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, 2026

Government

New Jersey lawmaker wants to give pet owners $900 in annual tax credits

by Michael Tanenbaum

A New Jersey lawmaker wants to offer pet owners up to $900 in annual tax credits for everyday expenses and veterinary care. Assemblyman Alex Sauicke says the bill would help lower New Jersey's high cost of pet ownership.

May 27, 2026

Investigations

Cheltenham cancels 2026 football season amid hazing investigations

by Michael Tanenbaum

Cheltenham School District has canceled its 2026 varsity and junior varsity football seasons, citing ongoing investigations into hazing and a locker room assault that took place in September. The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office is still investigating the incident.

May 26, 2026

Recreation

New Hope Railroad now has scenic pedal-bike tours that wind along heritage tracks in Bucks County

by Michael Tanenbaum

New Hope Railroad, the heritage passenger service that operates vintage trains in Bucks County, debuted a new pedal-bike tour that lets riders pass through the scenic hills and woodlands surrounding the former Reading Railroad line.

May 26, 2026

Education

Swarthmore College to cover full tuition for families making under $200,000 starting in fall 2027

by Michael Tanenbaum

Swarthmore College will offer tuition-free undergraduate education to students whose families earn $200,000 or less in 2027. The Delaware County school joins a growing number of colleges seeking to improve access and affordability.

May 25, 2026

Recreation

King of Prussia's new Recharge Park primes path to a more accessible community

by Michael Tanenbaum

Recharge Park, a new 1.1-acre public space in King of Prussia, opens June 4. The park has a large lawn, covered workstations, a garden area surrounded by boulders and swings. The site will become a waypoint for the Circuit Trails as multimodal projects are completed in the coming years.

May 22, 2026

Travel

Ferry service to run between Jersey Shore and New York City this summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Seastreak Ferry will operate a route this summer from Lower Manhattan to Point Pleasant Beach at the Jersey Shore. A one-way adult fare is $69 and a round-trip is $99. The service will run on select dates June 19- Aug. 9 and Sept. 4-7.

May 22, 2026

Movies

Obamas appear in trailer for Questlove's Earth, Wind & Fire documentary

by Michael Tanenbaum

Questlove's Earth, Wind & Fire documentary premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 4 before it begins streaming on HBO Max on June 7. The project about the legendary R&B group includes an interview with former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.

May 21, 2026

Government

The city got backlash for repainting a graffitied wall at Wissahickon's 100 Steps — and now it's undoing it

by Michael Tanenbaum

A wall at Wissahickon Valley Park's 100 Steps was repainted in a bland gray to cover up graffiti last week, and residents were outraged. City officials have admitted they were behind the job, apologized and vowed to remove the paint.

May 21, 2026

'The Price is Right' to hold casting event at Rivers Casino Philadelphia in July

by Michael Tanenbaum

'The Price is Right' will hold an open audition to cast for the game show on July 22 at Rivers Casino Philadelphia in Fishtown. All contestants must be 18 and older and U.S. citizens currently living in the country.

May 20, 2026

Investigations

Search for missing swimmer in Ocean City to continue into fourth day Thursday

by Michael Tanenbaum

The U.S. Coast Guard and rescue crews in Ocean City continue to search for a 20-year-old swimmer who went missing offshore near the 10th Street Beach on Monday afternoon. The search will enter its fourth day on Thursday.