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

July 21, 2026

Investigations

Teen who was reported missing fatally struck by CSX train in Northeast Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

A 15-year-old boy was struck and killed by a CSX freight train Monday night in the Bustleton section of Northeast Philadelphia. Police said the teens, who was not identified, had been reported missing on Sunday.

July 20, 2026

Investigations

Bucks County sheriff's deputy charged with taking nude photos of people in custody

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former Bucks County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Gaffney, 46, allegedly took nude photos of two men during separate investigations and later shared the images with colleagues and personal contacts, District Attorney Joe Khan said Monday.

July 20, 2026

Education

Pope Leo XIV to award new sustainability medal from Villanova University created in his name

by Michael Tanenbaum

Villanova University has created the new Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal to honor achievements in environmental science and social justice. Pope Leo, who graduated from Villanova in 1976, will present the inaugural medal in October in Rome.

July 17, 2026

Movies

Trailer for Sylvester Stallone biopic 'I Play Rocky' shows re-creations of some of 1976 film's most memorable scenes

by Michael Tanenbaum

The biopic 'I Play Rocky' tells the story of how struggling actor Sylvester Stallone wrote and starred in his Oscar-winning 1976 film set in Philadelphia. The movie, which is slated to hit theaters Nov. 6, released its first trailer.

July 17, 2026

Courts

Contractor to pay $7.2 million settlement in Amtrak kickback scheme for 30th Street Station project

by Michael Tanenbaum

Masonry contractor Mark 1 Restoration has agreed to a $7.2 million settlement to resolve federal claims related to a bribery and kickback scheme for its work repairing the facade of Amtrak's 30th Street Station.

July 17, 2026

Real Estate

Philly science institute that studies human senses plans move to expand health research

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Monell Chemical Senses Center in University City is moving next year from its decades-old home on Market Street to the nearby One uCity building on North 38th Street to help support the expansion of its research.

July 16, 2026

Government

Strathmere, one of South Jersey's only free beaches, could soon require tags

by Michael Tanenbaum

Leaders in Upper Township are considering a proposal that would require beach tags to access the 1.5. mile shore in Strathmere, which is one of the only free beaches in South Jersey. Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest are the only other sizable shore communities in Cape May County that don't require beach tags.

July 16, 2026

Business

NFL assistant coach, a former GOP mayor in South Jersey, linked to Freedom Fuel Network gas stations

by Michael Tanenbaum

Former Evesham Township Mayor Randy Brown, a GOP businessman and assistant coach for the Baltimore Ravens, is linked to the Freedom Fuel Network gas stations that are endorsed by President Donald Trump.

July 15, 2026

HBO's 'Task' returns to Delco to continue filming new season in Upper Darby

by Michael Tanenbaum

Production crews for HBO's crime drama 'Task' will be in Upper Darby on Wednesday and Thursday to continue filming the second season of Brad Ingelsby's hit series. Crews were in Manayunk to shoot scenes last week.

July 14, 2026

Protests

Ahead of MLB All-Star Game, activists fly banner urging Phillies to cut ties with Citizens Bank

by Michael Tanenbaum

Before Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game, activists flew a banner over Citizens Bank Park urging the Phillies to sever ties with the bank over its ties to private prison companies that support ICE detention centers.