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

March 2, 2026

Wildlife

Benito, a raccoon rescued by South Philly neighbors during cold spell, is on the mend at a busy wildlife center

by Michael Tanenbaum

A raccoon named Benito that was rescued by neighbors in South Philly is on the road to recovery at Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in Lancaster County after braving the elements of the cold stretch that gripped the region this winter.

March 2, 2026

Adult Health

Becoming an expert birdwatcher may help protect the brain from aging

by Michael Tanenbaum

The identification skills of birdwatchers is associated with improved cognitive health over a lifetime, according to new research out of Canada. Expertise in identifying species is linked to structural differences in regions of the brain used for attention, perception and working memory.

February 27, 2026

Healthy Eating

The more foods a dinner spread includes, the more likely people are to overeat

by Michael Tanenbaum

The more food choices people have at a given meal, the more likely they are to stack their plates higher and choose less healthy options, Penn State University researchers have found.

February 27, 2026

Development

SEPTA awards contract for residential development at Ambler Station

by Michael Tanenbaum

SEPTA awarded a contract to develop a residential community at the Ambler Station parking lot in Montgomery County. The project is one of four developments SEPTA has planned in the region.

February 27, 2026

Environment

In fight to prevent reefing of SS United States, environmentalists warn ship is coated in hazardous chemicals

by Michael Tanenbaum

Preservation groups that want to stop the SS United States from becoming a reef point to environmentalists' warnings that the ship will leech dangerous chemicals into Florida's Gulf Coast. Activist Erin Brockovich has joined the fight.

February 26, 2026

Entertainment

Lil Dicky fills his L.A. home with cameras to record his new web series

by Michael Tanenbaum

Dave Burd, aka Lil Dicky, debuted 'Friends Keep Secrets' on YouTube, a weekly series, that is part podcast, filmed at his L.A. home featuring celebrity guests like Ed Sheeran and Gwyneth Paltrow.

February 25, 2026

Investigations

19 people indicted in wide-ranging investigation into gang violence in Southwest Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

Nineteen people in rival street gangs in Philadelphia were indicted Wednesday for their alleged involvement in nearly two dozen shootings between 2022 and 2024. A grand jury found drill rap and social media feuds led to the violence.

February 25, 2026

Women's Health

Women's arteries are less clogged than men's, but that doesn't protect them from heart attack risks

by Michael Tanenbaum

Women who have clogged arteries don't need as much plaque buildup as men to develop serious heart problems, according to new research. Experts say new guidelines are needed to account for the differences.

February 24, 2026

Development

Developer gets $150 million loan to build 36-story apartment tower along the Delaware River

by Michael Tanenbaum

Brevet Capital will begin construction next year on Wharton Piers, a 36-story residential tower planned on the Delaware River waterfront in South Philadelphia.

February 23, 2026

Investigations

Amtrak worker dies after being struck by train on Lancaster County tracks

by Michael Tanenbaum

Jeremy Charles, 39, was struck and killed by a train while working on tracks in Lancaster County on Monday. Amtrak suspended Keystone service for the day.