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

March 15, 2021

Obituaries

Founder of Sam's Pizza Palace on Wildwood boardwalk dies at 92

by Michael Tanenbaum

Sam Spera, founder of Sam's Pizza Palace in Wildwood, died on March 12, 2021, at 92 years old after decades of success at the Jersey Shore. Spera moved to New Jersey from Sicily, Italy, in the 1950s and created an iconic boardwalk business that has fed generations of visitors.

March 15, 2021

Investigations

Bucks County mom doctored videos to harass girls on daughter's cheerleading sqaud, prosecutors say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Rafaela Spone, 50, of Chalfont, allegedly harassed members of her daughter's cheerleading squad by creating deepfakes in order to get them kicked off the team, according to Bucks County prosecutors. The alleged cyber harassment began in 2020 and targeted three underage girls.

March 15, 2021

Government

Bar service to resume in Pennsylvania under loosened COVID-19 restrictions on April 4

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania's COVID-19 restrictions will be eased again on April 4, allowing bar service to resume and businesses to increase occupancy limits. It remains to be seen whether Philadelphia officials will follow the Harrisburg's lead. Gov. Tom Wolf pointed to expanding vaccinations and falling case rates in explaining the state's decision to loosen mitigation efforts on Easter Sunday.

March 15, 2021

Investigations

Pa. man charged in assault of Capitol police officer, N.J. native Brian Sicknick

by Michael Tanenbaum

Julian Elie Khater, 32, of State College, and George Pierre Tanios, 39, of Morgantown, West Virginia, are charged with assault for allegedly using of bear spray against law enforcement during the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6. Three police officers, including New Jersey-native Brian Sicknick were injured. Sicknick was hospitalized and later died after the insurrection.

March 12, 2021

Investigations

Missing Pennsylvania woman found dead at York County park

by Michael Tanenbaum

Nicole Ebaugh, 29, of York County, was found dead at the Heritage Rail Trail County Park in Springfield Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Ebaugh was reported missing on March 6, 2021 after she was last seen in around the same area where her body was discovered.

March 12, 2021

Investigations

Philly dirt biker charged in road rage attack on South Broad Street

by Michael Tanenbaum

Gregory Stevens, 27, of Philadelphia, was charged in a road rage assault on South Broad Street that was captured in a video and widely shared online. Stevens also faces charges stemming from an attempted robbery at a pharmacy in Kensington in February, where prosecutors say he injured the store owner and pointed a gun at his head. The road rage incident stemmed from a crash between an SUV and the illegal dirt bike Stevens was operating.

March 12, 2021

Real Estate

Former Eagle DeSean Jackson selling New Jersey home

by Michael Tanenbaum

NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson's home in Moorestown, New Jersey was listed for $1.425 million and a sale of the property is pending, according to Redfin. Jackson, 34, was released by the Philadelphia Eagles in February after two different stints with the team.

March 12, 2021

History

Three new Pa. historical markers approved for Philadelphia in 2021

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission approved three new historical markers that will be placed in Philadelphia for Anna Elizabeth Dickinson, Dr. Oscar James Cooper and the Wyck House and Rose Garden. They were among 23 applications approved across the state, including markers for Andy Warhol in Pittsburgh and the Christmas song "Winter Wonderland" in Wayne County.

March 11, 2021

Skylines

Philly skyline will go dark each night to protect migratory birds

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philly Lights Out initiative will protect migrating birds along the Atlantic Flyway by shutting off and dimming lights on prominent city buildings at night. The first phase of the program will run from April 1 through May 31, when participating buildings turn off their lights from midnight to 6 a.m.

March 11, 2021

Investigations

Shocking road rage assault on South Broad Street involving dirt bike rider caught on video

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police are investigating a road rage assault that occurred on South Broad Street on March 9 and was captured in a disturbing video posted online. The attacker was seen pulling a gun during the incident. No arrests have been made at this time and victim reported minor injuries.