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.
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 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 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 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 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.August 13, 2024
Wildlife
Rare butterfly, found only on a Pa. military base, could join federal list of endangered species
The eastern regal fritillary, a rare butterfly species that only exists at the Fort Indiantown Gap military base in Pennsylvania, is under threat of extinction and needs to be added to the federal list of endangered species to survive, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.August 13, 2024
Music
Philadelphia Eagles players are working on third Christmas album, Lane Johnson says
Some Philadelphia Eagles players are back in the studio record a third album of Christmas songs. Lane Johnson confirmed he and Jordan Mailata, along with recently retired lineman Jason Kelce, collectively known as the Philly Specials, are at work on more holiday music to follow the popular charity releases they put out in each of the last two years.Just In
- How a Flyers fan became a part of Noah Cates' warmup routine
- A Pierre Robert mural is coming to Center City, but its exact site is undetermined
- Condom maker to increase prices by 30% due to Iran war supply issues
- Why traffic for Flyers and Sixers playoff games will be even worse than usual
- Report: Phillies C J.T. Realmuto placed on IL with lower back injury
- Red Cross is offering gift cards to encourage spring blood donations
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