Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Tanenbaum Headshot

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

February 7, 2022

Investigations

10 juveniles arrested after woman was pushed onto SEPTA subway tracks

A woman was pushed onto the subway tracks at SEPTA's 11th Street Station along the Market-Frankford Line on Sunday night, one of two incidents involving a group of juveniles who were "wreaking havoc," according to SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch. The teens also punched a man in the face at 8th Street Station during an attempt to push him on the tracks, police said. Ten of the juveniles were arrested on Sunday night as SEPTA continues to deal high rates of crime on the subway system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 7, 2022

Investigations

Pennsylvania couple busted for allegedly producing, selling moonshine

A Central Pennsylvania couple was busted by the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for illegally producing and selling moonshine, the highly potent spirit also known as white lightning or hooch, according to a criminal complaint. Glenn and Barbara McCleester, of Port Matilda, allegedly claimed their bootleg recipe came from the family of famed moonshiner and former NASCAR driver Junior Johnson. The couple is charged with misdemeanor offenses related to the manufacture and sale of moonshine.

February 7, 2022

Celebrities

Actor James McAvoy marries Philly native he met on 'Split' set

Actor James McAvoy has married Lisa Liberati, a Philadelphia native who was M. Night Shyamalan's production assistant on 'Split.' McAvoy, 42, and Liberati began dating a couple years his divorce from British actress Anne-Marie Duff, with whom he has an 11-year-old son. McAvoy is well-known for his roles in 'Atonement' and Marvel's 'X-Men'n franchise.

February 4, 2022

Business

Camden's concert venue getting a new name – again

Camden's waterfront amphitheater will temporarily be called the Waterfront Music Pavilion as facility operator Live Nation seeks a new naming rights sponsor for the 25,000-seat concert venue in South Jersey. The BB&T Pavilion name is retired effectively immediately. The venue's past names include the Blockbuster-Sony Music Entertainment Centre, Tweeter Center and Susquehanna Bank Center.

February 4, 2022

Odd News

Ad for Bucks County pizza place printed with hidden image of naked guy then mailed to residents

In a magazine advertisement, Chiaro's pizzeria in Sellersville, Bucks County, included a hidden image of a naked man photoshopped into the foam of a cup of cappuccino. The restaurant apologized on Facebook for unknowingly mailing the menus with the explicit photo. The business called the incident a 'devastating situation,' but most customers got a laugh out of the situation.

February 3, 2022

Business

With liquor license approved, Wawa in Montgomery County plans 'beer cove' with seating area

The Wawa at the intersection of Linfield and North Lewis roads in Limerick, Montgomery County has been approved for a liquor license that will allow the store to begin selling beer and wine. The store will become Wawa's seventh in Pennsylvania that sells alcoholic beverages.

February 3, 2022

Sixers

Shaq says 'mad' Ben Simmons DMed him about 'crybaby' criticism — proving the truth hurts

Shaquille O'Neal revealed that Sixers' holdout Ben Simmons sent him DMs after Shaq made critical remarks about Simmons during an "NBA on TNT" broadcast. O'Neill said Simmons was "mad" that he called him a "crybaby" and compared him unfavorably to teammate Joel Embiid. The NBA trade deadline is next Thursday, Feb. 10, and speculation continues to swirl around whether Philadelphia will find a trade partner for Simmons

February 3, 2022

Celebrities

Justin Bieber spotted at Lancaster County diner before launching 'Justice World Tour'

Pop star Justin Bieber made an appearance at the City Star Diner near Manheim, Lancaster County on Wednesday morning. Bieber, 27, is preparing to launch his "Justice World Tour 2022" in March and is believed to be rehearsing at the Lititz Rock Studio performance space in Pennsylvania. The staff at the diner were starstruck by Bieber, who took a photo with his server.

February 3, 2022

Prevention

Philly rolls out first free Narcan dispensers at Blackwell Regional Library

Philadelphia started new opioid overdose prevention initiative using Narcan Near Me dispensers which distribute free kits of the life-saving overdose reversal drug Narcan. The first kiosk was installed at the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library. It is the first of two Narcan Near Me dispensers planned in the city. The program is the first of its kind in the United States.

February 2, 2022

Investigations

Philly man trafficked counterfeit airbags and installed them in used cars sold to consumers, feds say

A Philadelphia auto mechanic is facing federal charges for allegedly trafficking counterfeit airbags obtained from China in order to install them in used cars and sell them for a higher profit, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Emiliano Rodriguez, a Dominican Republic citizen residing in Philadelphia, was charged with multiple offenses in connection with the alleged scheme.

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