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.
February 27, 2023
Development
Developer proposes $150 million luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk
Icona Resorts has proposed a luxury high-rise hotel on the Ocean City Boardwalk next to Gillian's Wonderland Pier, between Fifth and Sixth streets. The land, currently a public parking lot, is owned by the city. Icona Resorts has multiple hotels in in Avalon, the Wildwoods and Cape May. CEO Eustace Mita presented the proposal for a 325-room boardwalk hotel to Ocean City's council in late February.February 27, 2023
Investigations
Fentanyl, heroin found in CBD edibles sold at Montgomery County stores, D.A. says
Montgomery County authorities are warning the public after CBD edibles sold at three Tobacco Hut stores were found to contain traces of fentanyl and heroin, officials said Friday. Two people suffered non-fatal overdoses after consuming tainted products linked to purchases they made at these businesses, according to investigators. The edibles laced with illicit narcotics were sold at the Tobacco Hut stores at 1740 Dekalb Pike in Blue Bell; 738 Bethlehem Pike in Montgomeryville; and 1080 Bethlehem Pike in Hatfield. All three stores have been shut downFebruary 24, 2023
Entertainment
Rare thrill ride — that speeds up to 70 mph — set to make debut at Knoebels amusement park this spring
Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania will debut a new and rare ride in the spring, the Bayern Kurve, which reaches top speeds near 70 mph. The circular ride was originally manufactured in 1963, but only a few of remain in operation worldwide. The ride at Knoebels is expected to open in late April.February 24, 2023
Investigations
Sea Isle City condo building's balcony collapses, trapping worker under concrete slab
Emergency crews responded to the Spinnaker Condominiums in Sea Isle City after a balcony on the eighth floor of a building collapsed onto a seventh floor balcony, trapping a person under the concrete slab. Two other people were injured. The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. at the building near 3600 Boardwalk, close to the 37th Street and the Promenade.February 23, 2023
Development
28-story apartment tower planned for surface parking lot in Center City
Parkway Corporation is planning a 28-story skyscraper that will bring 292 apartments to the intersection of 21st and Ludlow streets in Center City, according to planning documents. The lot is currently a surface parking lot, one of several that Parkway Corporation plans to transform into high-rise residential and commercial buildings. The proposal at 21st and Ludlow includes two floors of commercial space.February 23, 2023
Entertainment
Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson debuts vlog series from Super Bowl LVII journey
Philadelphia Eagles free agent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is releasing a vlog series from Super Bowl LVII, documenting the team's journey to Arizona through the eventual 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. A new contract for Gardner-Johnson is expected to be high among the list of the Eagles' offseason priorities.February 23, 2023
Government
City Council President Darrell Clarke will not seek re-election
Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke announced Thursday he will not seek re-election in 2023, ending a run of more than two decades serving the city's 5th District. Clarke has been president of City Council since 2012. His departure comes during a year that will see significant turnover in City Hall as several former council members have resigned to run for mayor.February 22, 2023
Business
Insomnia Cookies to expand globally with stores in Canada, U.K.
Insomnia Cookies, the Philadelphia-based bakery chain, will expand globally in 2023 by adding stores in the Toronto, Canada area and in Manchester, United Kingdom. The company's treats also will be available in dozens of new U.S. locations. Insomnia Cookies was founded in 2003 as a local delivery startup. The company has broadened its selection of cookie flavors, including vegan options, and added other treats like cookie sandwiches, cookie cakes and ice cream.February 22, 2023
Food & Drink
McAlister's Deli, known for jumbo sandwiches and sweet tea, to open in Warrington
McAlister's Deli will open its third Pennsylvania restaurant this spring at 60 Easton Road in Warrington, Bucks County. The chain is known for its big sandwiches, soups, giant spuds and famous southern sweet tea. The deli chain was founded in Mississippi in 1989 by retired dentist Don Newcomb and has since expanded to more than 500 locations in 29 states, mostly independent franchises in the South and Midwest.February 22, 2023
Education
Striking Temple graduate students vote to reject tentative contract agreement
Temple University graduate students will continue to strike after rejecting a tentative contract agreement reached last week by their union's leaders and the school. The Temple University Graduate Students Association voted to reject the deal, 352 to 30, on Tuesday. The students are demanding increased pay and better benefits. Negotiations are expected to continue this week.Just In
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- Developer buying McGlinchey's bar in Center City uses Zach Bryan-inspired LLC
- Joel Embiid probable for Sixers-Celtics on Tuesday; full injury reports ahead of Game 5
- Author uses billboard on I-95 to promote body autonomy and new book 'Fat Swim'
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