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.
July 24, 2025
Travel
Norwegian Cruise Line adds more 2027 voyages out of Philly port
Norwegian Cruise Line has added more trips to its itinerary out of the Port of Philadelphia in 2027, including voyages to Bermuda and Canada. The American cruise line will have two ships — Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl — operating out of Philly over the next two years. The city has not had a cruise industry since 2011.July 23, 2025
Transportation
Despite SEPTA's budget cliff, Roosevelt Boulevard subway backers seek path to Northeast Philly extension
As SEPTA prepares to make drastic service cuts and raise fares in the coming months, transit researchers continue to examine the feasibility and cost of building a Roosevelt Boulevard subway line that extends into Northeast Philadelphia. The Transit Costs Project at New York University recently published an analysis of ridership potential and cost considerations for the project.July 23, 2025
Social Media
Ocean City pizza shop worker throws slice at teen on boardwalk; no charges will be filed, authorities say
A viral video taken outside Primavera Pizza on the Ocean City Boardwalk shows a worker throwing a slice of pizza at a teenager's face during a dispute on July 18, 2025. Ocean City police say no charges are being filed as a result of the incident. The video was shared widely on social media, where various posts racked up more than 2 million views.July 22, 2025
Courts
Drunk driver who killed CHOP doctor riding bike sentenced to 6-20 years in prison
Michael Vahey was sentenced to 6-20 years for killing Dr. Barbara Friedes, a CHOP physician, when he struck her bike while driving drunk in Center City.July 21, 2025
Arts & Culture
Dilworth Park fountain soon will let people re-create famous Mickey Mouse scene in 'Fantasia'
An art installation coming to Dilworth Park will invite people to recreate the famous Mickey Mouse scene in 'Fantasia' by waving a wand to control the fountain's water jets and the classical music playing in the park. The installation honors the Philadelphia Orchestra's role in performing the score for the 1940 Disney film.July 21, 2025
Business
Pennsylvania reports record $6.4 billion in gambling revenue
Pennsylvania's $6.4 billion in gambling revenue during the recently ended fiscal year set a record, the state's gaming control board said Monday. Online games and internet sports betting accounted for nearly $2.5 billion in revenue reported by casinos. The growth of online gambling has been the biggest driver of increased revenue. Table game revenues are are down and slots are roughly flat year over year.July 21, 2025
Investigations
21-year-old man drowns in Brandywine Creek in Chadds Ford
Sergio Ayala-Vilches, a 21-year-old man, drowned Sunday in the Brandywine Creek in Chadds Ford after going swimming with a woman he had met the night before, Pennsylvania State Police said. Ayala-Vilches, a citizen of Mexico, drowned after he became caught in a current in the center of the creek, the woman told investigators.July 18, 2025
Immigration
Trump administration aims to use South Jersey military base to detain immigrants
The Trump administration plans to use Joint Base Maguire-Dix-Lakehurst in South Jersey to detain undocumented immigrants, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers in a memo this week. Democratic officials in New Jersey have called the plan an 'abhorrent' use of military resources that will disrupt preparedness.July 18, 2025
Business
Angelo's Pizzeria to open shop in South Jersey at former Di'Nic's space
Beloved South Philly cheesesteak spot Angelo's Pizzeria plans to open a new shop in New Jersey, replacing Di'Nic's Roast Pork & Beef in West Collingswood Heights. Owner Danny DiGiampietro said he bought the property and plans to renovate the space before an opening. Angelo's also is exploring adding locations in Conshohocken and Wilmington.July 17, 2025
Investigations
Customs officials in Philly seize $1.8 million worth of ketamine shipped from Europe
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 72 pounds of ketamine with a street value of $1.8 million in two separate shipments from Europe earlier this month, authorities. said. The anesthetic, commonly used as a party drug, has entered the city's port multiple times this summer en route to destinations in Florida.Just In
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