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 12, 2026

Recreation

Wildwood Sightseer Tramcars to be pulled along boardwalk by Volvo electric vehicles this summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Three Volvo electric vehicles will be used to pull some of the Wildwood Sightseer Tramcars on the boardwalk this summer. The attraction is entering its 78th year and the aging, battery-operated engines are costly to maintain and fix.

May 12, 2026

Government

Waymo is a no-show at City Council hearing to review safety and labor impact of driverless taxis

by Michael Tanenbaum

As Waymo looks to roll out its driverless taxi service in Philadelphia, the company skipped a City Council hearing on Tuesday to address safety concerns and other questions about the economic impact of autonomous vehicles.

May 11, 2026

Recreation

Possible strike looms over Hersheypark's opening for daily operations this month

by Michael Tanenbaum

Hersheypark's summer season could be disrupted by a potential strike if members of the Chocolate Workers Local 464 vote this week to authorize a work stoppage. The union represents more than 200 maintenance workers and other skilled employees at the destination in central Pennsylvania.

May 8, 2026

Transportation

Starting in June, Pa. drivers caught using cellphones will be fined $50

by Michael Tanenbaum

Drivers in Pennsylvania will soon face $50 fines if they're stopped for using a cellphone or other handheld device while behind the wheel. The regulation takes effect June 6, ending a period of written warnings only.

May 8, 2026

Philadelphia 250

Historic Union Pacific steam train to visit Philly for Fourth of July

by Michael Tanenbaum

To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Union Pacific Railroad is bringing the historic Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive to the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia on July 4-5. The train engine, built during World War II, is making its first East Coast tour this spring and summer.

May 7, 2026

Transportation

Cyclists may be banned from Route 55 in South Jersey under proposed regulation

by Michael Tanenbaum

New Jersey seeks to ban cyclists from Route 55, a 40.5-mile highway that runs through parts of Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties. The proposal aims to address safety concerns.

May 6, 2026

Investigations

Cheltenham woman accused of stealing nearly $1 million worth of lingerie to sell online

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Montgomery County woman allegedly stole nearly $1 million in lingerie, including from Victoria's Secret stores in six states, to sell online, police say. Tiffany R. Halley, 41, of Cheltenham, faces more than 293 felony counts of retail theft.

May 6, 2026

Business

New Philly sports shop on South Street gives local artists a space to sell apparel

by Michael Tanenbaum

Foley's: The Philly Sports Shop will open Sunday, May 10, on South Street, offering a selection of apparel from local designers and signed memorabilia. The store is led by writer and Phillies superfan John Foley.

May 6, 2026

Arts & Culture

Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art plans $100 million expansion with 325-acre nature preserve

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art is planning a $100 million renovation that will add a museum building with 14,000 square feet of new gallery space and a 325-acre public nature preserve to the campus in Chadds Ford.

May 5, 2026

Music

Comedian Jon Stewart played drums for 'indie old man emo' band at Manayunk's Sing Us Home festival

by Michael Tanenbaum

Comedian and 'The Daily Show' host Jon Stewart was in Manayunk over the weekend playing drums with his little-known band, Church and State, to perform at the Sing Us Home festival on Venice Island.