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

January 8, 2024

Food & Drink

Bastia — a Mediterranean café coming to Fishtown in March — is a 'must-visit' in 2024, according to Bon Appétit

by Michael Tanenbaum

Bon Appétit named Bastia, a Mediterranean café expected to open in Philadelphia in March, one of its 'must-visit' restaurants in the United States in 2024. Led by the acclaimed Chef Tyler Akin, Bastia will be part of the new boutique hotel Anna & Bel in a residential part of Fishtown. The menu will focus on seafood and vegetable dishes.

January 8, 2024

Investigations

Norristown mom who crashed her van into SEPTA bus, killing her infant, charged with homicide

by Michael Tanenbaum

Arbetina Johnson-Lowery who crashed her minivan into a stopped SEPTA bus last September, causing fatal injuries to her 1-year-old son, has been charged with homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence and related offenses, Montgomery County prosecutors said. The Sept. 30 crash happened on East Johnson Highway near Old Arch Road.

January 5, 2024

Environment

458-acre Girl Scout camp in Montgomery County to be permanently preserved

by Michael Tanenbaum

Camp Laughing Waters, a 458-acre tract of woods that covers parts of New Hanover and Upper Fredrick townships, will be permanently protected from development in Montgomery County thanks to a new conservation easement. The easement allows the Girls Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania to continue using the grounds as a campground and also calls for the addition of a 2-mile county trail.

January 5, 2024

Politics

New Jersey will allow some 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections

by Michael Tanenbaum

New Jersey will allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections beginning in 2026. The law signed Thursday by Gov. Phil Murphy says 17-year-olds can vote in primaries so long as they turn 18 by the date of the following general election. New Jersey joins 19 other states that have passed similar laws.

January 4, 2024

Food & Drink

Libertee Grounds, the Francisville mini golf bar, to open second course with more Philly-themed holes

by Michael Tanenbaum

Libertee Grounds, the Francisville bar known for its indoor mini golf courses and hyperlocal beer selection, is opening another nine holes at its expanded location on Girard Street this Friday. The new course is part of a 4,000-square-foot addition that also features a golf simulator, another bar, a lounge and a private event space.

January 4, 2024

Investigations

Man struck and killed by SEPTA train during fight inside 34th Street Station, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

A man was was struck and killed by a Market-Frankford Line train during an altercation Thursday afternoon on the platform at 34th Street Station in University City, authorities said. During the fight, a man fell onto the subway tracks and was hit by a train. He has not been identified and the other man has not been found, police said.

January 4, 2024

Business

Philly-based radio giant Audacy expected to file for bankruptcy

by Michael Tanenbaum

Audacy is expected to file for bankruptcy due to a nearly $2 billion debt load and declining advertising revenue, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Philadelphia-based company owns 230 radio stations, including SportsRadio 94WIP, KYW Newsradio and 98.1 WOGL.

January 4, 2024

Investigations

Grandson of former Mayor John Street allegedly punched guard outside Parker's inauguration, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Sharif Street Jr. is charged with assaulting a security guard at The Met Philadelphia while trying to enter Tuesday's mayoral inauguration with his 80-year-old grandfather, former Philadelphia Mayor John Street. Street Jr. allegedly punched the guard, police said. State Sen. Sharif Street said his son was protecting his grandfather.

January 3, 2024

Courts

Hatboro woman from viral, racist pizza shop rant ordered to apologize, sentenced to probation

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Hatboro woman who went viral for a racist rant at Amy's Family Pizzeria last February has been sentenced to 90 days of probation and eight hours of community service and must write a letter of apology to the owner of the business. Rita Bellew, 56, was filmed making racist remarks at the restaurant and demanding a refund after she got upset about a TV playing a Spanish-language show. She pleaded guilty to a summary charge of harassment.

January 3, 2024

Investigations

Suspect identified in fatal stabbing of Upper Darby High School student

by Michael Tanenbaum

Marson Weh, 24, was identified Wednesday as the suspect in the fatal April 2023 stabbing of 15-year-old Michael Garr, Delaware County prosecutors said. Weh is in Ohio serving a sentence for an assault and car theft there. He'll be extradited to Pennsylvania to face charges in the killing of the Upper Darby High School student, as well as charges related to the stabbing of a pregnant woman that happened last January.