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

January 27, 2026

Weather

What to do when it's so cold: Fun science tricks to try during upcoming deep freeze

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia region could record its coldest temperatures since 1994 this week with lows of 2 to 3 degrees and wind chills between zero and minus 10. Here are some fun science experiments to try during the deep freeze.

January 26, 2026

Weather

As snow clean up continues in Philly, city offices closed again and schools go remote Tuesday

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia's snow emergency remains in effect as more than 9 inches of snow fell on the city. City offices and schools will be closed Tuesday with remote learning as extreme cold with below-zero wind chills arrive.

January 26, 2026

Technology

Pa., N.J. attorneys general join push to halt nonconsensual sexual deepfakes on Grok

by Michael Tanenbaum

The attorneys general of Pennsylvania and New Jersey have joined the push to stop the AI chatbot Grok — owned by billionaire Elon Musk's X platform — from generating unauthorized, deepfake sexual images.

January 26, 2026

Arts & Culture

James Ijames' latest play, 'Good Bones,' turns Sixers arena saga into allegory on gentrification

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pulitzer Prize-winner James Ijames' 'Good Bones,' playing at Arden Theater Co., examines questions on gentrification inspired by Philadelphia's contentious battle over the Sixers' abandoned plan to build a new arena in Center City.

January 23, 2026

Transportation

SEPTA tells riders to expect slow service and possible cancellations Sunday

by Michael Tanenbaum

As SEPTA prepares for this weekend's snowstorms, riders are advised to expect significant delays, bus detours and possible service shutdowns on some lines as conditions worsen on Sunday.

January 23, 2026

Weather

Five unforgettable snow moments in the Philly area, from a camel on Route 309 to TV reporters getting pummeled

by Michael Tanenbaum

As Philadelphia braces for a massive snowstorm, here's a look at some memorable winter moments in the region, from the time FOX29's Steve Keeley got drilled with snow from a plow to a camel that showed up on the side of Route 309.

January 22, 2026

Government

National Park Service removes slavery exhibits from President's House amid pressure from Trump administration

by Michael Tanenbaum

Exhibits honoring nine people who were enslaved at George Washington's house in Center City were dismantled Thursday. Michael Coard, who spearheaded the memorial's installation in 2010, called the move 'blatantly racist.'

January 21, 2026

Arts & Culture

South Street seeks artists to design new lamppost banners for beautification project

by Michael Tanenbaum

The South Street Headhouse District is calling on artists to design new banners for lampposts along the corridor. The business improvement district said the project aims to create signage that captures the neighborhood's history.

January 21, 2026

Investigations

Man wanted for breaking Humpty Dumpty statue at Cape May mini golf course surrenders to police

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Pennsylvania man who allegedly damaged a statue of Humpty Dumpty at Cape May's Ocean Putt Golf course in September surrendered to police on Monday to face criminal mischief and trespassing charges. The unusual incident at the decades-old mini golf course was caught on video, investigators say.

January 20, 2026

Government

Public-private deal will fund 'gut rehab' of senior living complex in West Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

The dilapidated Brith Sholom House, a senior complex in West Philly, will be renovated by the Philadelphia Housing Authority as part of a public-private partnership that includes a $50 million loan from a coalition of trades unions.