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

August 8, 2024

Investigations

Mark Dial, ex-police officer accused of killing Eddie Irizarry, out on bail after first-degree murder charge is dropped

by Michael Tanenbaum

Mark Dial, the former Philadelphia police officer charged with fatally shooting Eddie Irizarry during a traffic stop in Kensington last year, had his first-degree murder charge downgraded to third-degree murder Thursday. He was then able to post bail and was released from prison. Dial was fired after shooting Irizarry during a traffic stop in August 2023.

August 8, 2024

Investigations

Golf cart used to simulate drunk driving crashes at Wildwood police event, injuring five people

by Michael Tanenbaum

At the Wildwood Police Department's National Night Out event on Tuesday, a juvenile driving a golf cart used to simulate drunk driving lost control of the vehicle and crashed, injuring five people, authorities said. Four adults and one child injured in the crash were taken to the hospital.

August 8, 2024

Business

Amazon Fresh to open long-delayed grocery store in Bensalem

by Michael Tanenbaum

Amazon Fresh will open its grocery store in Bensalem's Brookwood Shopping Center on Aug. 22, Amazon said. The store's opening had been delayed by the company's decision to pause the brand's expansion last year. Amazon since has been slowly opening new markets, but several other planned locations in the Philly area have yet to progress.

August 7, 2024

2024 Election

Donald Trump claims Josh Shapiro didn't get picked as Kamala Harris' running mate because he's Jewish

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former President Donald Trump accused Democrats of passing over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as their vice presidential nominee because he's Jewish. During an interview on "Fox & Friends," he called Kamala Harris' choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate 'insulting' to Jews.

August 7, 2024

Investigations

Six men charged in Bucks County with smuggling cocaine, meth from California in karaoke speakers

by Michael Tanenbaum

Six men are facing drug charges in Bucks County for allegedly buying cocaine and methamphetamines in California and shipping them to the Philadelphia region inside bluetooth karaoke speakers. Matthew James Byrne, 43, of Broomall, Delaware County, allegedly served as the group's ringleader and purchased the drugs during multiple trips he made to Los Angeles this year.

August 6, 2024

2024 Election

Josh Shapiro proclaims Kamala Harris, Tim Walz are for 'real freedom' in rally speech at Temple

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke in support of Kamala Harris and her vice presidential pick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, at Wednesday's rally at Temple University's Liacouras Center. Shapiro was among the finalists vice president, and he promised to campaign for Harris-Walz in their campaign against former President Donald Trump and JD Vance.

August 5, 2024

Fitness

Gritty 5K opens registration for October charity run in South Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Gritty 5K will return to South Philadelphia for its sixth year on Oct. 26. Registration for the 3.1-mile run is now open. The event benefits families affected by cancer. Planned activities include karaoke, cake eating and various dancing stations along the course at FDR Park. Participants get Flyers tickets, T-shirts and medals for running.

August 5, 2024

Food & Drink

Glenn Howerton wants Four Walls whiskey to arm bartenders with a go-to Irish-American blend

by Michael Tanenbaum

Four Walls, the Irish-American whiskey created by Glenn Howerton and other stars from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," is now more widely available at Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores and bars in Pennsylvania. In an interview, Howerton talked about the origins of the label and how it has grown.

August 5, 2024

Real Estate

Average Philly property tax bill to increase by $330 after reassessment, Mayor Cherelle Parker says

by Michael Tanenbaum

Home owners in Philadelphia can expect to pay an average of about $330 more on their property tax bills in 2025 based on the latest citywide reassessment conducted by the Office of Property Assessment. The city last completed a revaluation in 2022. Property owners may be eligible for a variety of cost-saving programs and also may be able to dispute a new home value.

August 2, 2024

Media

Mike Missanelli to return to 97.5 The Fanatic on midday show

by Michael Tanenbaum

Longtime Philadelphia sports radio host Mike Missanelli is reuniting with 97.5 The Fanatic, where he'll begin hosting the midday show starting Aug. 12. Missanelli left the station in 2022 when his contract expired and he was unable to reach a new agreement with owner Beasley Media Group. He'll be joined on the new show by Bill Colarulo.