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 9, 2025

Alternative Medicine

Anxiety diagnoses have fueled growth of Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program

by Michael Tanenbaum

Since Pennsylvania made clinical anxiety a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in 2019, the mental health disorder has become the leading diagnosis provided for patients seeking licenses from the state, a new study out of the University of Pittsburgh shows.

July 8, 2025

Investigations

Philly man charged with stealing nude photos from phones and posting them online

by Michael Tanenbaum

Tyler Jones, 33, allegedly gained access to the phones of at least five victims or their partners to take their nude phones and post them on the internet, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General said Tuesday. Jones was convicted in 2013 of secretly filming women undressing in a bathroom in Switzerland and later uploading the videos online from his dorm room at Villanova University. Jones pleaded guilty in that case and now faces a slew of new charges.

July 7, 2025

Business

Navy Yard gets $100 million investment to ramp up submarine manufacturing

by Michael Tanenbaum

Maritime manufacturer Rhoads Industries is investing $100 million to expand its facilities at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia and ramp up its work in the production of submarines. The nearly 130-year-old company says it plans to add about 450 jobs and construct a 95,000-square-foot manufacturing facility dedicated to the U.S. Navy's submarine program.

July 7, 2025

Business

Waymo is testing robotaxis in Philly on 'road trip' to refine self-driving tech

by Michael Tanenbaum

Robotaxi service Waymo will have a fleet of autonomous vehicles in Philadelphia this summer as part of the company's road trip tour to enhance its self-driving technology by exploring new areas. Waymo will not be available to the public for ride-hailing during the company's time in Philadelphia, but the visit could be a sign that the city is a target for expansion in the not-so-distant future.

July 3, 2025

Politics

In first major poll for N.J. governor, Mikie Sherrill opens with big lead over Jack Ciattarelli

by Michael Tanenbaum

In the race for New Jersey governor, Democrat Mikie Sherrill had a 20-point advantage over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a Rutgers-Eagleton poll released Wednesday. Among independent voters in the poll, 45% said they would cast a ballot for Sherrill compared with 28% for Ciattarelli, who was backed by President Donald Trump in the GOP primary election. Ciattarelli narrowly lost to Gov. Phil Murphy in the 2021 gubernatorial election.

July 3, 2025

Courts

Supreme Court to hear cases on state bans against transgender athletes

by Michael Tanenbaum

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear cases on state laws in West Virginia and Idaho that restrict transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports. The decision will give justices a look at another conflict over transgender rights after recent rulings upholding bans on military service and gender-affirming care for minors.

July 2, 2025

Investigations

Man who breached Philly airport security to catch his plane must pay American Airlines $59,000 in restitution

by Michael Tanenbaum

Jonathan Beaulieu, who skipped a TSA checkpoint at Philadelphia International Airport to board his flight in June 2024 has been ordered to pay $59,000 in restitution to American Airlines for the cancelation of the flight, federal prosecutors said. Beaulieu, 32, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the security breach.

July 2, 2025

Transportation

SEPTA to begin charging for parking lots on weekends and holidays

by Michael Tanenbaum

Starting Monday, July 7, SEPTA will charge customers for use of the authority's surface parking lots and three garages on weekends and holidays. The fees, already in effect on weekdays, are $2 for surface lots and $4 for the garages at Frankford Transportation Center, Norristown Transportation Center and Lansdale Station. SEPTA says year-round fees are necessary in face of its budget crisis. All lots previously were free for a four-year period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2, 2025

Investigations

Wyncote man's alleged warranty fraud scheme cost tech company $250,000 in hard drives

by Michael Tanenbaum

Kwan Woo Lee, 29, of Wyncote, allegedly defrauded Seagate Technology out of $250,000 by exploiting the company's warranty policy. Over a period lasting more than a year, Lee allegedly submitted false claims on the company's hardware to obtain more than 400 devices, prosecutors said. Dozens were resold on the secondary market, and Lee allegedly used prepaid cards to avoid being charged for replacement hard drives. He's charged with corrupt organizations, theft by unlawful taking and related offenses.

July 1, 2025

Recreation

Philly's newest waterfront park opens in Bridesburg later this month

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philly's new Robert Borski Park on the Delaware Riverfront in Bridesburg open to the public July 11. Located at 3150 Orthodox St., it is 10 acres of greenery, meadows and trails, named for a former U.S. congressman.