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 27, 2022

Prevention

Free COVID-19 tests are available for weddings and other events in Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia health department is giving out free, rapid COVID-19 test kits to event planners in an effort to encourage health precautions for special events like weddings, proms, graduations and funerals. To obtain them, planners must submit and online application at least two weeks ahead of the event. COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia have spiked over the last month due to the spread of the omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1

May 27, 2022

Real Estate

Ben Simmons reportedly lists lavish L.A. mansion for sale at $23 million

by Michael Tanenbaum

Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons is looking to sell his Los Angeles mansion for $22.9 million less than a year after he purchased it for $17.5 million. The home is in the gated Hidden Hills community where numerous celebrities and athletes own real estate. Simmons, 25, was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Nets in February after a lengthy and costly holdout. The three-time All-Star did not suit up for the Nets following the trade and underwent back surgery in May. Simmons recently sold his home in Moorestown, New Jersey to Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos.

May 27, 2022

Accidents

Teacher mourned after death in Delaware River kayaking accident

by Michael Tanenbaum

Bethel Park High School teacher Jonathan Gentile, 38, died in a kayaking accident on May 22 while out with his father on the Delaware River in New Hope, Bucks County. Gentile's kayak was overturned by rapids and he remained underwater for several minutes before resurfacing, authorities said. The school district mourned Gentile's loss this week and family friends created a GoFundMe to support his family.

May 26, 2022

Media

6ABC reporter Dann Cuellar to retire from Action News after 34 years

by Michael Tanenbaum

Longtime Action News reporter Dann Cuellar is retiring from 6ABC after 34 years at the Philadelphia news station. Cuellar is the latest big name at 6ABC to announce his departure from the region's most-watched TV news station, including anchor Jim Gardner, who will retire at the end of 2022. Cuellar plans to travel and hopes to teach journalism at a local university.

May 26, 2022

Investigations

Dirt bike rider arrested in North Philly hit-and-run crash that killed teen skateboarder

by Michael Tanenbaum

Kevin Rubio, the 19-year-old dirt bike rider wanted in a hit-and-run crash in North Philadelphia on May 15, surrendered to authorities and will be charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter and related offenses. Rubio was doing wheelies in the street before he struck 17-year-old skateboarder Jesus Gomez Rosario, who died from his injuries two days later.

May 26, 2022

Opinion

'Abbott Elementary' creator Quinta Brunson rejects fan requests for school shooting episode

by Michael Tanenbaum

Quinta Brunson, the star and writer behind ABC's hit sitcom "Abbott Elementary," spoke out about troubling fan requests for a school shooting episode in the wake of the massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The West Philadelphia native urged people to instead focus their energy on pressuring political leaders to enact tougher gun laws to prevent mass shootings.

May 25, 2022

Business

Insomnia Cookies moving HQ to former Super Walgreen's in Center City

by Michael Tanenbaum

Insomnia Cookies will relocate its headquarters to the building formerly occupied by Walgreens at the corner of Broad and Chestnut streets in Center City, the company announced. The new spaces will include offices, a test kitchen and a ground floor retail storefront. Insomnia Cookies was founded in Philadelphia in 2003 by then-University of Pennsylvania student Seth Berkowitz, whose concept has since expanded to 200 locations in the United States.

May 25, 2022

Investigations

Body found at auto shop owned by missing Delaware County man

by Michael Tanenbaum

George Hughes, 57, was reported missing by his family on May 16. Hughes is the owner of Broomall Auto Body, where authorities in Marple Township reported the discovery of a dead body on the property on Wednesday. An autopsy has been scheduled to confirm the identify of the victim. Hughes' family said he had been struggling prior to his disappearance, which prompted a community volunteer search on Sunday.

May 25, 2022

Investigations

Off-duty Philly police officer killed in motorcycle crash on Broad Street

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police officer Thomas Munz Jr., 27, was killed in a motorcycle crash along Broad Street in South Philadelphia on Tuesday evening. Munz was off-duty at the time of the crash. Munz was one of two PPD officers involved in the fatal shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. in West Philadelphia in Oct. 2020, an incident that garnered national attention and led to widespread protests in Philadelphia.

May 25, 2022

2022 Election

Oz, McCormick go to automatic recount in Pa. Republican primary for U.S. Senate

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania's Republican primary race for the U.S. Senate will go to an automatic recount between Mehmet Oz and David McCormick, who were separated by less than 0.5% of the vote. Oz holds a lead in the unofficial results. The outcome of the election may not be known until June 8, the date set for the state department to certify result from the recount. A legal battle over undated mail-in and absentee ballots could be a decisive factor.