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 4, 2024

Food & Drink

Libertee Grounds, the Francisville mini golf bar, to open second course with more Philly-themed holes

by Michael Tanenbaum

Libertee Grounds, the Francisville bar known for its indoor mini golf courses and hyperlocal beer selection, is opening another nine holes at its expanded location on Girard Street this Friday. The new course is part of a 4,000-square-foot addition that also features a golf simulator, another bar, a lounge and a private event space.

January 4, 2024

Investigations

Grandson of former Mayor John Street allegedly punched guard outside Parker's inauguration, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Sharif Street Jr. is charged with assaulting a security guard at The Met Philadelphia while trying to enter Tuesday's mayoral inauguration with his 80-year-old grandfather, former Philadelphia Mayor John Street. Street Jr. allegedly punched the guard, police said. State Sen. Sharif Street said his son was protecting his grandfather.

January 4, 2024

Business

Philly-based radio giant Audacy expected to file for bankruptcy

by Michael Tanenbaum

Audacy is expected to file for bankruptcy due to a nearly $2 billion debt load and declining advertising revenue, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Philadelphia-based company owns 230 radio stations, including SportsRadio 94WIP, KYW Newsradio and 98.1 WOGL.

January 4, 2024

Investigations

Man struck and killed by SEPTA train during fight inside 34th Street Station, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

A man was was struck and killed by a Market-Frankford Line train during an altercation Thursday afternoon on the platform at 34th Street Station in University City, authorities said. During the fight, a man fell onto the subway tracks and was hit by a train. He has not been identified and the other man has not been found, police said.

January 3, 2024

Investigations

Suspect identified in fatal stabbing of Upper Darby High School student

by Michael Tanenbaum

Marson Weh, 24, was identified Wednesday as the suspect in the fatal April 2023 stabbing of 15-year-old Michael Garr, Delaware County prosecutors said. Weh is in Ohio serving a sentence for an assault and car theft there. He'll be extradited to Pennsylvania to face charges in the killing of the Upper Darby High School student, as well as charges related to the stabbing of a pregnant woman that happened last January.

January 3, 2024

Real Estate

Joel Embiid selling Society Hill penthouse for $5.5 million

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has listed his luxury condominium in Society Hill for sale at $5.5 million. The condo, which he purchased in 2018 for $3.2 million, is on the top floor of 101 Walnut St. The two-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom property covers 3,549 square feet in an open-concept design and includes a private, rooftop space with a pool, hot tub and outdoor kitchen.

January 3, 2024

Courts

Hatboro woman from viral, racist pizza shop rant ordered to apologize, sentenced to probation

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Hatboro woman who went viral for a racist rant at Amy's Family Pizzeria last February has been sentenced to 90 days of probation and eight hours of community service and must write a letter of apology to the owner of the business. Rita Bellew, 56, was filmed making racist remarks at the restaurant and demanding a refund after she got upset about a TV playing a Spanish-language show. She pleaded guilty to a summary charge of harassment.

January 2, 2024

Government

Mayor Cherelle Parker delivers hopeful message at inauguration, says 'it's on us' to change Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

Cherelle Parker was sworn in Tuesday as Philadelphia's 100th mayor and the first woman ever to hold the office. During a speech at The Met Philadelphia, Parker talked about the the historic significance of a Black woman leading the city and her intent to foster a new approach to government. She shared a 100-day action plan that outlines a series of steps her administration will take in the coming months to improve various facts of public life.

January 2, 2024

Government

Kenyatta Johnson takes over as president of Philadelphia City Council

by Michael Tanenbaum

Kenyatta Johnson is now the president of Philadelphia City Council, making him the second most powerful government official in the city behind Mayor Cherelle Parker. Johnson is now in his fourth term representing the 2nd District in South Philly. He's replacing former Council President Darrell Clarke, who did not run for reelection in the city's 5th District after a 24-year run, including 12 years as president of the governing body.

December 27, 2023

Development

Wildwood Crest will get massive resort with combination of Royal Hawaiian, Oceanview motels

by Michael Tanenbaum

Madison Resorts will combine the Royal Hawaiian Motel and the neighboring Oceanview Motel in Wildwood Crest to create a new resort with more than 200 rooms at the Jersey Shore. The combined motels will operate under the name Madison Resort Wildwood Crest, with the Royal Hawaiian renamed the Beach Tower. Both former motels are examples of the iconic doo-wop style architecture that emerged in the Jersey Shore community in the 1960s.