Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Tanenbaum Headshot

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

September 30, 2026

Lawsuits

Alleged scammer sold fake permits for spotted lanternfly eradication in Pennsylvania

An Idaho man is being sued by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office for allegedly scamming businesses into buying fake permits and training courses for the eradication of the invasive spotted lanternfly. Prosecutors allege Kevin Wardell sent out fraudulent letters presented as warnings from the Department of Agriculture.

September 30, 2026

Investigations

Montgomery County DA charges 46 businesses with selling illegal THC products

Nearly 50 smoke shops, gas stations and corner stores were charged Thursday with selling illegal THC products in a monthslong investigation by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau and other agencies, officials said.

September 30, 2026

Business

Northern Liberties bar and music venue the Fire to close after 27-year run

The Fire, the longtime bar and music venue in Northern Liberties that hosted artists including John Legend and My Chemical Romance, will close with a final performance Wednesday night after a run of 27 years.

September 29, 2026

Government

Trump administration scraps plan to use South Jersey military base for ICE detention

The Trump administration has abandoned plans to use South Jersey's Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for ICE detention, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.

September 29, 2026

Development

A data center developer is offering $10,000 payments to win the support of Poconos residents

The developer behind a proposed data center campus in Hazle Township, a rural community in the foothills of Pennsylvania's Pocono mountains, is trying to entice local support for its project by offering $10,000 checks to about 4,500 households.

September 29, 2026

Lifestyle

Can Bathhouse, the new 'anti-spa' in Center City, cure anxieties about going to wellness spaces?

Bathhouse, the new social wellness club that opened with saunas and pools at the Bellevue Hotel, offered PhillyVoice a chance to try out its amenities. Here are impressions and lessons learned from the experience.

September 28, 2026

Education

For the deaf community, attending a Phillies game is a different sensation — and a platform

Students from the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf attended Friday night's Phillies game and performed the national anthem using American Sign Language. The school says greater visibility for the deaf community is important for breaking down barriers and overcoming misconceptions.

September 24, 2026

Lawsuits

Crocs sues Five Below, claiming it ripped off its designs for clogs and charms

Crocs is suing Philadelphia-based discount retailer Five Below over the design of its clogs and charms, alleging the company is imitating Crocs footwear and charms to sell at a lower price.

September 23, 2026

History

Notice a historical marker is missing? Don't worry, it's likely just under repair

Pennsylvania state historical markers in Philadelphia will be repaired over the coming weeks to fix cracks and make cosmetic improvements. The city has more than 300 of the blue and yellow signs.

September 23, 2026

Social Justice

Philly teacher, activist admits she lied for years about being Palestinian and Black

Hannah Gann, a white Philly teacher and local activist, admitted that for years she pretended she was Black and Palestinian. She said she deceived racial justice organizers, who called her actions a 'betrayal.'

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