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

May 17, 2023

Investigations

Two men injured in shooting on SEPTA bus in North Philly, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Two men were injured Wednesday in a shooting on a SEPTA bus in North Philadelphia, police said. The shooting happened in the area of 21st and Diamond Streets. The two victims, both 18, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident comes days after a 14-year-old boy was fatally shot while standing on the Market-Frankford Line subway platform at 52nd Street Station. Last week, SEPTA promoted Charles Lawson as the authority's transit police chief. His predecessor, Thomas Nestel III, resigned last year amid increasing problems with crime and safety on the transit system.

May 17, 2023

Food & Drink

Former Eagle Shawn Andrews to open smoothie bar in Ocean City

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former Philadelphia Eagles lineman Shawn Andrews will open an Ocean City, New Jersey outpost of Groovy Smoovies, the smoothie bar he co-founded with business partner Antonne Jones. Their first store opened in Haddonfield in 2020 and has twice been voted "Best of South Jersey" by SJ Magazine. The business was launched with support from "Shark Tank" investor Daymond John. Andrews played five seasons in Philadelphia before injuries and mental health issues derailed his promising NFL career.

May 15, 2023

Recreation

Neshaminy Mall Carnival adopts chaperone policy for teens to eliminate 'unacceptable behavior'

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Neshaminy Mall Carnival, held in Bensalem through May 21, will now require all juveniles to be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older due to 'unruly' and 'unacceptable' behavior during its opening weekend. Failure to comply with the new rules could result in guests being removed by police or private security guards. Bensalem police said they plan to increase their presence around the carnival for the remainder of its time in town. Each night, the carnival will now close at 10 p.m.

May 15, 2023

Investigations

Fourth person arrested in connection with Philly prison break

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police have charged Michael Abrams, 21, for his alleged role in helping inmates Ameen Hurst and Nasir Grant escape the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center. Abrams is the fourth person to be arrested in connection with the prison break. Grant was taken into custody last week. Hurst, who is charged with committing four homicides, is still at large.

May 15, 2023

Business

Fanatics to acquire PointsBet's U.S. division in deal that will bring sportsbook to Pennsylvania, New Jersey

by Michael Tanenbaum

Fanatics, Inc is poised to acquired the U.S. operations of PointsBet in a $150 million deal that would provide the world's largest sports apparel company access to sports betting markets in 15 states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Fanatics, valued at $31 billion, expects to have access to most of the states where PointsBet operates by the start of the NFL season in September.

May 12, 2023

History

Mütter Museum weighs ethical concerns over online exhibits displaying human remains

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia's Mütter Museum has removed all of its online exhibits and YouTube videos as part of an ongoing review about ethical questions surrounding the display of human remains in this manner. The museum is evaluating how it presents its collection online as part of a larger ethical debate about the display of human remains. It is planning to hold discussions with supporters about these issues.

May 12, 2023

Odd News

Scientists confirm 4.56 billion-year-old meteorite struck New Jersey home

by Michael Tanenbaum

The meteorite that struck a home in the Titusville section of Hopewell, New Jersey on May 8 is about 4.56 billion years old, according to scientists at The College of New Jersey. The object, about 4 by 6 inches and 2.2 pounds, was examined by researchers who concluded it is a fragment of an LL chondrite, a type of meteor rarely found on Earth. Experts believe other debris from the event that brought it to Earth is likely scattered around the area.

May 12, 2023

Media

John Kincade reveals colon cancer diagnosis, will take break from 97.5 The Fanatic show

by Michael Tanenbaum

John Kincade, host of “The John Kincade Show” on 97.5 The Fanatic, said he will step away from the program for a few weeks to undergo treatment for colon cancer. Kincade will have surgery on May 15 and expects to miss time at the sports radio station. A native of Broomall, Delaware County, Kincade is a two-time cancer survivor who previously overcame battles with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and testicular cancer in the 1990s.

May 11, 2023

Recreation

Showboat's indoor Island Waterpark to open in Atlantic City this summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort in Atlantic City is on track to open in June. The new indoor waterpark will have more than a dozen slides, a surf simulator, a nightlife venue for adults, a roller coaster and a tree house. The 103,000-square-foot facility has a retractable roof and is touted as the largest indoor beachfront waterpark.

May 11, 2023

Investigations

Woman charged with helping the two escaped inmates from Philly prison

by Michael Tanenbaum

A 21-year-old woman allegedly helped inmates Ameen Hurst and Nasir Grant escape from the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center in Holmesburg on Sunday night, authorities said. Xianni Stalling, 21, was arrested and charged Thursday. Police say she allegedly had a phone call with one of the men before the escape.