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

October 5, 2022

Investigations

Warrant issued for 16-year-old in connection with Roxborough High School shooting

by Michael Tanenbaum

Dayron Burney-Thorne, 16, is sought for murder and related offenses for the shootings that killed Roxborough High School football player Nicholas Elizalde after practice on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Investigators are looking for five shooters and sixth person who was the getaway driver.

October 5, 2022

Investigations

Police release photos of three more suspects in Roxborough High School shootings

by Michael Tanenbaum

Video and photos of three of the six suspects wanted in connected with the Sept. 27 shooting outside Roxborough High School were released by Philadelphia police on Wednesday. Nicholas Elizalde, 14, was killed by the gunfire and four other teens were injured. An arrest warrant has been issued for 16-year-old Dayron Burney-Thorne. The three masked suspects shown at a gas station in the new surveillance video have not been identified.

October 4, 2022

Development

Philadelphia Union to build $55 million sports and recreation complex along Chester waterfront

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Union plan to construct the $55 million WSFS Sportsplex along the Delaware River waterfront in Chester, covering a 32-acre space between Subaru Park and the Union Power Plant office building. The project will include both indoor and outdoor facilities that will be available for use by community groups and youth organizations, including the Philadelphia Union Academy and the YSC Academy.

October 4, 2022

Investigations

Former Eagle LeGarrette Blount apologizes for punches thrown after youth football game

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Legarrette Blount apologized for his role in a fight after a youth football game in Arizona on Saturday night. Blount, 35, is a coach for the 12-and-under GCYFC Gators in Gilbert. Video obtained by TMZ showed Blount throw punches at an opposing coach after the game. On Twitter, Blount took responsibility and acknowledged that his actions were "unacceptable."

October 4, 2022

Courts

Johnny Bobbitt, homeless man at center of $400,000 GoFundMe scam, sentenced to probation

by Michael Tanenbaum

Johnny Bobbitt, the homeless Philadelphia man at the center of a fraudulent GoFundMe scheme that raised $400,000, was sentenced Monday to three years of probation, federal prosecutors in New Jersey announced. Bobbitt pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in the scheme, alongside Kaitlyn McClure and Mark D'Amico. The trio's "Paying It Forward" crowdfunding campaign in November 2017 used a fake story about Bobbitt giving McClure his last $20 after she ran out of gas on the shoulder of I-95 in Philadelphia.

October 3, 2022

Odd News

Rare pearl found by Phoenixville couple in clam at Rehoboth Beach restaurant appraised at $4,071

by Michael Tanenbaum

A rare purple pearl that a Chester County couple found in a clam while vacating in Rehoboth Beach in August has been appraised at a value of $4,071. The non-nacreous pearl was authenticated by the Gemological Institute of America and appraised by Josh Hyman of Philadelphia Jewelry Appraisers. Scott and Katie Overland found the pearl while dining at Salt Air & Kitchen Bar, an upscale restaurant at the Delaware shore destination. The pearl came from a northern quahog clam.

October 3, 2022

Food & Drink

Amada, Chef Jose Garces' Spanish tapas restaurant, to open new outpost in Radnor

by Michael Tanenbaum

Amada, the modern Spanish tapas restaurant from Chef Jose Garces, will open on the Main Line early next year with a third location in Radnor Township. The first Amada opened in Philadelphia's Old City in 2005, followed by a second location at Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City.

October 3, 2022

Investigations

Ex-host of reality show 'The Appraisers' killed by falling tree branch at Berks County golf course

by Michael Tanenbaum

Christopher Ritter, who once hosted the reality TV series "The Appraisers," was killed last week after a tree branch fell on him at the Manor Golf Course near Reading, Pennsylvania. Ritter, who was considered an expert on classic cars, died of head injuries, the Berks County Coroner said. His death was ruled accidental. He was a husband and father of two sons.

September 30, 2022

Food & Drink

Manatawny Still Works to open new tasting room in Ardmore

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pottstown-based craft distillery Manatawny Still Works will open its new Ardmore tasting room at 49 W. Lancaster Avenue on Oct. 7, 2022. The company, known for its small-batch American whiskeys and other spirits, also plans to open a FIshtown tasting room this winter. In addition to the Pottstown location, established in 2013, Manatawny Still Works opened its first tasting room in Philadelphia's East Passyunk neighborhood in 2016.

September 30, 2022

Investigations

Former Philly police officer charged with sexually abusing children, witness intimidation

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former Philadelphia police officer Patrick Heron, 52, has been charged with sex crimes against children and witness intimidation, District Attorney Larry Krasner said Friday. Heron retired from the police department in 2019. He allegedly communicated online with underage girls, soliciting nude photos from them and having sexually explicit conversations. Heron also allegedly harassed witnesses in an effort to prevent them from reporting his alleged crimes, prosecutors said.