherry Hill has completed the $3.86 million purchase of Holly Ravine Farm, a 23-acre property that had been targeted by developers for a senior housing complex. The land will now be permanently preserved as an open space. The property previously was owned by the family of former Cherry Hill Mayor John Gilmour Jr. It was once home to the Cowtail Bar ice cream parlor and a petting zoo.

January 19, 2024

Investigations

Infant abandoned at Walmart in Northeast Philly by shoppers who were confronted about stealing

by Michael Tanenbaum

A baby girl was abandoned at a Walmart in Northeast Philadelphia Thursday night by three suspects who were caught attempting to steal from the store, police said. The incident happened around 11 p.m. at the Walmart on the 4300 block of Byberry Road, near Philadelphia Mills. Two men and a woman fled the store when confronted by Walmart security, leaving the infant behind, according to authorities. The baby was taken to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital and reported to be healthy.

January 19, 2024

Business

Bacterial infections in Pennsylvania's potato crops could lead to supply shortages for chip makers

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania's potato crops could be at risk of a bacteria outbreak due to several pathogens found in crops monitored by researchers at Penn State University. The pathogens may threaten the state's potato chip industry led by the likes of Utz, Herr's, Martin's Potato Chips and Snyder's of Hanover.

January 18, 2024

Investigations

Boater allegedly was drunk when he fatally struck swimmer in water off of Atlantic City last summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

A boater in Atlantic City faces an aggravated manslaughter charge after he fatally struck a swimmer in the Intercoastal Waterway last August, Atlantic County prosecutors said. Jeffrey Jastrzembski, 53, of Atlantic City, allegedly struck and killed 70-year-old Norma Michaels, also of Atlantic City, after he made an aggressive turn near the docks. Michaels was struck with the fishing boat's propeller. Jastrzembski allegedly was drunk at the time of the crash.

January 18, 2024

Prevention

Snow shoveling in frigid temperatures can trigger heart attacks, but there are ways to lessen risks

by Michael Tanenbaum

Snow shoveling can increase the risk of a heart attack or cardiac arrest, especially among people who are overweight, older and have sedentary lifestyles, according to the American Heart Association. Cold temperatures add to the stress on the heart during shoveling. The AHA offers a number of tips for people shoveling snow to limit the risk of an emergency.

January 17, 2024

Fitness

2024 Broad Street Run returns to May race date and finish line location inside Navy Yard

by Michael Tanenbaum

The 2024 Broad Street Run takes place on May 5. The first runners will leave the starting line at 7:30 a.m. which is 30 minutes earlier than the 10-mile race usually starts. For the first time in five years, the finish line will be back at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

January 17, 2024

Celebrities

Jason Kelce stops at McDonald's in Delco, signs Eagles jersey for drive-through employee

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce stopped by a McDonald's in Delaware County on Wednesday morning and autographed a jersey for a drive-through employee. Despite reports of Kelce's impending retirement, the Eagles' center said he's still weighing his future during Wednesday's episode of the 'New Heights' podcast.