Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Tanenbaum Headshot

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 24, 2025

Business

Fire at Kampar forces the South Philly restaurant to close indefinitely

A fire at Kampar will close the Malaysian restaurant for the foreseeable future while repairs are completed, chef-owner Ange Branca said. The restaurant in Bella Vista was named a semifinalist last month in the best new bar category of the prestigious James Beard Awards.

February 21, 2025

Investigations

Who are the cult-like Zizians and how might they be linked to the 2022 killings of two Delco residents?

A Delaware County woman and two others linked to the Zizians cult were arrested in Maryland, as investigators probe their connection to the homicides of Richard and Rita Zajko's 2022 in Chester Heights and other cross-country crimes.

February 21, 2025

Transportation

SEPTA, PPA will start using AI cameras in May to ticket illegally parked vehicles in bus lanes and stops

SEPTA and the Philadelphia Parking Authority will start using AI-powered cameras on buses and trolleys in May to ticket vehicles illegally parked in bus lanes and blocking bus stops, officials said. Tickets will be $101, PPA spokesperson Martin O'Rourke said.

February 21, 2025

Investigations

5 suspects wanted for starting Center City bonfire after Eagles' Super Bowl win

Philadelphia police are seeking to identify five people who started a bonfire at 12th and Market Streets after the Eagles won the Super Bowl. The suspects, who were caught on video, are wanted for arson, police said.

February 19, 2025

Investigations

SPS Technologies factory to be partly demolished so firefighters can put out industrial fire

The fire at the SPS Technologies factory in Jenkintown was still not suppressed Wednesday morning, Abington Township officials said. Demolition crews will tear down parts of the factor so firefighters can access areas that are still burning. All voluntary evacuation and shelter-in-place orders have been lifted.

February 19, 2025

Development

Mayor Cherelle Parker sets ambitious housing plan in motion to meet goal of building or preserving 30,000 units

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker outlined her administration's next steps toward reaching the goal of creating or preserving 30,000 housing units in the city. The H.O.M.E. initiative will convene experts in the housing sector to work with city leaders on developing data-based solutions to increase affordable housing, the mayor said.

February 18, 2025

Politics

Krasner seeks third term as Philly DA, touting drop in homicides while challenger notes rise in other crimes

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is running for a third term and will be challenged in the Democratic primary by former municipal court judge and U.S. Army veteran Patrick Dugan.

February 18, 2025

Accidents

Industrial fire in Abington sent embers 'raining' on neighboring homes, leaving residents 'terrified and confused'

A four-alarm fire raged at the SPS Technologies manufacturing facility in Abington Township on Monday night and continued through the day Tuesday. Township officials issued a voluntary evacuation notice to about 700 people who live in the immediate vicinity of the complex. One resident described a strong chemical smell and embers entering their backyard during the fire.

February 17, 2025

Investigations

Man charged with shooting two women during fight at Eagles Super Bowl parade

Brandon Ramos, 28, is charged with opening fire and injuring two women during the Eagles Super Bowl parade on Friday afternoon, police said. The shooting happened near the 2300 block of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway after a fight broke out, authorities said. Both women were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

February 17, 2025

Transportation

Wind delays SS United States' departure from Philly until Tuesday

The SS United States is now scheduled to depart Philadelphia around noon on Tuesday, Feb. 18, due to high winds that delayed its departure on Monday morning. The ship is destined for Alabama, where it will be prepared to be turned into the world's largest artificial reef off the Gulf Coast in Florida.

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