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

August 20, 2025

Development

Bronze cast of former St. Laurentius Church may be included in Fishtown townhouse project

by Michael Tanenbaum

Fishtown's former St. Laurentius Church was demolished in recent years after a lengthy preservation battle to save it. A bronze cast of the structure could be placed near the townhomes planned at the site.

August 20, 2025

Children's Health

Doctor group recommends COVID vaccine for young children, bucking new federal guidance for parents

by Michael Tanenbaum

Children between 6 and 23 months old should receive COVID-19 shots, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. It's a move contrary to recent guidance from a CDC committee overhauled by Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

August 20, 2025

Development

Revised proposal to redevelop Exton Square Mall gets key backing from planning commission

by Michael Tanenbaum

Developer Abrams Realty's plan to turn Exton Square Mall into a mixed-use town center received unanimous backing from West Whiteland Township's planning commission after revisions were made to an earlier version of the project.

August 19, 2025

Arts & Culture

Mütter Museum to keep human remains on display but with greater sensitivity

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Mütter Museum will continue displaying human remains but with more context into the medical histories of thousands of people whose bodies are exhibited. The decisions follows a two-year ethical review and leadership changes at the Center City museum.

August 18, 2025

Investigations

Man charged with drawing gun and threatening staff at Abington pool

by Michael Tanenbaum

Makai Upshaw-Ivory, 26, of Elkins Park, has been charged with drawing a gun and threatening staff and the public at Penbryn Pool in Abington Township on Sunday afternoon.

August 18, 2025

Politics

Pa. Treasurer Stacy Garrity to run for governor against Josh Shapiro

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced Monday she will run for governor next year against Democrat Josh Shapiro, who may be vying for the White House in 2028. Garrity hopes to become the first woman elected governor in Pennsylvania.

August 13, 2025

Politics

Sylvester Stallone, who once compared Donald Trump to Rocky Balboa, chosen as Kennedy Center honoree

by Michael Tanenbaum

President Donald Trump announced longtime supporter Sylvester Stallone is one of this year's Kennedy Center honorees. Trump, who chairs the Kennedy Center board, will host the ceremony in December.

August 13, 2025

Technology

Strange light seen in Philly sky Tuesday night likely caused by rocket launch

by Michael Tanenbaum

People in Philadelphia and along much of the East Coast saw a unusual display of light in the sky on Tuesday night. The glowing, boomerang-shaped light likely was caused by one of two rocket launched that took place in Florida and Europe.

August 13, 2025

Government

City will return controversial Frank Rizzo statue to original owners

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Art Commission voted Wednesday to return the statue of former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo to the monument committee that commissioned it. The sculpture was removed from outside the Municipal Services Building amid protests in 2020.

August 12, 2025

Entertainment

John Oliver to perform New Year's Eve stand-up set at the Met Philadelphia

by Michael Tanenbaum

Comedian and 'Last Week Tonight' host John Oliver will perform a stand-up set on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Met Philadelphia. Oliver's New Year's Eve show in Philly is part of a four-city tour to close out the year.