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.
October 4, 2022
Development
Philadelphia Union to build $55 million sports and recreation complex along Chester waterfront
The Philadelphia Union plan to construct the $55 million WSFS Sportsplex along the Delaware River waterfront in Chester, covering a 32-acre space between Subaru Park and the Union Power Plant office building. The project will include both indoor and outdoor facilities that will be available for use by community groups and youth organizations, including the Philadelphia Union Academy and the YSC Academy.October 4, 2022
Investigations
Former Eagle LeGarrette Blount apologizes for punches thrown after youth football game
Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Legarrette Blount apologized for his role in a fight after a youth football game in Arizona on Saturday night. Blount, 35, is a coach for the 12-and-under GCYFC Gators in Gilbert. Video obtained by TMZ showed Blount throw punches at an opposing coach after the game. On Twitter, Blount took responsibility and acknowledged that his actions were "unacceptable."October 4, 2022
Courts
Johnny Bobbitt, homeless man at center of $400,000 GoFundMe scam, sentenced to probation
Johnny Bobbitt, the homeless Philadelphia man at the center of a fraudulent GoFundMe scheme that raised $400,000, was sentenced Monday to three years of probation, federal prosecutors in New Jersey announced. Bobbitt pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in the scheme, alongside Kaitlyn McClure and Mark D'Amico. The trio's "Paying It Forward" crowdfunding campaign in November 2017 used a fake story about Bobbitt giving McClure his last $20 after she ran out of gas on the shoulder of I-95 in Philadelphia.October 3, 2022
Odd News
Rare pearl found by Phoenixville couple in clam at Rehoboth Beach restaurant appraised at $4,071
A rare purple pearl that a Chester County couple found in a clam while vacating in Rehoboth Beach in August has been appraised at a value of $4,071. The non-nacreous pearl was authenticated by the Gemological Institute of America and appraised by Josh Hyman of Philadelphia Jewelry Appraisers. Scott and Katie Overland found the pearl while dining at Salt Air & Kitchen Bar, an upscale restaurant at the Delaware shore destination. The pearl came from a northern quahog clam.October 3, 2022
Food & Drink
Amada, Chef Jose Garces' Spanish tapas restaurant, to open new outpost in Radnor
Amada, the modern Spanish tapas restaurant from Chef Jose Garces, will open on the Main Line early next year with a third location in Radnor Township. The first Amada opened in Philadelphia's Old City in 2005, followed by a second location at Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City.October 3, 2022
Investigations
Ex-host of reality show 'The Appraisers' killed by falling tree branch at Berks County golf course
Christopher Ritter, who once hosted the reality TV series "The Appraisers," was killed last week after a tree branch fell on him at the Manor Golf Course near Reading, Pennsylvania. Ritter, who was considered an expert on classic cars, died of head injuries, the Berks County Coroner said. His death was ruled accidental. He was a husband and father of two sons.September 30, 2022
Investigations
Former Philly police officer charged with sexually abusing children, witness intimidation
Former Philadelphia police officer Patrick Heron, 52, has been charged with sex crimes against children and witness intimidation, District Attorney Larry Krasner said Friday. Heron retired from the police department in 2019. He allegedly communicated online with underage girls, soliciting nude photos from them and having sexually explicit conversations. Heron also allegedly harassed witnesses in an effort to prevent them from reporting his alleged crimes, prosecutors said.September 30, 2022
Politics
Did a New Jersey political candidate rip off Wawa's iconic flying goose logo?
Matt Jenkins, a Democrat running for Congress in New Jersey's Fourth District, received a cease-and-desist letter from Wawa on Sept. 28. The company wants Jenkins to scrub his campaign materials of a logo that features a goose very similar to one that the company formerly trademarked. Jenkins, a long shot against incumbent Chris Smith, said his campaign has limited resources to make a change.September 30, 2022
Food & Drink
Evil Genius goes to White Castle with tangerine-flavored IPA collaboration
Evil Genius Beer Co. and fast-food burger chain White Castle are releasing a tangerine-flavored IPA. The beer collaboration is meant to celebrate White Castle's recent 100-year anniversary. The Fishtown brewery has had a number of collaborations over the years, including one this past summer with soft pretzel chain Auntie Anne's. The new IPA also makes up for the confusion caused by the cult classic movie "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," which placed one of the burger's chains in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, across the bridge from Philadelphia. That restaurant never existed.September 30, 2022
Food & Drink
Manatawny Still Works to open new tasting room in Ardmore
Pottstown-based craft distillery Manatawny Still Works will open its new Ardmore tasting room at 49 W. Lancaster Avenue on Oct. 7, 2022. The company, known for its small-batch American whiskeys and other spirits, also plans to open a FIshtown tasting room this winter. In addition to the Pottstown location, established in 2013, Manatawny Still Works opened its first tasting room in Philadelphia's East Passyunk neighborhood in 2016.Just In
- Evil Genius Beer Co. acquires national brand 21st Amendment Brewery
- Reports: Sixers center Joel Embiid starts strength and conditioning program after appendectomy
- Soccer fans can ride SEPTA home for free after Philly's World Cup matches
- Temple University student assaulted after being chased into Morgan Hall residence complex
- The new 'Dr. Google:' 1 in 4 Americans use AI to answer health questions
- Eagles 2026 draft prospect visit tracker
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