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

October 24, 2015

Music

David Bowie plans January release for new album 'Blackstar'

by Michael Tanenbaum

Legendary English rocker David Bowie is slated to release another signature, space-themed album in the coming months, but this time he's taking a decidedly jazzy turn.

October 24, 2015

SEPTA

SEPTA approves two new sustainability projects

by Michael Tanenbaum

In an effort to cut energy consumption and improve the resilience of its facilities, the board of SEPTA approved two new sustainability projects Friday that will be completed over the next two years.

October 24, 2015

Exhibits

Franklin Institute debuts revamped SportsZone exhibit

by Michael Tanenbaum

This weekend, the Franklin Institute officially opened the doors to its revamped SportsZone exhibit, a popular attraction during a 15-year run that now boasts 21 activities to capture the advancements of sports science since the turn of the century.

October 24, 2015

Accidents

Girl dies in tractor accident on Pennsylvania farm

by Michael Tanenbaum

Officials in Lancaster County announced that a young girl died on her family's Little Britain Township farm after she was run over by a tractor.

October 24, 2015

Transportation

SkyTran lifts air taxis a step closer to reality

by Michael Tanenbaum

Air taxis of the near future aren't exactly straight out of "The Fifth Element," but California-based SkyTran's pilot program for an aerial mass transit system could be a big step toward proving the concept feasible.

October 24, 2015

Threats

N.J. candidate Chintall receives death threat carried by arrow

by Michael Tanenbaum

Police in West Deptford, New Jersey, are investigating after former mayor and current township committee candidate Ray Chintall received a death threat this week in the form of an arrow containing a hostile message.

October 23, 2015

Breakfast

Maple Bacon among five odd new Pop Tarts flavors

by Michael Tanenbaum

Kellogg's Pop Tarts are in their 51st year of existence, and as the beloved breakfast snack prepares its return in the Halloween flavors Pumpkin Pie and Spookylicious, fans of the toasted pastry can look forward to five new flavors that will explore previously uncharted territory.

October 23, 2015

Agriculture

Five destructive insect species, one first-in-nation, intercepted in Philadelphia

by Michael Tanenbaum

Agriculture specialists with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently intercepted five species of insect pests, including one beetle that had never previously been reported in the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Thursday.

October 23, 2015

Investigation

Parents claim woman pulled gun on students at North Philly school

by Michael Tanenbaum

Several parents of children at Bayard Taylor Elementary in North Philadelphia appeared at the school Friday morning to demand greater safety after they claim a woman pulled a gun on four students during an argument Thursday afternoon.

October 23, 2015

Obituaries

Oldest polar bear in U.S., Klondike, dies at Philadelphia Zoo

by Michael Tanenbaum

Animal care staff at the Philadelphia Zoo announced Friday that Klondike, the oldest polar bear in the United States, was euthanized at age 34 due to a substantial recent decline in her medical condition.