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

June 23, 2026

Government

6ABC urges viewers to push back against FCC threat to station's license

by Michael Tanenbaum

6ABC and seven other Disney-owned local news stations are facing mandatory early license renewals as part of a probe by the Federal Communications Commission. Another investigation scrutinizes the status ABC's 'The View.'

June 22, 2026

Music

Dave Matthews Band to stream upcoming tour on nugs, the live music platform founded in Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

Dave Matthews Band is now partnering with live music streaming platform nugs, which was founded in Philadelphia more than three decades ago. The company gives subscribers access to official concert soundboard recordings.

June 17, 2026

Government

Mount Holly cancels Fourth of July festival, citing 'alarming violence' at recent Burlington County events

by Michael Tanenbaum

Mount Holly has canceled its annual Fourth of July celebration at Iron Works Park over concerns about recent disturbances at other public events and carnivals in Burlington County. The township and police say the cost to create a strong security plan would be too high to move forward with a festival to mark the nation's 250th anniversary.

June 17, 2026

Courts

Mayor Parker praises Pa. Supreme Court ruling on 'predatory' skill games

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker says she supports the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that found skill games must be regulated as slot machines. Parker said the terminals prey on vulnerable residents in poorer communities.

June 16, 2026

Lawsuits

Family of CHOP doctor killed by drunk driver while biking in Center City files wrongful death lawsuit

by Michael Tanenbaum

The family of Barbara Friedes, a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia doctor killed by a drunk driver while riding her bike in Center City two years ago, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the man who was behind the wheel. Michael Vahey is now serving six to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty last year.

June 16, 2026

Government

As invasive fly that threatens pets and livestock enters Texas, Pennsylvania and New Jersey take precautions

by Michael Tanenbaum

The New World Screwworm, a fly species that feeds on wounds of livestock and pets, was detected in Texas this month. Officials in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are taking steps to prevent the spread of the invasive insect.

June 15, 2026

History

With a history of music and beer, Lemon Hill has always been a 'place for parties'

by Michael Tanenbaum

The history of Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park, the site of Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Festival, stretches back centuries to the arrival of William Penn. The grounds went on to become Philadelphia's first public park.

June 12, 2026

Marijuana

Pa. Senate Democrats reject bill to create independent board for marijuana, hemp regulation

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Republican-sponsored bill to create an independent Cannabis Control Board in Pennsylvania was voted down by the Senate on Wednesday as political tensions persist in the state's push for marijuana reform.

June 12, 2026

Recreation

Philly man aims to run across Pennsylvania faster than anyone ever has

by Michael Tanenbaum

Ultramarathon runner Bud Wilson, 58, of Philadelphia, seeks to run across Pennsylvania in six days — a record time for the 361-mile route. He'll start outside Pittsburgh on Sunday and end at the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. He is raising money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

June 11, 2026

Education

Drexel gets record $112.6 million gift for new robotics and aerospace facilities

by Michael Tanenbaum

Drexel University has received a record $112.6 million gift to create new facilities for robotics and aerospace engineering and research. The gift comes from the Howley Foundation, named after Drexel alumnus Nick Howley.