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

February 5, 2024

Education

Penn lecturer's political cartoons about Israel condemned by university president as 'antisemitic'

by Michael Tanenbaum

University of Pennsylvania interim President J. Larry Jameson condemned recent political cartoons drawn by lecturer and artist Dwayne Booth, aka Mr. Fish, who has published images critical of Israel's war in Gaza. Jameson called Booth's work 'reprehensible' and 'antisemitic' as the Ivy League school continues to navigate turmoil on its campus and concerns about safety for Jewish students. Booth said his art is being misinterpreted.

February 2, 2024

Investigations

Bucks County man accused of beheading father wanted Gov. Shapiro to 'join forces' against feds, prosecutors say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Justin Mohn, the Bucks County man who allegedly decapitated his father on Tuesday, allegedly wanted to speak with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to convince him to raise arms in rebellion against the federal government, prosecutors said Friday. Mohn, 32, allegedly had a 'clear mind' after his arrest at a National Guard base in Lebanon County on Tuesday night, District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said.

February 2, 2024

Parenting

Strong parental support lowers the depression risk of young adults, study finds

by Michael Tanenbaum

Young adults who receive ongoing parental support are less likely to have depression than those who lack sustained involvement from their mothers and fathers, according to new research out of Penn State University. The study found this to be true even if the children have moved out of the home.

February 2, 2024

Celebrities

Actor Carl Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed in 'Rocky' movies, dies at 76

by Michael Tanenbaum

Actor and former NFL player Carl Weathers has died at 76, leaving behind a legacy of major roles including Apollo Creed in the 'Rocky' film franchise and as Chubbs in Adam Sandler's 'Happy Gilmore.' Weathers' death comes after his appearance in a Super Bowl commercial with retired tight end Rob Gronkowski, who will participate in FanDuel's 'Kick of Destiny' before Sunday's game between the Chiefs and 49ers. Fanduel says it plans to adjust its campaign for the promotion.

February 2, 2024

Food & Drink

Bierhaul Farmhouse to open an indoor beer garden in West Chester

by Michael Tanenbaum

Bierhaul Farmhouse is expanding to West Chester. Its new indoor beer garden, Bierhaul Townhouse, is slated to open March 7 at 15 N. Walnut St. The restaurant fuses European and American influences, with a beer list of lagers and pilsners, and a menu of comfort foods. The original location in Thornton, Delaware County, opened in October 2022.

February 1, 2024

Development

Camden's troubled Northgate One building to be converted into affordable housing tower

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Northgate One apartment tower in Camden, which sits at the foot of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, has been acquired by Hudson Valley Property Group to be renovated and transformed into an affordable housing complex. The 21-story building was constructed in 1963. It fell into disrepair in recent decades and was plagued by maintenance and security issues.

January 29, 2024

Wildlife

Pa. Game Commission tables plan to reintroduce American martens into ecosystem

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Pennsylvania Game Commission voted to table a plan to reintroduce American martens, a weasel species that was wiped out of the state by the early 20th century. The omnivorous mammal was extirpated due to the fur trade and deforestation, but some states have begun restoring their populations in recent decades. Although the general public supported the plan, a survey of hunters revealed conflicting views on the American marten's return. The plan will now undergo further research and consideration.

January 29, 2024

Food & Drink

Twin Peaks resumes plan to open 10 lodge-style sports bars in Pennsylvania

by Michael Tanenbaum

Twin Peaks, the lodge-style sports bar chain, has signed a franchise agreement to open 10 locations in Pennsylvania in the years ahead. The Dallas-based brand had aimed to expand to the state in 2022, but delayed those efforts due to a change in investors. The bar is known for its wall-to-wall TVs, 29-degree draft beers and scratch kitchen.

January 26, 2024

Investigations

Fire at Willow Grove auto-repair shop allegedly was set by ex-employee

by Michael Tanenbaum

Sean Gahagan, 56, of Lebanon, is charged with arson for allegedly starting two fires in Montgomery County on Dec. 29, 2023. Investigators say Gahagan set fire to a Willow Grove auto-repair shop where he once worked and another fire at a shed nearby in Huntingdon Valley.

January 26, 2024

Courts

Tony Luke's cheesesteak shop owners sentenced to prison for tax fraud

by Michael Tanenbaum

The owners of South Philly's original Tony Luke's cheesesteak shop have each been sentenced to serve 20 months in prison for their decade-long tax fraud scheme. Nicholas Lucidonio, 57, and Anthony Lucidonio Sr., 84, concealed millions of dollars in sales from the IRS between 2006-2016, federal prosecutors said. The future of the decades-old business is now in question.