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 24, 2022

Preston and Steve to hold 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' trivia showdown

by Michael Tanenbaum

Are you a supreme nerd about "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia?" A contest from 93.3 WMMR's "The Preston and Steve Show" will give superfans a chance to meet series creators Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton when they appear at The Met Philadelphia on Sept. 19 for their live taping of "The It's Always Sunny Podcast." Fans can enter the contest by submitting a "short story" explaining their obsession with the show. The top two entrants will face off during a trivia competition on the morning radio show on Sept. 1.

August 24, 2022

Government

Who qualifies for the Biden administration's student debt relief plan?

by Michael Tanenbaum

The White House announced a student loan forgiveness plan Wednesday that will provide debt relief to millions of Americans. The measures will offer relief of up to $10,000 for most borrowers and up to $20,000 for borrowers with Pell Grants, which are provided to low-income Americans seeking higher education. The cumulative federal student loan debt has surpassed $1.7 trillion for more than 45 million borrowers, and the typical undergraduate student with loans now graduates with $25,000-$30,000 in debt. President Joe Biden said the measures are intended to help low-income and middle-class Americans who are the most burdened by student debt.

August 24, 2022

Investigations

Man used syringe to threaten victims in two Bristol carjackings, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Kevin O' Connell has been charged in a pair of carjackings in Bristol Borough, Bucks County, after he was arrested in Philadelphia. On Aug. 19, O'Connell allegedly stole a car from an 83-year-old woman and knocked her to the ground and injured her. O'Connell told the victim he had AIDS and threatened her with a syringe. After the car was located in Kensington, police investigated a similar crime that happened in March outside a McDonald's in Bristol. DNA samples taken from that car, also recovered in Kensington, were a match with O'Connell, authorities said.

August 23, 2022

Television

After getting dumped in Wildwood on 'The Bachelorette,' Tyler Norris says he's 'over' Rachel Recchia

by Michael Tanenbaum

On the latest episode of "The Bachelorette," Tyler Norris was dumped by Rachel Recchia during a hometown date in Wildwood. Norris, 25, showed Recchia around the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore hotspot, but the bachelorette skipped town before meeting Norris' family. The scenes were filmed in April. In an interview after the episode aired, Norris was gracious about what happened, but said he's over Recchia and has moved on with his life.

August 23, 2022

Investigations

Gary Busey allegedly asked Cherry Hill police to convince women not to press charges for groping

by Michael Tanenbaum

Actor Gary Busey, charged last Friday for allegedly groping at least three women at a film convention in Cherry Hill, reportedly attempted to bargain with police to get the allegations withdrawn. Busey, 78, has denied the allegations from the Monster-Mania Convention at the Doubletree hotel on Route 70. Busey is charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, one count of attempted criminal sexual contact and one count of harassment.

August 22, 2022

Education

Holy Family University to open second Bucks County campus

by Michael Tanenbaum

Holy Family University will open a Newtown West campus to complement the existing Newtown East campus in Bucks County. The Catholic university based in Philadelphia acquired the property to expand its footprint in Bucks County and better serve students at both the suburban and city locations with expanded course offerings. The university has a combined enrollment of about 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

August 22, 2022

Investigations

Police find vehicle linked to Northeast Philly hit-and-run that critically injured cyclist

by Michael Tanenbaum

A 42-year-old man was critically injured in a hit-and-run crash in Northeast Philadelphia early Monday morning near the intersection of Bustleton and Cottman avenues, police said. The man and his girlfriend were both struck by the driver, but the woman did not suffer injuries. On Monday afternoon, authorities said they found a Range Rover that they believe was involved in the crash. No arrests have been made.

August 22, 2022

Entertainment

Massive indoor go-kart track to open at New Jersey entertainment complex

by Michael Tanenbaum

Supercharged Entertainment New Jersey will be a new recreational facility in Edison with a massive indoor go-kart racing track, bionic bumper cars and arcade games. The company has an existing facility in Wrentham, Massachusetts, and says the multilevel track in New Jersey will be 28% larger. The owners are aiming for an opening date in November 2022.

August 19, 2022

Investigations

$1.3 million worth of cocaine seized from plane at Philadelphia International

by Michael Tanenbaum

More than 40 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $1.3 million were seized from a plane at Philadelphia International Airport on Aug. 12. Customs and Border Protection officials said the plane came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic and had made previous stops in New York, Miami and San Diego.

August 19, 2022

Anchorage Tavern in Somers Point to be featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'

by Michael Tanenbaum

Guy Fieri visited the Anchorage Tavern in Somers Point, New Jersey for the latest episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Triple D Nation," in which the celebrity Food Network host circles back to some of his favorite spots in the United States. The Anchorage Tavern, built in 1874, is the oldest, continuously operating business in Somers Point and is known for its seafood and Italian specialties.