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

March 14, 2023

Investigations

Driver charged in fatal hit-and-run at McDonald's in Bucks County

by Michael Tanenbaum

Daniel Dietrich, 45, of Palmyra, Burlington County is facing homicide charges for allegedly running over Jason Smith, 47, of Levittown, with his pickup truck during a hit-and-run at a McDonald's in Levittown, Bucks County, on Feb. 5, 2023. Smith's death was the result of an act of road rage sparked by an earlier road altercation, police said.

March 14, 2023

Food & Drink

Food & Wine recognizes Philly spirit maker behind crab-infused whiskey

by Michael Tanenbaum

Steven Grasse, owner of Philadelphia's Quaker City Mercantile and New Hampshire's Tamworth Distilling, has been recognized by Food & Wine as one of the 2023 Drinks Innovators of the Year. Grasse, the advertising executive who invented the brands Hendrick's Gin in 1999 and later developed Sailor Jerry Rum, drew a lot of attention last year with the release of the small-batch distillery's Crab Trapper whiskey, which is infused with boiled green crab, an invasive species.

March 11, 2023

Government

Federal marijuana pardon certificates now available to people with past offenses

by Michael Tanenbaum

After federal cases involving simple marijuana possession were pardoned last year, the U.S. Department of Justice has now opened up applications for eligible people to receive certificates of proof that may remove personal barriers to housing, employment, education and travel. The U.S. Office of the Pardon Attorney now has a website where eligible people can fill out of a form including documentation of their prior offenses. In return, the government will send a certificate stating that those with approved applications were pardoned on Oct. 6, 2022, for simple possession of marijuana.

March 10, 2023

Government

Delco bar temporarily shut down over recent gunfire, nuisance complaints

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Rose Bar in Clifton Heights, Delaware County will shut down for at least three months after the borough filed legal action in February in response to public safety concerns and complaints from local residents. Borough officials cited noise, public drunkenness and lewdness. The bar's owners reached a consent agreement with the borough requiring more security measures and reduced hours for the first nine months after they reopen. In November, 14 shots were fired after a disagreement at the bar spilled onto the street.

March 10, 2023

Food & Drink

Shaquille O'Neil's Big Chicken to open in Comcast Center concourse

by Michael Tanenbaum

Shaquille O'Neil's Big Chicken restaurant franchise is opening at the Comcast Center concourse at 1701 JFK Blvd. in Center City. The NBA legend founded the crispy fried chicken concept in 2018 and is in the midst of a U.S. expansion. Big Chicken is known for its massive sandwiches, mac & cheese, shakes and ice cream sandwiches. The restaurant is expected to open in April.

March 10, 2023

Media

SportsRadio 94WIP gives 'Marks & Reese' producer Jack Fritz his own show

by Michael Tanenbaum

SportsRadio 94WIP is giving Jack Fritz an hour-long show that will air weeknights at 6 p.m. "Jack Fritz at Six" debuts Monday, March 13. Fritz, who has served as producer of the "Marks & Reese" show since 2019, also will handle the Audacy station's Phillies pregame and postgame coverage on weekdays. The new show means that WIP's evening slot will be pushed back to 7-11 p.m. The station is still searching for a new host for evenings.

March 9, 2023

Politics

Gisele Fetterman joined firefighters to put out blaze in East Pittsburgh

by Michael Tanenbaum

Gisele Fetterman, the wife of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, became a volunteer firefighter in western Pennsylvania in December. Gisele was seen in news footage at the scene of a three-alarm apartment fire in East Pittsburgh on Tuesday morning. John's chief of staff said the senator is on his way to recovery and will return to his duties in the near future after being hospitalized with clinical depression.

March 9, 2023

Business

Wawa has plans for a store across the street from Sheetz in town near Penn State University

by Michael Tanenbaum

Wawa is in the early planning stages for a new store in the Happy Valley near Penn State University, which would be the company's furthest outpost from its foothold in the Philly area. The store in Centre County is proposed in Benner Township and across the street from a rival Sheetz store. Wawa is in the midst of an aggressive expansion plan that includes adding about 40 new stores in central Pennsylvania.

March 8, 2023

Investigations

Bam Margera arrested for alleged domestic violence incident

by Michael Tanenbaum

Bam Margera, the former "Jackass" star, was arrested last week for allegedly kicking a woman at a home in San Diego County, authorities said. Margera, 43, is in the midst of a divorce with his wife, Nikki Boyd, who reportedly was not the woman involved in the alleged domestic abuse incident. The former MTV star and pro skateboarder has publicly struggled with substance use over the last decade and has been in and out of rehab facilities.

March 8, 2023

Infrastructure

Philly to explore capping Vine Street Expressway with intent of making Chinatown whole again

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia is eyeing a plan to build a cap over the Vine Street Expressway in Chinatown. The intent is to reconnect the two parts of the neighborhood divided by Interstate 676, which sits below ground level. The project is called Chinatown Stitch. It is funded by the city, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Knight Foundation.