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 3, 2022
Real Estate
Lancaster County home with cave in basement on the market for $297,000
A home for sale in Marietta, Pennsylvania has a cave in the basement that has made it stand out since it was first listed on the market in March. The property at 434 East Market Street is listed for $297,000, putting it in an average range for that part of Lancaster County. The back of the cave was once connected to other tunnels that went underneath Marietta. It may have been used for various storage purposes.May 3, 2022
Real Estate
As Philly braces for property value reassessments, Kenney proposes wage tax reduction and other relief
Philadelphia's Office of Property Assessment will soon release property value reassessments for 2023. This is the city's first reassessment since 2020 and comes after a boom in the residential real estate market, leading to increased home valuations that will be reflected in the new appraisals. To offset the anticipated tax burden, Mayor Jim Kenney has proposed a reduction in the Philadelphia wage tax, a boost to the Homestead Exemption and changes to other city programs to expand tax relief to home owners and renters.May 3, 2022
Food & Drink
Dock Street Brewing Co. to close West Philly pub after 15 years
Dock Street Brewing Company will be leaving its converted-firehouse brewpub at 50th Street and Baltimore Avenue in West Philly's Cedar Park neighborhood after a 15-year run. The space will be taken over by another brewery on June 1. Dock Street South will remain open on Washington Avenue in Point Breeze.May 2, 2022
Investigations
Worker dies in fall from lift at Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City
A worker died Monday morning after falling from a lift at Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City. The man, who was not identified, was doing maintenance on the Ferris wheel. Mayor Jay Gillian, whose family owns the historic amusement park, confirmed the incident and said the park is cooperating with authorities on an investigation into the incident.May 2, 2022
Health News
Lone star tick that causes severe red meat allergy multiplies in Northeast U.S.
Alpha-gal syndrome, a disease spread by the lone star tick, can cause severe allergies that result from eating red meat. The condition has become more prevalent in the United States as the lone star ticks, native to the southeastern states, continues to spread north and west to multiply in new states. Allergic reactions to lone star tick bites are connected to the protein-linked sugar alpha-galactose. The lone star tick's primary mammalian hosts contain these sugars, which then get passed on to human hosts through the insect's saliva. Not naturally present in humans, alpha-gal leads to strong antibody responses that can last a lifetime.May 2, 2022
Investigations
Bucks County mom charged in shooting of two sons
A Bucks County mother is charged with shooting her two sons in the head on Monday morning and then fleeing the scene in Upper Makefield Township. Trinh Nguyen, 38, led police on a manhunt Monday morning before she was taken into custody in the parking lot of Washington Crossing United Methodist Church. The two children, 9 and 13, are not expected to survive. Nguyen also allegedly attempted to shoot a 22-year-old neighbor, who was able to disarm her after the gun failed to fire, prosecutors said.May 2, 2022
Investigations
Former Philly cop charged with murder in deadly shooting of 12-year-old Thomas 'TJ' Siderio
Former Philadelphia police officer Edsaul Mendoza is charged with murder in the deadly shooting of 12-year-old Thomas TJ Siderio on March 1. Siderio was unarmed when he died after being shot in the back while he was on the ground. Mendoza has since been fired from the police department. Moments earlier, Siderio had fired a gun into an unmarked police car near 18th and Barbara streets.April 29, 2022
Development
LINK trail from Philly to Jersey Shore is part of Camden's $100 million parks plan
The LINK trail, a 34-mile path that will create a connection from Philadelphia to Cape May Point, is part of a $100 million investment in the Camden County park system. The 12-foot wide trail will be open to cyclists and pedestrians, running from the Ben Franklin to Winslow Township, where it will connect with the Atlantic County trail. The investment will cover upgrades to Camden's 24 parks and improvements to several waterways.April 29, 2022
Investigations
Newtown Township man charged in fatal stabbing of his father
Jordan Kurman, 22, is charged with criminal homicide after Bucks County prosecutors say he stabbed his father to death Friday morning at his parents' home in Newtown Township. Police responded to the home on David Drive and found 49-year-old Gregory Kurman with a fatal stab wound to his neck. Investigators said Jordan Kurman was in the driveway of the residence wearing clothing stained with blood, and his mother told police her son had stabbed her husband.April 29, 2022
Social Media
Baker Mayfield statue at Oklahoma draws comparisons to Dennis Reynolds from 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'
Quarterback Baker Mayfield was honored with a statue at the University of Oklahoma, where he won a Heisman Trophy before being selected by the Cleveland Browns with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The statue of Mayfield unveiled at OU reminded fans of Dennis Reynolds, the character played by Glenn Howerton on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Mayfield is looking for a new team in 2022 after the Browns signed Deshaun Watson this offseason.Just In
- McMillan's Bakery in South Jersey will not reopen, family says
- There's an anti-cruising sign still standing in Rittenhouse. It reflects the area's complicated queer history.
- 'Stranger Things' star Cara Buono sees more than a 'clueless '80s mom' in Karen Wheeler as final season unfolds
- Flu cases are on the rise in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
- Joel Embiid probable for Sixers-Nets on Tuesday; Paul George set to return
- Phillies sign right-handed reliever Zach Pop to 2026 contract
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