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.
May 23, 2024
Investigations
Police investigating suspected arson at site of Joey Merlino's planned South Philly cheesesteak shop
Philadelphia police are investigating an arson at a former cheesesteak shop in South Philadelphia where former reputed mob boss Joey "Skinny" Merlino plans to open his own cheesesteak business, authorities said. The small fire was reported early Thursday morning at the former Ace of Steaks on South Broad Street near Pollock Avenue.May 23, 2024
Travel
Longport: Everything you need to know about the beaches and things to do there this summer
Longport, New Jersey, is at the southern end of Absecon Island, offering access to surrounding towns of Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate and Ocean City. Longport is known for its natural beauty and fishing. One of the borough's most popular attractions is the Longport Dog Beach at the base of the Ocean Drive Bridge.May 23, 2024
Recreation
Wissahickon Valley Park restoration project to limit access to Forbidden Drive for six months
The banks of the Wissahickon Creek near Valley Green Inn will undergo a six-month restoration project after years of storm erosion. Friends of the Wissahickon, which helps maintain the park, plans to build a new pedestrian bridge with an observation deck. The work will require surrounding road closures, impacting access to the park and its trails.May 23, 2024
Government
Flag tied to Jan. 6 rioters flown at Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's Jersey Shore house
An 'Appeal to Heaven' flag flew last summer at Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Jr.'s vacation home on Long Beach Island, the New York Times reported. The flag has been embraced by far-right groups that were involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. It raises questions about his impartiality in a case tied to the riot.May 22, 2024
Lawsuits
Lawsuits claim dozens of children were abused at Pa. juvenile detention facilities
More than 60 people are represented in a series of lawsuits filed against juvenile detention facilities in Pennsylvania, where the plaintiffs allege they were subjected to violence and sexual misconduct on the part of staff members between 2000 and 2023. The lawsuit include allegations made at both state-run and private institutions.May 22, 2024
Media
Charles Barkley 'worried' about TNT colleagues as NBA nears new TV deals
The NBA is expected to finalize new media rights deals with ESPN, NBC and Amazon in the coming days — ending the broadcasting relationship the league has had with TNT since 1989. Charles Barkley, a longtime analyst on TNT's beloved "Inside the NBA" show, said he's "worried" about his colleagues at the network losing their jobs. The new TV deals would kick in after next season.May 22, 2024
Real Estate
June Fete fairgrounds in Montgomery County to be permanently protected from development
The June Fete fairgrounds, a 41-acre parcel in Huntingdon Valley, will be permanently preserved as open land in Montgomery County pending its acquisition by the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust for $4.15 million. The land has hosted the annual event benefitting Jefferson Abington Hospital since the 1950s.May 21, 2024
Government
Philly Reparations Task Force holds first session to explore compensation options
The Philadelphia Reparations Task Force held its first listening session Tuesday to discuss various options for compensating Black residents who are descendants of enslaved people.May 21, 2024
Investigations
Body in car pulled from Cooper River identified as woman missing since 2010, diver says
A body that was found inside car in the Cooper River last week has been identified as a women who went missing in 2010, according to a private investigator who made the discovery during a search of the water in Pennsauken last week. The woman in the car was Bernadine Gunner, who had last been seen in Camden.May 21, 2024
Food & Drink
Vita to open Italian restaurant connected to its gelato shop in Rittenhouse
Rittenhouse gelato shop Vita is opening a new Italian restaurant connected to its storefront at 261 S. 17th St. The menu will feature homemade pasta and will be open for dinner service Thursday through Sunday beginning May 30.Just In
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