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.
October 19, 2021
Politics
Rachel Levine sworn in as nation's first openly transgender four-star admiral
Dr. Rachel Levine was sworn in Tuesday as the nation's first openly transgender four-star admiral. The former Pennsylvania health secretary, who now serves as President Joe Biden's assistant health secretary, joins the ranks of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.October 19, 2021
Crime
Auto thefts, vehicle break-ins spike in Art Museum area, Philly police say
Philadelphia police say there has been a spike in stolen vehicles, car break-ins and other theft crimes in the vicinity of the Museum of Art and along Kelly Drive, as well as elsewhere in the department's Ninth District. Motorcycles and scooters have especially been targeted this year, police said.October 19, 2021
Business
Comcast unveils its first smart TV in bid to capture streaming market
Comcast's first smart TV, the XClass series, is manufactured by Hisense and will be available in the U.S. exclusively at Walmart. The smart TV aims to compete with similar connected TVs from Roku and Amazon, giving Comcast a share of a market that has grown at the expense of its cable subscriptions in recent years.October 18, 2021
Business
Historic Vickers Restaurant & Bar to close in Exton after nearly 50 years
The historic Vickers Restaurant in Exton, Chester County, will close for good on Oct. 30, ending a run of nearly 50 years. The restaurant has occupied a farmhouse on the homestead of notable Pennsylvania potter and abolitionist John Vickers, whose property was a central station on the Underground Railroad in Chester County.October 18, 2021
Music
Bruce Springsteen teases 2022 tour with E Street Band
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band plan to hit the road for a tour in 2022, The Boss said this weekend during a panel discussion in Asbury Park to celebrate the publication of bandmate Steven Van Zandt's new memoir, "Unrequited Infatuations."October 18, 2021
Investigations
Babysitter fatally stabbed Pennsylvania woman after 'adverse reaction' to marijuana cookies, police say
Lavrius O'Brian Watson, 26, of Pocono Summit, is charged with criminal homicide in the fatal stabbing of 41-year-old Elizabeth Bennett Leonard. Watson, who had been babysitting for Leonard, allegedly consumed edible marijuana cookies and blamed the stabbing on an "adverse reaction" he had to the drug.October 18, 2021
Investigations
Pottstown man killed wife, self in murder-suicide, investigators say
Carla Forde, of Pottstown, was beaten and fatally shot Monday morning by her husband, Edward Thornton, who then took his own life, according to Pottstown police and Montgomery County detectives. Investigators said the incident was preceded by a history of domestic violence.October 16, 2021
Lawsuits
Former Penn State students get $22,500 in lawsuit over roommate's alleged spying
A couple in Center County, Pennsylvania has been awarded $22,500 stemming from claims in a lawsuit against a former roommate when the trio attended Penn State University together. The roommate, 31-year-old Nils Knutrud, allegedly installed a secret camera and storage device inside a DVD player planted in the couple's bedroom. Videos and photos were later found showing the couple having sex and in various states of undress.October 16, 2021
Social Media
Flyers' Ivan Provorov introduces frightened dog to Gritty
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov introduced his dog to Gritty before the team's season opener against the Vancouver Canucks. After a skittish start, the pooch warmed up to the giant orange mascot, who's now enjoying his fourth season of hijinks with the team.October 16, 2021
Investigations
Five charged with allegedly stealing $1.1 million from Atlantic City casinos
A theft scheme targeting Atlantic City casinos used false blank checks to steal more than $1.1 million in gaming chips in late August, according to New Jersey prosecutors. Five people from New York have been charged in the alleged scheme, which involved passing off fraudulent TD Bank Official Checks and America Cashier's Checks at the Caesars, the Borgata, Ocean Casino Resort, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino.Just In
- Philly airport expects 5% more flyers during holiday season than last year
- Wall Street Journal names Philly the world's top place to visit in 2026
- McMillan's Bakery in South Jersey will not reopen, family says
- There's an anti-cruising sign still standing in Rittenhouse. It reflects the area's complicated queer history.
- Joel Embiid probable for Sixers-Nets on Tuesday; Paul George set to return
- Phillies sign right-handed reliever Zach Pop to 2026 contract
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