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

July 11, 2024

Recreation

Atlantic City Airshow canceled due to funding, scheduling issues

by Michael Tanenbaum

The 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow has been canceled, organizers said, citing issues with funding and hurdles that arose with aerial performers during the planning process. Last year's Atlantic City Airshow brought more than 485,000 people to the boardwalk and beach.

July 10, 2024

Investigations

Former South Jersey bank employee charged with stealing nearly $1 million from a customer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Agha Hasan, a former employee at a Santander Bank branch in Mount Holly, allegedly stole nearly $1 million from a customer over a period of six years and used the money to pay for personal expenses and business ventures, Burlington County prosecutors say. Hasan, 41, of Bordentown, is charged with theft by deception and related offenses.

July 10, 2024

Investigations

D.A.'s Office won't seek death penalty against alleged killer of Temple police officer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner's office will not seek the death penalty for Miles Pfeffer, the man accused of fatally shooting Temple University police officer Christopher Fitzgerald near the North Philly campus last year. Fitzgerald's family is calling for the case to be tried by a special prosecutor. Pennsylvania has a moratorium on capital punishment and hasn't carried out an execution since 1999.

July 10, 2024

Investigations

Wildwood police search for suspect wanted in shooting of bystander outside bar

by Michael Tanenbaum

Wildwood police are searching for a suspect who shot and critically injured a bystander outside a bar a few blocks from the boardwalk Tuesday night. The woman is an international student and employee of Morey's Piers. Authorities identified the suspect as William C. Hoyle.

July 9, 2024

Courts

George Norcross arraigned on racketeering charges related to Camden developments, pleads not guilty

by Michael Tanenbaum

George Norcross III was arraigned Tuesday morning and pleaded not guilty to charges that he and five co-defendants exploited government programs to get millions of dollars in tax breaks for development projects on the Camden waterfront.

July 9, 2024

Development

Avenue of the Arts to get $100 million in streetscape upgrades starting next year

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts will get new landscaping, lighting, public art and outdoor performance spaces as part of a $100 million beautification project. The improvements will be added in phases, beginning with the block between Spruce and Pine streets outside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

July 9, 2024

Government

Pennsylvania unveils redesign of license plate with 'Let Freedom Ring' slogan

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania will introduce a new license plate beginning in 2025 that features the Liberty Bell and the phrase "Let Freedom Ring" to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday. The upcoming change will be Pennsylvania's first since 2017. The design is part of Pennsylvania's broader rebranding of signage and tourism materials.

July 8, 2024

Government

Pa. is considering restarting a reactor at Three Mile Island, the site of a nuclear disaster in 1979

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania lawmakers could partner with Constellation Energy Corporation on a plan to restart a nuclear power unit at Three Mile Island, the site of the notorious partial meltdown that sent panic through the region in 1979. One of the units on the island outside Harrisburg was last in operating in 2019.

July 8, 2024

Festivals

Northern Liberties Night Market returns July 24 with food trucks and beer

by Michael Tanenbaum

For the second time this year, the Northern Liberties Night Market will take over Second Street on July 24 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will included dozens of vendors and beverages will be sold at businesses along the neighborhood's commercial strip.

July 5, 2024

2024 Election

President Biden cancels Sunday's speech at teachers union convention in Philly due to strike

by Michael Tanenbaum

President Joe Biden will not speak at the annual conference of the National Education Association in Philadelphia this weekend after members of the teachers union went on strike Friday. The Biden campaign said the president is not willing to cross the picket line but still plans to travel to Pennsylvania this weekend.