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

April 16, 2025

Investigations

Man accused of setting fire to Josh Shapiro's home cited governor's views on Palestinians, police say

by Michael Tanenbaum

The suspect charged with setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's Harrisburg home on Sunday allegedly called 911 and cited the governor's views on Palestinians, according to a search warrant. Cody Balmer, 38, fled the property and later called 911 to surrender to police, authorities said.

April 16, 2025

Business

Soul food restaurant Amina to replace SIN in Northern Liberties

by Michael Tanenbaum

Amina is moving from Old City to a much larger space in Northern Liberties that, until last week, housed the steakhouse SIN. Amina owner Felicia Wilson and Chef Darryl Harmon opened in Amina three years ago, earning praise for their fusion of Southern soul food and West African influences.

April 15, 2025

Courts

Driver who fatally struck CHOP doctor on her bike pleads guilty to DUI

by Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Vahey, the driver who fatally striking CHOP doctor Barbara Friedes on her bike in Center City last July, pleaded guilty Tuesday to homicide by vehicle, DUI and related offenses. Vahey was speeding and had a blood-alcohol concentration more than twice the legal limit, prosecutors said.

April 15, 2025

Business

Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City to add mini golf course with a bar, more new restaurants

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic city is adding a mini golf course with a bar, several new restaurants and 559 revamped guest rooms as part of a $50 million renovation project. That's in addition to the two Stephen Starr restaurants opening there.

April 14, 2025

Investigations

Swarthmore College grads identified among 6 killed in New York plane crash

by Michael Tanenbaum

Six people were killed Saturday afternoon when a private plane crashed in northern New York near the border of Massachusetts. Among the victims were three alumni of Swarthmore College, the small school in Delaware County said Monday afternoon. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

April 14, 2025

Investigations

What's known about the man accused of setting fire to Gov. Josh Shapiro's home in Harrisburg

by Michael Tanenbaum

Cody Balmer, the 38-year-old man accused of arson at Gov. Josh Shapiro's home in Harrisburg, was charged with attempted homicide, terrorism and related offenses after surrendering to authorities on Sunday. Balmer allegedly told police he would have attacked Shapiro if he had encountered him.

April 10, 2025

Government

All Pennsylvania state troopers are now equipped with body cameras

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pennsylvania State Police completed their rollout of a $40 million body-camera program that equips all troopers with the technology, which is increasingly considered crucial to transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The program also includes improved dashboard cameras in state police vehicles.

April 10, 2025

Transportation

SEPTA plans to hike fares and drastically cut service to avoid budget crisis

by Michael Tanenbaum

Faced with an impending fiscal crisis, SEPTA proposed a budget Thursday that would raise fares by 21.5% in September and cut service by 20% in late August if additional funding is not provided by the state. Regional Rail lines and bus, subway and trolley routes could be eliminated or shortened.

April 9, 2025

Transportation

Programs offering free SEPTA rides to city workers, low-income residents on track for extensions

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said she will not get rid of the program that gives free SEPTA rides to city employees and is working on deal that will continue another program subsidizing fares for thousands of low-income residents. Parker previously had said she would not seek funding to maintain the two programs created under former Mayor Jim Kenney.

April 9, 2025

Courts

Man's bid to cash in $59,500 worth of chips from 1980s-era Playboy casino rejected in N.J. court

by Michael Tanenbaum

A New Jersey court panel ruled that a man can't redeem $59,500 in gaming chips from the former Playboy Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, which shut down in 1984. The man purchased the chips — most of which were supposed to have been destroyed decades ago — in an online auction.