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

August 21, 2024

Streaming

What to stream: 'Serengeti III,' 'Room,' and 'Untold: The Murder of Air McNair'

A few streaming options to check out are the BBC wildlife documentary "Serengeti III," the 2015 psychological drama "Room" and "Untold: The Murder of Air McNair."

August 21, 2024

Real Estate

Stoneleigh public garden in Villanova to expand with sale of Oakwell estate

Lower Merion School District agreed to sell the 13-acre Oakwell estate in Villanova to conservation nonprofit Natural Lands, which plans to incorporate a portion of the property into the neighboring 42-acre Stoneleigh public garden. The land had been part of a controversial school district plan to clear hundreds of trees to make way for new athletic fields. Opponents worked for years to ensure the preservation of the property.

August 20, 2024

Transportation

Temporary repair planned for damaged bridge between Wildwood Crest and Cape May

Cape May County officials plan to pursue a temporary solution to the motor failure that caused the Middle Throrofare Bride to become indefinitely stuck in an upright position on Saturday. The drawbridge between Cape May and Wildwood Crest and Diamond Beach will get an auxiliary motor in the coming weeks, allowing the bridge to open and close, while a custom primary motor is built over the next six months, officials said.

August 20, 2024

Food & Drink

Liquor lottery offers Pa. residents a chance to buy 1 of 1,252 bottles of rare whiskey, including a $7,500 bourbon

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is holding eight limited-release lotteries that include 1,252 bottles of rare whiskey, state liquor officials said. Among the products for sale are $7,500 bottles of Buffalo Trace Distillery's Weller Millennium Straight Bourbon.

August 16, 2024

2024 Election

First debate between Kamala Harris, Donald Trump to be held at National Constitution Center

Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will debate for the first time on Sept. 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. ABC News will broadcast the debate at 9 p.m. It will be moderated by "World News Tonight" anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis.

August 16, 2024

Recreation

A Formula One arcade with simulated racing is coming to Center City

F1 Arcade, a gaming venue with Formula One racing simulators, will open in Philadelphia in 2025 at 1330 Chestnut St. The arcade puts gamers into open cockpits that are stationed in front of screens that simulate race courses from around the world. The seats and steering wheels are responsive to the twists and turns of races.

August 15, 2024

Courts

Extortion charges against ex-labor union leader John Dougherty are dismissed

Federal prosecutors will not retry the extortion case against John Dougherty, the former union boss sentenced to 6 years in prison last month after being convicted of embezzlement and bribery in other cases. The extortion trial ended with hung jury in April. Dougherty's nephew, who also had been charged, will now be retried on his own, prosecutors said Thursday.

August 15, 2024

Education

Abington School District joins growing push to restrict students' use of cell phones in class

Abington School District has adopted new rules restricting students from using their cell phones during the school day. The district in Montgomery County joins a growing number of schools around the country that have banned or greatly limited access to smartphones in the classroom. Advocates of such policies say restricting cell phone use can improve learning and support students' mental health.

August 14, 2024

Food & Drink

Santucci's Pizza plans three new restaurants in South Jersey and one in University City

Santucci's Original Square Pizza, the pizzeria that started in Northeast Philadelphia, will open three more shops in New Jersey in Cherry Hill, Deptford and Brigantine. There also is a location planned for University City in Philadelphia. Santucci's is known for it's square pizzas made with the sauce on top of the cheese.

August 13, 2024

Transportation

SEPTA says parking fees at Regional Rail lots and garages will be phased in starting Sept. 23

SEPTA will reinstate parking fees at its 96 surface lots and three garages after Regional Rail riders were given a four-year break with free parking. The fees will be collected using a new mobile payment system that replaces coin slot boxes. They will be phased in between Sept. 23 and Nov. 15.

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