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 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.

April 8, 2025

Investigations

Camden County woman allegedly sought hitman on Tinder to kill Philly police officer, his daughter

by Michael Tanenbaum

Jaclyn Diiorio, 26, of Runnemede, is charged with offering $12,000 for the killings of her ex-boyfriend — a Philadelphia police officer — and his 19-year-old daughter last week, Camden County prosecutors said. Diiorio allegedly orchestrated the murder-for-hire plot after meeting a confidential informant on Tinder.

April 8, 2025

Arts & Culture

Mütter Museum parts ways with director who questioned ethics of displaying human remains

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Mütter Museum parted ways Monday with Executive Director Kate Quinn, who spearheaded a contentious ethical review of its policies for displaying human remains. Quinn joined the museum in 2022 and faced backlash over her initiative to change its practices and traditions.

April 7, 2025

Real Estate

Baseball legend Reggie Jackson's childhood home in Montgomery County to be demolished next week

by Michael Tanenbaum

The abandoned Wyncote, Pennsylvania home where baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson grew up will be demolished starting Monday, April 14. The two-story property at 149 Greenwood Ave. once doubled as a tailor shop run by Jackson's father. It will be replaced by a parking lot for a co-working space and gym.

April 7, 2025

Business

401(k) creator gives investment advice as Trump's tariff turmoil sends stock markets spiraling

by Michael Tanenbaum

The tumbling stock market has left many Americans anxious about their 401(k) plans and what moves to make to protect their investment portfolios. Ted Benna, the founder of the 401(k) plan, says older Americans near retirement or already out of the workforce should think seriously about moving their assets to less risky investments.