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

August 12, 2024

Development

Marriott hotel project at North Philly's 'Boner 4ever' building 'on pause' as lender withdraws financing

by Michael Tanenbaum

The planned Marriott hotel project at North Philadelphia's historic Beury Building, known for its irreverent 'Boner 4ever,' has been put on hold because lenders pulled key financing out of the $70 million project. Developer Shift Capital says it hasn't given up on moving forward with its project.

August 9, 2024

Business

Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City to close after 94 years at the end of this summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Gillian's Wonderland Pier, the amusement park on the Ocean City boardwalk, will close at the end of the summer because it's no longer a viable business, Mayor Jay Gillian said Friday. Recognizable for its landmark Ferris wheel, the attraction has been operated by Gillian's family for generations and has faced financial trouble for years.

August 9, 2024

Business

Big Lots to close Northeast Philly store, three more in Pa. suburbs

by Michael Tanenbaum

Big Lots is expected to close as many as 315 of its stores in the coming years, including four locations in the Philadelphia region. The stores in the area slated to close are in Franklin Mills, Exton, Clifton Heights and Kennett Square.

August 8, 2024

Food & Drink

Chef Tyler Akin's new Mediterranean cafe opens next week at renovated Fishtown hotel

by Michael Tanenbaum

Chef Tyler Akin's new Mediterranean cafe and restaurant, Bastia, debuts Aug. 15 at the new Hotel Anna & Bel in Fishtown. Bon Appétit included Bastia among its "must-visit" restaurants in the U.S. this year before it opened.

August 8, 2024

Investigations

Mark Dial, ex-police officer accused of killing Eddie Irizarry, out on bail after first-degree murder charge is dropped

by Michael Tanenbaum

Mark Dial, the former Philadelphia police officer charged with fatally shooting Eddie Irizarry during a traffic stop in Kensington last year, had his first-degree murder charge downgraded to third-degree murder Thursday. He was then able to post bail and was released from prison. Dial was fired after shooting Irizarry during a traffic stop in August 2023.

August 8, 2024

Investigations

Golf cart used to simulate drunk driving crashes at Wildwood police event, injuring five people

by Michael Tanenbaum

At the Wildwood Police Department's National Night Out event on Tuesday, a juvenile driving a golf cart used to simulate drunk driving lost control of the vehicle and crashed, injuring five people, authorities said. Four adults and one child injured in the crash were taken to the hospital.

August 8, 2024

Business

Amazon Fresh to open long-delayed grocery store in Bensalem

by Michael Tanenbaum

Amazon Fresh will open its grocery store in Bensalem's Brookwood Shopping Center on Aug. 22, Amazon said. The store's opening had been delayed by the company's decision to pause the brand's expansion last year. Amazon since has been slowly opening new markets, but several other planned locations in the Philly area have yet to progress.

August 7, 2024

2024 Election

Donald Trump claims Josh Shapiro didn't get picked as Kamala Harris' running mate because he's Jewish

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former President Donald Trump accused Democrats of passing over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as their vice presidential nominee because he's Jewish. During an interview on "Fox & Friends," he called Kamala Harris' choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate 'insulting' to Jews.

August 7, 2024

Investigations

Six men charged in Bucks County with smuggling cocaine, meth from California in karaoke speakers

by Michael Tanenbaum

Six men are facing drug charges in Bucks County for allegedly buying cocaine and methamphetamines in California and shipping them to the Philadelphia region inside bluetooth karaoke speakers. Matthew James Byrne, 43, of Broomall, Delaware County, allegedly served as the group's ringleader and purchased the drugs during multiple trips he made to Los Angeles this year.

August 6, 2024

2024 Election

Josh Shapiro proclaims Kamala Harris, Tim Walz are for 'real freedom' in rally speech at Temple

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke in support of Kamala Harris and her vice presidential pick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, at Wednesday's rally at Temple University's Liacouras Center. Shapiro was among the finalists vice president, and he promised to campaign for Harris-Walz in their campaign against former President Donald Trump and JD Vance.