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 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

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.

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.

September 30, 2022

Food & Drink

Evil Genius goes to White Castle with tangerine-flavored IPA collaboration

by Michael Tanenbaum

Evil Genius Beer Co. and fast-food burger chain White Castle are releasing a tangerine-flavored IPA. The beer collaboration is meant to celebrate White Castle's recent 100-year anniversary. The Fishtown brewery has had a number of collaborations over the years, including one this past summer with soft pretzel chain Auntie Anne's. The new IPA also makes up for the confusion caused by the cult classic movie "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," which placed one of the burger's chains in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, across the bridge from Philadelphia. That restaurant never existed.

September 30, 2022

Politics

Did a New Jersey political candidate rip off Wawa's iconic flying goose logo?

by Michael Tanenbaum

Matt Jenkins, a Democrat running for Congress in New Jersey's Fourth District, received a cease-and-desist letter from Wawa on Sept. 28. The company wants Jenkins to scrub his campaign materials of a logo that features a goose very similar to one that the company formerly trademarked. Jenkins, a long shot against incumbent Chris Smith, said his campaign has limited resources to make a change.

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.

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 29, 2022

Development

Jersey Shore cooling tower, visible from Garden State Parkway, demolished at Beesley's Point

by Michael Tanenbaum

The former B.L. England Power Plant in Upper Township, New Jersey was demolished at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. The tower had been at the site Beesley's Point since 1974 and was visible from the Garden State Parkway bridge over Great Egg Harbor Bay. Beesley's Point Development Group purchased the shuttered Jersey Shore plant last year and township officials are supportive of a long-term plan to redevelop the site with a possible marina, hotel, restaurants and shops.

September 29, 2022

Investigations

SUV used in Roxborough High School shooting found in Southwest Philly parking lot

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Ford Explorer SUV police say was been used in the Sept. 27 shootings outside Roxborough High School was recovered in a parking lot in Southwest Philly. The car had been stolen earlier this year and had a paper Delaware tag as a license plate. Authorities continue to search for five gunmen and the driver of the vehicle. The shooting killed 14-year-old Nicholas Elizalde and injured three of his teammates on Roxborough's junior varsity football team, in addition to a 17-year-old victim who police suspect was the target of the gunmen.

September 29, 2022

Media

WHYY's Marty Moss-Coane, longtime host of 'Radio Times,' to leave program after 35 years

by Michael Tanenbaum

WHYY's Marty Moss-Coane, the longtime host of "Radio Times" at the public FM station in Philadelphia, is leaving the weekday show after 35 years. Moss-Coane's final broadcast will be Nov. 18, 2022. The 73-year-old said she is developing a new show for WHYY that will air once per week.