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.
August 2, 2022
Investigations
Remains of Revolutionary War soldiers found in mass grave at South Jersey battlefield
The skeletal remains of Hessian soldiers who fought alongside the British during the American Revolutionary War were found in a mass grave at Red Bank Battlefield National Park in Gloucester County. Rowan University researchers said the remains came from as many as 14 soldiers who died during the Battle of Red Bank in Oct. 1777, one of the worst defeats suffered by Hessian forces during the war.August 2, 2022
Investigations
U.S. Marshals arrest man wanted for setting fire to abandoned home filled with gasoline jugs
A fire broke out Tuesday morning at an abandoned West Philadelphia house where 154 gallons of gasoline had been found the night prior. A hazmat situation was declared Monday night on the 100 block of North 59th Street after neighbors reported a strong smell of gas. The fire was brought under control just after 10 a.m. Tuesday.August 2, 2022
Lawsuits
Mother of musician killed at Wawa in South Philly files wrongful death lawsuit
The family of Roger Segal, a Philadelphia bartender and musician who was stabbed outside a Wawa on Columbus Boulevard in February, has filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against the convenience chain, the owner of Southport Plaza and Allied Universal Security Company. Walter Robbins, 55, was charged in May with murder and attempted robbery in Segal's death.August 2, 2022
Food & Drink
Rival brewer claims Cape May Brewing Co. violated his trademark for 'Shore Tea'
Jeff Plate, the former owner of Asbury Park Brewing, is filing a lawsuit over the new Shore Tea collaboration between Wawa and Cape May Brewing Co. Plate claims he developed and trademarked "Shore Tea" as a stand-alone hard tea product before the COVID-19 pandemic. After pitching it unsuccessfully to Cape May Brewing this spring, Plate said he was blindsided to learn of the company's partnership with Wawa in July.August 1, 2022
Children's Health
3-year-old Pennsylvania boy battles rare Powassan virus complications from tick bite
A Pennsylvania boy is recovering from complications caused by Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne disease that can lead to severe neurological problems. Jonny Simoson, a three-year-old boy from Harvey's Lake, Luzerne County, developed meningoencephalitis, an infection in his brain, in the weeks after his parents removed a tick from his shoulder during a pool party. Tick-borne diseases have become increasingly prevalent in Pennsylvania, prompting the state to urge the public to take important steps to prevent bites.August 1, 2022
Donations
Jim's Steaks fundraiser to help employees put out of work after South Street fire
Jim's Steaks has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for employees who will be out of work after last Friday's fire at the storefront on South Street. Owner Ken Silver said the cheesesteak shop will be rebuilt over a period of several months and insurance will not cover the cost of lost income for employees. The two-alarm blaze at Fourth and South streets took more than four hours to put out with assistance from more than 125 Philadelphia firefighters.July 29, 2022
Courts
Jenkintown woman sentenced to prison for lighting police cars on fire during George Floyd protests
Lore Blumenthal, 35, was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison and ordered to pay more than $95,000 restitution for lighting two Philadelphia police vehicles on fire during a protest outside City Hall on May 30, 2022. The civil unrest followed the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Blumenthal was one of six people charged with similar crimes. She's been detained since her arrest in June 2020 and pleaded guilty in March to federal counts of obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder.July 29, 2022
Food & Drink
Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse to move to bigger Sansom Street location
Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse house is moving down the block in Center City to a new, 4,000-square-foot space at 1921 Sansom St. The original location at 1823 Sansom St. opened in 2008. The new sports bar, slated to open in early to mid-September, will feature two levels and a mezzanine for private events. An updated menu also will add pizzas and flatbreads to the food and drink options.July 29, 2022
Investigations
Fire at Jim's Steaks brought under control on South Street
A fire broke out Friday morning at Jim's Steaks on South Street in Philadelphia. Firefighters battled flames in the building for more than four hours before the blaze was brought under control. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the fire and it's unclear how long Jim's Steaks will remain closed as a result of the damage. There were no injuries reported.July 29, 2022
Investigations
One person killed, seven injured in chicken house collapse at Pennsylvania farm
One person was killed on Friday and seven others were hospitalized after a building for chickens collapsed on a farm in Adams County. The incident happened around 7:30 a.m. along the 300 block of Spicer Road in Tyrone Township – about 130 miles west of Philadelphia.Just In
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