Michael Tanenbaum

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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

December 6, 2023

Transportation

SEPTA says its new website will work better for mobile users

SEPTA's new website will launch Thursday after undergoing a comprehensive redesign. Along with improvements and better performance on mobile devices, the new website aims to prepare riders for the transition to 'SEPTA Metro,' the color-coded wayfinding plan that will be introduced next year. SEPTA hopes new terminology will make transit lines more easily recognizable to Regional Rail, bus, subway and trolley riders.

December 6, 2023

Education

Villanova to demolish Kennedy Hall to make way for new library building

Villanova University will demolish Kennedy Hall at the center of campus to make way for Vic Maggitti Hall, the future home of Falvey Library. The five-story building is intended to bolster Villanova's standing as a national research institution. It will have events and programming spaces, a writing center and and areas that showcase the library's rare collections.

December 6, 2023

Real Estate

13 acres of undeveloped land listed for sale in tiny West Wildwood

In tiny West Wildwood at the Jersey Shore, a pair of real estate listings are selling a combined 13 acres of undeveloped terrain and marshland, including one lot listed for $5.99 million. The land for sale accounts for nearly 6 percent of all of West Wildwood' land mass.

December 5, 2023

Investigations

Man charged in fatal stabbing at Macy's in Center City

Tyrone Garcell Tunnell, 30, allegedly stabbed a Macy's security guard to death and injured another in Center City on Monday morning, according to police. Investigators said Tunnell tried to steal hats from the store and was stopped by the guards, who let him leave. He later returned and allegedly stabbed 27-year-old Eric Harrison in the neck, killing him, according to police. Another guard, a 23-year-old man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Tunnell was arrested at a SEPTA station in Kensington.

December 5, 2023

Education

Penn President Liz Magill testifies at congressional hearing about antisemitism on college campuses

University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill testified Tuesday at a congressional hearing about antisemitism on college campuses in the U.S. Penn's campus has been a focal point of debate about how universities can affirm free speech and support spaces for student engagement while drawing clear lines between activism and hateful incitement.

December 5, 2023

Development

Shuttered Macy's at Neshaminy Mall to be replaced with Fusion Gym, sports complex

The former Macy's at the Neshaminy Mall will be replaced by Fusion Gyms, an expanding chain that includes indoor and outdoor sports facilities like basketball courts, boxing rings, pickleball courts and golf courses. The new gym, the fourth Fusion Gyms location, is expected to open in 2025, owner Tony Chowdhury said.

December 4, 2023

Food & Drink

Bastia, a Mediterranean cafe, to open at upcoming boutique hotel in Fishtown

Bastia, a Mediterranean cafe, will open at the upcoming Anna & Bell hotel in Fishtown. Chef Tyler Akin, who also leads French brasserie Le Cavalier in Wilmington, will offer a vegetable and seafood-driven menu. The hotel and restaurant are set to open in March inside the former Penn Home building, which dates to the 18th century.

December 4, 2023

Investigations

1 security guard killed, another injured in stabbing at Macy's in Center City

A Macy's security guard was killed and another was injured in a stabbing incident at the department store in Center City on Monday morning, Philadelphia police said. The incident happened around 11 a.m. following a shoplifting incident at the business at 13th and Market streets. A suspect fled the scene and was later arrested at SEPTA's Somerset Station in Kensington.

December 4, 2023

Investigations

Main Line doctor allegedly lit Lower Merion home on fire after threatening family, police say

A Montgomery County doctor, Amy L. Cohen, 35, allegedly set fire to a home in Lower Merion Township on Nov. 30, according to investigators. Cohen allegedly let a threatening message at the home and mailed similar letters to the homeowner's family members in the days leading up to the fire. No one was injured in the fire.

December 1, 2023

Business

Fishtown food trucks can stay for now after City Council vote on bill to ban them is delayed

A move in Philadelphia City Council to ban food trucks from Girard and Frankford avenues in Fishtown was not voted on Thursday. The fate of the proposed ordinance, which has sparked controversy in the neighborhood, is in limbo as council approaches the end of its session on Dec. 14.

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