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.
February 28, 2025
Development
University City food hall plan revived at Bulletin Building after original operator withdrew from project
Gather Food Hall will open this fall in the Philadelphia Bulletin building near 30th Street Station, featuring six local eateries led by chef Akhtar Nawab after Urbanspace withdrew from the original project.February 28, 2025
Recreation
Kingda Ka, once the world's tallest roller coaster, demolished at Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey demolished the Kingda Ka roller coaster on Friday morning. The 456-foot-tall ride had long held the record as the world's tallest roller coaster before it was shut down last year to make way for new rides. Kingda Ka debuted at Six Flags in 2005.February 27, 2025
Investigations
Man charged with fatally shooting woman, dumping her body in West Philly trash can
Ricardo Ponds, 61, of West Philadelphia, is charged with fatally shooting 54-year-old Deborah Leatherberry and then disposing her body in a trash can in the city's Mill Creek neighborhood in late January, police said.February 27, 2025
Social Media
SS United States floats along Florida coast headed to Alabama, attracting curious onlookers
The SS United States' journey from South Philly to Alabama reached Florida this week. Photos shared on social media show the ship passing West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The vessel is destined to sunk to make an artificial reef.February 26, 2025
Courts
Racketeering charges against George Norcross, 5 others dismissed by New Jersey judge
The racketeering case against George Norcross III and five co-defendants was dismissed by a New Jersey Superior Court judge Tuesday. The insurance executive and Democratic powerbroker was charged last year with exploiting government programs and intimidating business rivals to control redevelopment of properties the Camden waterfront.February 26, 2025
Business
During a normally slow time for tourism, Center City hotels cashed in on the Eagles' Super Bowl run
Center City hotels saw a major economic impact from the Eagles Super Bowl parade, which resulted in an extra 11,000 rooms being booked compared with the same weekend in February a year ago. The influx of visitors led to a $4.3 million boost in additional revenue, a 164% increase over the same time last year, according to a report released by Visit Philadelphia and other hospitality organizations.February 25, 2025
Education
Penn State plans to close some satellite campuses, but Philly-area branches will be spared
Penn State University will close some of the 19 satellite branches that make up the school's Commonwealth Campus system in the coming years. In a letter to the university community, Penn State President Neil Bendapudi said declining enrollment and demographic trends necessitate closures. None of the branches in the Philadelphia area — including the Abington, Brandywine and Great Valley campuses — will be affected by the closure plan.February 25, 2025
Lawsuits
Family from N.J. sues Roblox and Discord, claiming platforms are 'hunting ground' for child predators
A lawsuit claims online video game platform Roblox and chat app Discord allow child predators to exploit vulnerabilities and lax protections. The suit was filed this month by the parents of a 13-year-old boy who allegedly was targeted by a predator in New Jersey he met while playing Roblox last summer.February 24, 2025
Business
Fire at Kampar forces the South Philly restaurant to close indefinitely
A fire at Kampar will close the Malaysian restaurant for the foreseeable future while repairs are completed, chef-owner Ange Branca said. The restaurant in Bella Vista was named a semifinalist last month in the best new bar category of the prestigious James Beard Awards.February 24, 2025
Government
One year into Mayor Parker's Kensington intervention, city officials tout lower crime, better community services
Crime in Kensington has dropped by 17% and homicides are down by 45% since Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker began new efforts to reduce addiction and homelessness in the neighborhood last year. Police say they are reducing drugs on the streets, but critics say the mayor's encampment clearings have displaced problems - not solved them.
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