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 8, 2026

Transportation

Starting in June, Pa. drivers caught using cellphones will be fined $50

by Michael Tanenbaum

Drivers in Pennsylvania will soon face $50 fines if they're stopped for using a cellphone or other handheld device while behind the wheel. The regulation takes effect June 6, ending a period of written warnings only.

May 7, 2026

Transportation

Cyclists may be banned from Route 55 in South Jersey under proposed regulation

by Michael Tanenbaum

New Jersey seeks to ban cyclists from Route 55, a 40.5-mile highway that runs through parts of Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties. The proposal aims to address safety concerns.

May 6, 2026

Investigations

Cheltenham woman accused of stealing nearly $1 million worth of lingerie to sell online

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Montgomery County woman allegedly stole nearly $1 million in lingerie, including from Victoria's Secret stores in six states, to sell online, police say. Tiffany R. Halley, 41, of Cheltenham, faces more than 293 felony counts of retail theft.

May 6, 2026

Arts & Culture

Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art plans $100 million expansion with 325-acre nature preserve

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art is planning a $100 million renovation that will add a museum building with 14,000 square feet of new gallery space and a 325-acre public nature preserve to the campus in Chadds Ford.

May 6, 2026

Business

New Philly sports shop on South Street gives local artists a space to sell apparel

by Michael Tanenbaum

Foley's: The Philly Sports Shop will open Sunday, May 10, on South Street, offering a selection of apparel from local designers and signed memorabilia. The store is led by writer and Phillies superfan John Foley.

May 5, 2026

Music

Comedian Jon Stewart played drums for 'indie old man emo' band at Manayunk's Sing Us Home festival

by Michael Tanenbaum

Comedian and 'The Daily Show' host Jon Stewart was in Manayunk over the weekend playing drums with his little-known band, Church and State, to perform at the Sing Us Home festival on Venice Island.

May 4, 2026

Women's Health

Supreme Court temporarily restores mail access to abortion pill

by Michael Tanenbaum

The U.S. Supreme Court has restored temporary mail and telehealth access to the abortion drug mifepristone through May 11. Its order pauses a lower court ruling that banned telehealth and mail access to the drug, which is used in half of abortions in the United States.

May 4, 2026

Business

The World Cup may put American tipping norms to the test this summer

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia restaurants may opt to include 20% service charges for customers during the World Cup this summer. Many international cultures don't tip, raising a mirror to the way the hospitality industry works for businesses, service workers and consumers in the United States.

May 4, 2026

2026 Election

Stacy Garrity says she would veto recreational marijuana bill as Pa. governor

by Michael Tanenbaum

Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity says she is opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana and would veto any bill to do so if she's elected. Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, supports legalization.

May 1, 2026

Business

In Crust We Trust joins Fishtown's growing pizza scene at former Vince's storefront

by Michael Tanenbaum

In Crust We Trust, a new pizzeria with pies themed around Black history in Philly, will open in May at the storefront of the former Vince's Pizzeria on Frankford Avenue. The restaurant will be led by Anyae Wilson, daughter of Amina owner Felicia Wilson.