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

February 2, 2024

Investigations

Bucks County man accused of beheading father wanted Gov. Shapiro to 'join forces' against feds, prosecutors say

Justin Mohn, the Bucks County man who allegedly decapitated his father on Tuesday, allegedly wanted to speak with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to convince him to raise arms in rebellion against the federal government, prosecutors said Friday. Mohn, 32, allegedly had a 'clear mind' after his arrest at a National Guard base in Lebanon County on Tuesday night, District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said.

February 2, 2024

Celebrities

Actor Carl Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed in 'Rocky' movies, dies at 76

Actor and former NFL player Carl Weathers has died at 76, leaving behind a legacy of major roles including Apollo Creed in the 'Rocky' film franchise and as Chubbs in Adam Sandler's 'Happy Gilmore.' Weathers' death comes after his appearance in a Super Bowl commercial with retired tight end Rob Gronkowski, who will participate in FanDuel's 'Kick of Destiny' before Sunday's game between the Chiefs and 49ers. Fanduel says it plans to adjust its campaign for the promotion.

February 2, 2024

Food & Drink

Bierhaul Farmhouse to open an indoor beer garden in West Chester

Bierhaul Farmhouse is expanding to West Chester. Its new indoor beer garden, Bierhaul Townhouse, is slated to open March 7 at 15 N. Walnut St. The restaurant fuses European and American influences, with a beer list of lagers and pilsners, and a menu of comfort foods. The original location in Thornton, Delaware County, opened in October 2022.

February 1, 2024

Development

Camden's troubled Northgate One building to be converted into affordable housing tower

The Northgate One apartment tower in Camden, which sits at the foot of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, has been acquired by Hudson Valley Property Group to be renovated and transformed into an affordable housing complex. The 21-story building was constructed in 1963. It fell into disrepair in recent decades and was plagued by maintenance and security issues.

January 29, 2024

Food & Drink

Twin Peaks resumes plan to open 10 lodge-style sports bars in Pennsylvania

Twin Peaks, the lodge-style sports bar chain, has signed a franchise agreement to open 10 locations in Pennsylvania in the years ahead. The Dallas-based brand had aimed to expand to the state in 2022, but delayed those efforts due to a change in investors. The bar is known for its wall-to-wall TVs, 29-degree draft beers and scratch kitchen.

January 29, 2024

Wildlife

Pa. Game Commission tables plan to reintroduce American martens into ecosystem

The Pennsylvania Game Commission voted to table a plan to reintroduce American martens, a weasel species that was wiped out of the state by the early 20th century. The omnivorous mammal was extirpated due to the fur trade and deforestation, but some states have begun restoring their populations in recent decades. Although the general public supported the plan, a survey of hunters revealed conflicting views on the American marten's return. The plan will now undergo further research and consideration.

January 26, 2024

Investigations

Man who allegedly abandoned infant at Northeast Philly Walmart faces multiple charges

Philadelphia police have charged 22-year-old Alganon Muhammad for allegedly abandoning a baby girl at Walmart last week when he and two other people were confronted for shoplifting at the store in Northeast Philadelphia. Muhammad is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, retail theft, criminal conspiracy and recklessly endangering another person. Police are still searching for the other two suspects.

January 26, 2024

Health News

Penn Medicine withdraws plan to use shuttered Brandywine Hospital for veterans care

Penn Medicine will not buy Coatesville's Brandywine Hospital from Tower Health after previously planning to convert the shuttered facility into a site for veterans care. Penn Medicine officials said the 171-bed hospital's infrastructure could not be repurposed for the VA project, which aims to shift some services out of Coatesville's existing VA medical center. Tower Health said it plans to find another buyer for Brandywine Hospital. Penn Medicine will now seek a different building in Chester County for its deal with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

January 26, 2024

Investigations

Escaped prisoner Shane Pryor fled University City with help of another teen, police say

Michael Diggs, 18, has been charged for allegedly aiding the escape of inmate Shane Pryor outside Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon. Diggs allegedly picked Pryor up after he fled from escort staff in the hospital's emergency parking lot. Pryor, who remains on the run, is charged with the 2020 killing of a woman who was fatally shot in the Holmesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia.

January 26, 2024

Investigations

Fire at Willow Grove auto-repair shop allegedly was set by ex-employee

Sean Gahagan, 56, of Lebanon, is charged with arson for allegedly starting two fires in Montgomery County on Dec. 29, 2023. Investigators say Gahagan set fire to a Willow Grove auto-repair shop where he once worked and another fire at a shed nearby in Huntingdon Valley.

All PhillyVoice contributors