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.
November 18, 2024
Investigations
Man charged with sexually assaulting two women hours apart in South Philly
Abdul Ford, 22, has been charged with rape, sexual assault and robbery after allegedly grabbing two women in South Philadelphia late Sunday night and early Monday morning. The first incident happened on the 1600 block of Point Breeze Avenue. Hours later, a second woman reported that she was assaulted and had her phone stolen on the 2000 block of Wharton Street, police said.November 18, 2024
Business
King of Prussia Mall adding Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, toy store Camp and other shops
The King of Prussia Mall will debut several new stores and restaurants in the coming months, including Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar and the toy store Camp. Next year, Italian restaurant and marketplace Eataly and the Netflix House entertainment venue and restaurant are opening.November 15, 2024
Travel
With Philly as new port, Norwegian Cruise Line plans second ship for Caribbean destinations
Norwegian Cruise Line will bring a second ship to Philadelphia to make voyages to Caribbean destinations starting in the fall of 2026. The 2,400-passenger Norwegian Pearl is scheduled to make trips to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. In July, the cruise line announced it will make Philly a home port for the Norwegian Jewel, which will make voyages to New England and Canada. Philly's cruise industry collapsed in 2011, but the Port of Philadelphia aims to revive its tourism business in the coming years.November 15, 2024
Nature
Chester County's Crebilly Farm, site of a Revolutionary War skirmish, to be preserved as public park
Crebilly Farm, a 308-acre property in Westtown Township, Chester County, played a role in the Battle of Brandywine during the American Revolution. Years of efforts to protect the land from development culminated this month with a sale allowing the farm to be preserved as a public park with walking trails. The purchase took places in stages and cost about $25 million.November 14, 2024
Investigations
Third person charged in fatal shooting of West Philly rapper YBC Dul
Naier Briscoe, 19, is the third person to be charged in the fatal Aug. 23 shooting of Abdul Vicks, the West Philadelphia rapper and gang leader known as YBC Dul. Vicks, 25, was targeted in a drive-by shooting in Olney. Philadelphia police have previously charged 16-year-old Aiden Waters and 18-year-old Rashawn Williams. Vicks had been considered the leader of the Young Bag Chases gang in the Mantua neighborhood of West Philly.November 14, 2024
Investigations
Philly contractor allegedly deceived blind couple with shoddy repairs at their Bryn Mawr home
A Philadelphia contractor has been charged with taking advantage of a blind couple who hired him to do work at their home in Bryn Mawr over the summer. Joseph Tell, 66, allegedly billed the couple more than $60,000 for work that was shoddy or never completed, Haverford police said. Tell is charged with felony counts of deceptive business practices, theft by deception and making false statements to induce agreement for home improvement services.November 14, 2024
Recreation
Six Flags will close Kingda Ka, Green Lantern roller coasters to make way for new rides
Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey confirmed that it will close Kingda Ka — the world's tallest roller coaster — and two other rides to clear space for new thrills in the coming years. The park said it will shut down Green Lantern and the Sky Way gondola ride. Next year, Six Flags said it will open 'The Flash: Vertical Velocity,' which is billed as the first super boomerang ride in the United States, and will open another "multi-record-breaking" roller coaster in 2026.November 13, 2024
Investigations
Plaque for slain Philly police officer stolen from sidewalk on South Broad Street
Philadelphia police are searching for a missing plaque that honors fallen police officer Charles Knox, who was fatally shot during a 1992 robbery at a Roy Rogers restaurant in South Philadelphia. The plaque was installed in 2013 outside the site of the shooting near Broad Street and Snyder Avenue.November 13, 2024
Development
Xfinity Live! renovations to include outdoor beer garden, food truck area and performance stage
The $15 million renovation of Xfinity Live! at the Sports Complex in South Philadelphia will include a new outdoor beer garden, a two-story pavilion with a VIP bar and plaza upgrades for fans. The venue will remain open throughout the renovations, which are expected to be finished by early 2026.November 12, 2024
Investigations
Man charged with robbing 94-year-old woman at Germantown pharmacy
Janhyi Boyd, 20, is charged with robbing a 94-year-old woman at a Rite Aid pharmacy in Philadelphia on Oct. 18. Boyd allegedly grabbed at the woman's purse as she sat waiting for a prescription to be filled. The woman was dragged from her chair and Boyd stole $42 from her, prosecutors said.Just In
- Trailer for Sylvester Stallone biopic 'I Play Rocky' shows re-creations of some of 1976 film's most memorable scenes
- Flyers get Jamie Drysdale's extension done, for four years at $6.5 million per
- How a Penn professor influenced the modern language in 'The Odyssey' movie
- Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce supplied to Taco Bell in 5 states
- Philly science institute that studies human senses plans move to expand health research
- Phillies announce 2027 schedule
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