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

November 24, 2025

Media

Matt Cord to fill 93.3 WMMR's midday slot, succeeding the late Pierre Robert

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia radio veteran Matt Cord will take over the midday slot at 93.3 WMMR on Dec. 1. He will fill the vacancy left by beloved disc jockey Pierre Robert, who died last month. This will be Cord's third stint with WMMR.

November 24, 2025

Courts

Two men found guilty in 2023 airport shooting that killed Philly police officer Richard Mendez

by Michael Tanenbaum

Yobrani Martinez-Fernandez, 20, and Hendrick Pena-Fernandez, 23, were convicted Monday in the October 2023 shooting that killed 50-year-old Philadelphia police officer Richard Mendez in an airport parking garage.

November 21, 2025

Where will 'Task' creator Brad Ingelsby take HBO's Delco drama in Season 2?

by Michael Tanenbaum

HBO is bringing back 'Task' for a second season, raising questions about how creator Brad Ingelsby will move the Delco crime drama forward after the explosive end to Season 1 and how Mark Ruffalo's role as FBI agent Tom Brandis will evolve?

November 21, 2025

Government

Trump administration threatens Pa. over driver's licenses 'illegally' issued to immigrant truckers

by Michael Tanenbaum

The U.S. Department of Transportation said this week it would withhold $75 million in federal funding from Pennsylvania if the state does not meet demands to address how it issues commercial driver's licenses to immigrants.

November 20, 2025

Music

The War on Drugs' holiday benefit concert series is revived with three shows at Johnny Brenda's

by Michael Tanenbaum

The War on Drugs will play three nights at Johnny Brenda's in Fishtown with proceeds going to the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia. The Philly rockers are reviving the 'Drugcember to Remember' for the first time since 2022.

November 20, 2025

'Task' renewed by HBO for second season with Mark Ruffalo returning to Delco crime drama

by Michael Tanenbaum

HBO's crime drama 'Task,' set in Delaware County, will return for a second season with star Mark Ruffalo reprising his role as FBI agent Tom Brandis. The series by showrunner Brad Ingelsby was a hit with audiences during Season 1's seven episode run.

November 19, 2025

Government

Trump administration approves $1 billion loan for restart of nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island

by Michael Tanenbaum

The U.S. Department of Energy is providing a $1 billion loan to back the restart of a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island. The plant, owned by Constellation Energy, will be used to power a new Microsoft AI data center.

November 19, 2025

Investigations

Nonprofit leader in Delco charged with misusing opioid settlement funds for sex trafficking

by Michael Tanenbaum

The director of the Opioid Crisis Action Network in Delaware County was charged Wednesday in a sex trafficking investigation. Prosecutors allege Larry Arata misused opioid settlement funds to bribe women for sexual favors.

November 19, 2025

Transportation

SEPTA to end ticket sales at nine more Regional Rail offices on Dec. 31

by Michael Tanenbaum

SEPTA will stop selling Regional Rail tickets at nine more stations — including Temple and Penn Medicine — on Dec. 31 as more riders rely on other methods to purchase fares.

November 18, 2025

Lawsuits

Vineland pays $1 million to settle man's lawsuit alleging group of police officers used excessive force

by Michael Tanenbaum

The city of Vineland in South Jersey reached a $1 million settlement with a man who filed a civil rights lawsuit alleging a group of police officers beat him excessively and ordered a K9 to attack him during an arrest in 2018.