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

April 29, 2026

Music

WXPN will count down top 250 songs with Philly ties over Fourth of July weekend

by Michael Tanenbaum

WXPN will celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary by naming the top 250 songs that have connections to Philadelphia. The countdown will air July 3-5 and feature songs that are from, by or about the city.

April 29, 2026

Education

Haverford College president rejects students' push to remove Howard Lutnick's name from library

by Michael Tanenbaum

Haverford College will not convene a committee that was requested by students to review renaming the school's library, which bears the name of major donor and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Lutnick has faced scrutiny since testifying before Congress that he visited the private island of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

April 27, 2026

Entertainment

What's a Squonk, the IronPigs' latest alternate identity?

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will pay tribute to Pennsylvania's mythical cryptid, the Squonk, by adopting the creature as the team's alternate mascot on June 6 against the Rochester Red Wings at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.

April 27, 2026

Real Estate

Developer buying McGlinchey's bar in Center City uses Zach Bryan-inspired LLC

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia-based developer Alterra Property Group is acquiring McGlinchey's, the decades-old dive bar that closed last summer in Center City, in a deal that will include the property and its liquor license.

April 27, 2026

2026 Election

Pennsylvania primary election guide: What's at stake and the races to watch

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania's 2026 primary elections will be held Tuesday, May 19. This year's primary features several key races, including the Democratic primary for the Third Congressional District.

April 23, 2026

Investigations

New Jersey man charged with operating 80 illegal marijuana vending machines

by Michael Tanenbaum

Ben Gross, 40, of Toms River, and three others have been charged with illegally operating marijuana vending machine business Barbwire at 80 unlicensed locations in the state. The company allegedly earned up to $20,000 a day on sales.

April 23, 2026

Lifetsyle

Rare Kobe Bryant card sells for $3.15 million, topping recent records

by Michael Tanenbaum

A 1997 Kobe Bryant sports card — one of only 10 in existence — was sold for $3.15 million to collectibles marketplace Alt. The sale set the record for the priciest solo Kobe Bryant card, surpassing the previous high of $2.4 million.

April 22, 2026

Transportation

Why traffic for Flyers and Sixers playoff games will be even worse than usual

by Michael Tanenbaum

Fans traveling to the Sports Complex in South Philly for Flyers and Sixers playoff games are advised to leave more time due to the closure of two Interstate 95 ramps near Packer Avenue. Detours will be in effect until May 21.

April 21, 2026

Education

Haverford High School's Leon Smith named National Teacher of the Year

by Michael Tanenbaum

Haverford High School history teacher Leon Smith was named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. Smith has taught in Delaware County for more than 20 years and also coaches basketball.

April 21, 2026

Recreation

Philly's MLB All-Star Game schedule includes fan festival and new 3-on-3 competition

by Michael Tanenbaum

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia will have a packed schedule of events running from July 10-14. In addition to the Home Run Derby and Midsummer Classic, there will be a fan festival and a new 3-on-3 competition.