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

February 17, 2026

Investigations

N.J. attorney general drops racketeering case against George Norcross, 5 others

by Michael Tanenbaum

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport will drop the state's racketeering case against George E. Norcross III, the Democratic powerbroker and insurance executive who was accused with five others of corruption on the Camden waterfront.

February 16, 2026

Courts

N.J. man sentenced to decades in prison for fatal shooting at Bucks County strip club

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Trenton man has been sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison for fatally shooting a bystander at the Border Gentleman's Club in Morrisville, Bucks County on Aug. 29, 2024. Mekhi Norman, 28, was struck multiple times when he attempted to intervene in a fight on behalf of the club's staff.

February 16, 2026

Business

Cake & Joe's third cafe opens this week in Center City

by Michael Tanenbaum

Cake and Joe will open a new cafe in Center City at 1735 Market St. on Feb. 18. The first 100 will get free individual cakes. Owners Sarah Qi and Trista Tang opened their first shop in Pennsport in 2020, followed by a second cafe in Fishtown in 2022.

February 13, 2026

Education

Amid concern over ICE raids in region, Philly school district reaffirms policy to protect students

by Michael Tanenbaum

The School District of Philadelphia sent a letter to families Friday reaffirming its policy to protect student privacy and safety if ICE agents conduct operations near schools. The district said there have been no verified reports of ICE at school properties.

February 13, 2026

Government

DoorDash, Uber Eats can deliver alcohol in 30 states, but not Pennsylvania. Lawmakers may change that

by Michael Tanenbaum

A proposed law that would allow DoorDash, Uber Eats and other third-party services to deliver alcohol in Pennsylvania is being considered by state lawmakers. Thirty states, including New Jersey, allow third-party delivery of beer, wine and cocktails.

February 12, 2026

Investigations

FBI captures fugitive wanted for death of 5-year-old Philly girl in 2000

by Michael Tanenbaum

FBI agents arrested Alexis Flores in Honduras nearly 26 years after 5-year-old Iriana DeJesus was raped and killed in North Philadelphia. Flores had been on the FBI's Most Wanted list for nearly two decades.

February 12, 2026

Transportation

Speed cameras in five Philly school zones to be activated next week

by Michael Tanenbaum

Five school zones in Philadelphia will have speed enforcement cameras activated next week by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. There will be a 60-day warning period before drivers will be fined for exceeding the 15 mph speed limit.

February 11, 2026

Investigations

Upper Dublin man allegedly tried to hire a hitman to kill ex-girlfriend, two others in New York

by Michael Tanenbaum

Eric Berkowitz, 41, of Dresher, allegedly sought a hitman to help him kill his ex-girlfriend and two men in New York, Montgomery County prosecutors say. The man Berkowitz approached with a plan for the killings went to police.

February 11, 2026

Transportation

Philly to put up 'No Stopping' signs along bike lanes citywide after receiving $1 million from PennDOT

by Michael Tanenbaum

A $1 million grant from PennDOT will pay for Philadelphia to install 'No Stopping' signs along bike lanes citywide. The change is needed after a law banned temporary parking in bike lanes and increasing penalties for violators. The current signs only say 'No Parking.'

February 10, 2026

Wildlife

Bald eagle laid two eggs at Lancaster County farm, and a livestream is set up to watch them hatch

by Michael Tanenbaum

At a Lancaster County farm, a female bald eagle laid two eggs that are expected to hatch in March. The nest has a 24/7 livestream that's hosted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and HDOnTap.