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

May 4, 2016

Protests

Philly soda tax protesters descend on City Hall for opposition rally

by Michael Tanenbaum

A large crowd of citizens, local businesses and elected officials rallied outside City Hall on Wednesday afternoon to protest Mayor Jim Kenney's proposed 3-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary beverages in Philadelphia, which has inspired a heated publicity war over a plan to funding universal pre-K, parks improvements and community schools.

May 4, 2016

On The Market

Ryan Howard's Blue Bell home hits the market

by Michael Tanenbaum

Ryan Howard's Montgomery County home hits the market

May 3, 2016

Inspirations

Pennsylvania teen with 37 dates crowned prom king

by Michael Tanenbaum

After sixteen years in his school district, a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man on the verge of graduating high school was crowned prom king when 37 supportive ladies joined him as dates for the annual dance.

May 3, 2016

Politics

Michael Bloomberg to fund campaign for Philly soda tax

by Michael Tanenbaum

Billionaire philanthropist and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg will reportedly provide financial support for the divisive campaign to introduce a sugary-drinks tax in Philadelphia.

May 3, 2016

Amusement Parks

Knoebels named 'best family park' in United States

by Michael Tanenbaum

The season for adrenaline-filled amusement park visits has arrived, and while there are plenty of options throughout the region, families may want to plan a road trip to Elysburg this year to experience the classic atmosphere at Knoebels, whose full history stretches back to 1775.

May 2, 2016

Lawsuits

FOP sues former Philly officer-turned-whistleblower over online allegations

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police has filed a defamation lawsuit against a former Philadelphia police officer whose Facebook account attempts to expose alleged crimes committed by multiple active police officers.

May 2, 2016

Charges

Upper Dublin H.S. teacher charged with sexual assault of student

by Michael Tanenbaum

A teacher at Upper Dublin High School in Montgomery County was charged Monday with Institutional Sexual Assault after investigators say she allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a male student.

May 2, 2016

Transportation

PennDOT unveils new flashing yellow left turn signal

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced Monday that it is implementing a safer, more efficient left turn signal in various traffic lights across the state, beginning with a deployment in Lower Allen Township in Cumberland County.

May 2, 2016

Environment

Reports: Oil sheen spotted in Schuylkill River in Philadelphia

by Michael Tanenbaum

Officials with the Philadelphia police and fire departments are investigating after an oil sheen was reportedly spotted Monday afternoon in the Schuylkill River in Center City.

May 2, 2016

Civics

Should Philly drum up civic pride with this new(ish) flag design?

by Michael Tanenbaum

The importance of flags to the creation of civic pride can hardly be understated: just look at the title of our national anthem to see where Francis Scott Key got his inspiration. At the city and state level, though citizens generally tend to be less aware of their respective flags, some advocates of "reflagging" believe this is a missed opportunity to unite communities around a symbolic cause.