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 20, 2026

Development

Temple joins plan for transit-oriented district near Amtrak's North Philly station

by Michael Tanenbaum

Temple University is partnering with Shift Capital and Essence Development on a long-term plan to revitalize about 6 acres of land and vacant buildings that surround Amtrak's North Philadelphia station.

March 20, 2026

Transportation

Benjamin Franklin Bridge will close to traffic in July for 100th anniversary celebration

by Michael Tanenbaum

A 100th anniversary celebration of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge will be held July 11. The Delaware River Port Authority plans to close the span to traffic for an event that will include music, food trucks and historical displays.

March 19, 2026

Movies

Philly filmmaker's new Netflix doc delves into early years of Red Hot Chili Peppers

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia-based filmmaker Ben Feldman explores the formation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in a new Netflix documentary that showcases the influence of founding guitarist Hillel Slovak, who died of a heroin overdose in 1988.

March 19, 2026

Food & Drink

Lucky Duck in Northern Liberties aims to be a 'trailblazer' on the Delaware River

by Michael Tanenbaum

Lucky Duck, a new bar on the Delaware River waterfront in Northern Liberties, offers a sweeping view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The restaurant is the second in Philly from the owners of Francisville's mini golf bar Libertee Grounds.

March 19, 2026

Maya Hawke cast in Liz Moore's 'The God of the Woods' adaptation for Netflix

by Michael Tanenbaum

'Stranger Things' star Maya Hawke has been cast in a leading role for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of 'The God of the Woods,' the best-selling crime novel from Philadelphia-based author and Temple University professor Liz Moore.

March 17, 2026

Entertainment

Roots Picnic moves to Belmont Plateau with Jay-Z as headliner

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Roots Picnic will move to Belmont Plateau in West Fairmount Park this year. Jay-Z and the Roots will headline the two-day hip-hop festival, which is now in its 19th year.

March 17, 2026

Wildlife

Livestream gives 24/7 access to newly hatched eaglet at Lancaster County farm

by Michael Tanenbaum

A bald eagle chick has hatched at the Lancaster County farm where a 24/7 livestream is set up. The clutch of four eggs this year is relatively uncommon among bald eagles, but the mother has had a 'four-pack' three times in five years.

March 16, 2026

Lawsuits

Future of Sesame Place in jeopardy amid lawsuit over royalties

by Michael Tanenbaum

Sesame Workshop, which owns the Sesame Street brand, is suing theme park owner SeaWorld over a contract dispute that could end the companies' decades-long relationship and jeopardize the future of Sesame Place in Bucks County.

March 16, 2026

Transportation

Getting PennDOT to fix a nasty Broad Street pothole was surprisingly easy

by Michael Tanenbaum

PennDOT repaired a pothole at the intersection of Broad Street and Girard Avenue six days after PhillyVoice submitted a report to the agency requesting maintenance. It's one of thousands potholes that have been repaired this spring.

March 16, 2026

Courts

Man who decapitated seagull in North Wildwood got 'slap on the wrist,' animal advocates say

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Cape May man who decapitated a seagull in North Wildwood in 2024 was sentenced to eight months in prison for animal cruelty. He was released for time served, which animal advocates called a 'profoundly' disappointing outcome.