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

May 23, 2024

Recreation

Wissahickon Valley Park restoration project to limit access to Forbidden Drive for six months

by Michael Tanenbaum

The banks of the Wissahickon Creek near Valley Green Inn will undergo a six-month restoration project after years of storm erosion. Friends of the Wissahickon, which helps maintain the park, plans to build a new pedestrian bridge with an observation deck. The work will require surrounding road closures, impacting access to the park and its trails.

May 23, 2024

Travel

Margate: Everything you need to know about the beaches and things to do there this summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Margate City is charming Jersey Shore town best-known as the home of Lucy the Elephant, the six-story tall wooden elephant that was built there in 1881. Beach badges are required for everyone 12 and older. Lifeguard hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The city's annual Beachstock event will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

May 23, 2024

Travel

Longport: Everything you need to know about the beaches and things to do there this summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Longport, New Jersey, is at the southern end of Absecon Island, offering access to surrounding towns of Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate and Ocean City. Longport is known for its natural beauty and fishing. One of the borough's most popular attractions is the Longport Dog Beach at the base of the Ocean Drive Bridge.

May 22, 2024

Lawsuits

Lawsuits claim dozens of children were abused at Pa. juvenile detention facilities

by Michael Tanenbaum

More than 60 people are represented in a series of lawsuits filed against juvenile detention facilities in Pennsylvania, where the plaintiffs allege they were subjected to violence and sexual misconduct on the part of staff members between 2000 and 2023. The lawsuit include allegations made at both state-run and private institutions.

May 22, 2024

Media

Charles Barkley 'worried' about TNT colleagues as NBA nears new TV deals

by Michael Tanenbaum

The NBA is expected to finalize new media rights deals with ESPN, NBC and Amazon in the coming days — ending the broadcasting relationship the league has had with TNT since 1989. Charles Barkley, a longtime analyst on TNT's beloved "Inside the NBA" show, said he's "worried" about his colleagues at the network losing their jobs. The new TV deals would kick in after next season.

May 22, 2024

Real Estate

June Fete fairgrounds in Montgomery County to be permanently protected from development

by Michael Tanenbaum

The June Fete fairgrounds, a 41-acre parcel in Huntingdon Valley, will be permanently preserved as open land in Montgomery County pending its acquisition by the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust for $4.15 million. The land has hosted the annual event benefitting Jefferson Abington Hospital since the 1950s.

May 21, 2024

Food & Drink

Vita to open Italian restaurant connected to its gelato shop in Rittenhouse

by Michael Tanenbaum

Rittenhouse gelato shop Vita is opening a new Italian restaurant connected to its storefront at 261 S. 17th St. The menu will feature homemade pasta and will be open for dinner service Thursday through Sunday beginning May 30.

May 21, 2024

Investigations

Body in car pulled from Cooper River identified as woman missing since 2010, diver says

by Michael Tanenbaum

A body that was found inside car in the Cooper River last week has been identified as a women who went missing in 2010, according to a private investigator who made the discovery during a search of the water in Pennsauken last week. The woman in the car was Bernadine Gunner, who had last been seen in Camden.

May 21, 2024

Government

Philly Reparations Task Force holds first session to explore compensation options

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Reparations Task Force held its first listening session Tuesday to discuss various options for compensating Black residents who are descendants of enslaved people.

May 20, 2024

Food & Drink

Pizza Brain to close Fishtown shop and search for new home

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pizza Brain is closing its shop on Frankford Avenue in Fishtown after a 12-year run. The owners cited a landlord dispute as the reason for the closure. They are searching for a new location in Philadelphia, but have not provided a timeline for reopening.