Michael Tanenbaum

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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 6, 2025

Business

Manayunk bar the Rook plans to expand to Wildwood at former location of Goodnight Irene's

The owner of Manayunk bar the Rook have announced plans to open a new location in Wildwood at the former space of Goodnight Irene's on Pacific Avenue. The Rook opened in Manayunk just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The restaurant is known for its menu of burgers, cheesesteaks, cutlet sandwiches and signature cocktails

January 4, 2025

TV

In late-night debut, Jason Kelce calls ESPN show his 'love letter' to football

Jason Kelce's new ESPN show, 'They Call It Late Night,' filmed its first episode at Philadelphia's Union Transfer venue on Friday afternoon. The show is getting a five-episode run that will air Saturdays at 1 a.m. on ESPN during the NFL playoffs. Kelce's first guest panel featured NBA icon Charles Barkley, rapper Lil Dicky and NFL analyst Brian Baldinger.

January 3, 2025

Investigations

Ex-Delco firefighter charged with ethnic intimidation for allegedly using racial slurs during traffic dispute

John Romano, the former assistant chief of the Sharon Hill Fire Co., has been charged with ethnic intimidation charges for allegedly shouting racial slurs at a woman during a traffic argument in Darby Township in November, authorities said.

January 3, 2025

TV

Jason Kelce's first guests on his ESPN late night show are Charles Barkley, Lil Dicky and Brian Baldinger

Eagles legend Jason Kelce's new ESPN show, 'They Call It Late Night,' premiers Saturday at 1 a.m. The show will be taped every Friday in January at Union Transfer on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia. The guest lineup for the first episode includes Charles Barkley, rapper Lil Dicky and NFL analyst Brian Baldinger.

January 1, 2025

Marijuana

Will Pa. legalize marijuana in 2025? The cannabis industry is hopeful but the state's past failed attempts raise doubts

Pennsylvania lawmakers face mounting pressure to legalize recreational marijuana as neighboring states establish markets. Despite growing bipartisan support and Gov. Shapiro's backing, past efforts have stalled in the divided legislature.

December 26, 2024

Adult Health

Diet low in magnesium could be linked to higher risk of heart disease

As many as half of Americans get less the the recommended daily intake of magnesium, a mineral that's important for a range of functions including sleep, bone density and bowel regularity. A growing body of research also shows that magnesium deficiency is tied to the development of cardiovascular disease.

December 24, 2024

Development

To preserve Norristown's Airy Street Prison, Montgomery County seeks restoration proposals

The Airy Street Prison, built in Norristown in 1851, could be redeveloped after sitting vacant for decades. Montgomery County put out a request for developers to submit ideas to preserve the site for multiple potential uses. The county owns the structure and previously had planned to demolish it. Preservationists have advocated for a plan to refurbish the prison.

December 24, 2024

Investigations

Ex-Eagle Wendell Smallwood pleads guilty to defrauding COVID-19 relief programs

Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood pleaded guilty to federal charges that he defrauded two COVID-19 relief programs and submitted false documents to receive tax refunds from the IRS during the pandemic. Smallwood, 30, was a fifth-round draft pick of the Eagles in 2016 and played three seasons in Philadelphia.

December 23, 2024

TV

'Mare of Easttown' creator Brad Ingelsby signs HBO extension, but there's no word on a new season

Brad Ingelsby, the filmmaker behind the detective drama 'Mare of Easttown,' has extended his deal at HBO for another three years. Ingelsby is preparing to premiere 'Task,' his upcoming series starring Mark Ruffalo, in 2025. Ingelsby has said he's open to a sequel to 'Mare of Easttown,' but has not yet said whether it's in his plans.

December 23, 2024

Business

Ardmore's Suburban Square to add apartments and 7 new stores in 2025

Suburban Square, the shopping center in Ardmore, is adding 131 apartments and seven new stores, including a New Balance shop and a Van Leeuwen Ice Cream location, as part of the Coulter Place development. The project is expected to be complete in 2025.

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