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 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

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.

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 15, 2026

Philadelphia 250

Pope Leo XIV to deliver speech on America's founding ideals as part of Philly's July 4th celebrations

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pope Leo XIV will accept the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center on July 3, 2026 by making a speech from the Vatican. It will be broadcast live from Independence Mall as part of the Wawa Welcome America festival celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.

March 13, 2026

History

Dog discovers 10,000-year-old walrus fossil at Jersey Shore

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum in Gloucester County received a fossil of a walrus femur that was found by a man walking his dog on the beach in Bay Head, Ocean County in January. The fossil dates back 10,000 years or more.

March 13, 2026

Lawsuits

Philly sues gun maker Glock for allegedly marketing illegal switch devices

by Michael Tanenbaum

The city of Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit against Austrian gun manufacturer Glock, alleging the company promotes the use of illegal 'switch' devices that turn their pistols into fully automatic weapons. .

March 12, 2026

Investigations

Man charged with vandalizing monuments at Gettysburg battlefield

by Michael Tanenbaum

The National Park Service says two Civil War monuments were vandalized in September by a Carlisle man who carved his initials into the memorials at Gettysburg National Military Park. Lucas J. Reisinger, 36, now faces charges.

March 11, 2026

Food & Drink

Fergie's Pub billboard spoofs glut of ads on I-95 for personal injury lawyers

by Michael Tanenbaum

Fergie's Pub, the Center City bar, has a new billboard on Interstate 95 that pokes fun at Philly's slew of advertisements for personal injury law firms.

March 11, 2026

Development

76ers, Comcast pause demolition of Market East buildings, allowing for summer pop-up shops

by Michael Tanenbaum

The 76ers and Comcast Spectacor will delay demolishing a row of buildings on East Market Street until after the World Cup and Philly's celebrations of the nation's 250th anniversary in July. Instead, Center City District plans retail pop-ups and streetscape improvements for this summer's events.