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.
March 6, 2025
Investigations
Voice recorder on medical jet that crashed in Northeast Philly contains no cockpit audio, NTSB says
The cockpit voice recorder on the Learjet 55 that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Jan. 31 had not captured audio on flights for 'several years' before the aircraft went down near the Roosevelt Mall, killing 7 people and injuring 24 others, a preliminary NTSB report says. No audio data was recovered from the medical jet's flight.March 6, 2025
Government
Pa. plans $10.6 million overhaul of voter registration system and other election databases
Pennsylvania will soon undertake a major overhaul of its voter registration system and other databases for election administration, including those used for campaign finance and lobbying disclosures, state department officials said Wednesday.March 5, 2025
Government
Union leaders lament DOGE 'harassment' as Philly federal workers brace for 'next shoe' to drop
Union leaders for federal workers in Philadelphia have spent weeks sounding alarm about the impact of job cuts piling up at agencies targeted by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Union officials say morale is plummeting and basic government services could be crippled.March 5, 2025
Business
World of Flight, Nike's Jordan Brand shop, clears hurdles for planned storefront in Center City
Nike has received approval from the city to move forward with its plans for a World of Flight apparel store in Center City. The Jordan Brand shop would be Nike's first location in the United States. The company's proposal included modifications to historic features of the property at 1617 Walnut St. Nike has not given a timeline for the store's opening. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts signed an endorsement deal with Jordan Brand two years ago.March 5, 2025
Government
Gov. Shapiro encourages fired federal workers to apply for thousands of state job openings
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said the state will recruit former federal employees who were recently fired as part of the Trump administration's DOGE initiative to reduce government waste. Shapiro said the state has about 5,600 job vacancies and needs nurses, accountants, civil engineers, emergency response personnel and other skilled workers.March 3, 2025
Transportation
As SS United States arrives in Alabama, a documentary about the ship is underway
The SS United States arrived in Mobile, Alabama, on Monday after completing its final voyage, an 1,800-nautical-mile trip from Philadelphia. It is being prepared to be turned into the world's largest artificial reef. A documentary is underway to tell the story of the historic ship and its conversion into a reef.March 3, 2025
Business
Forever 21 to close stores in Philly, South Jersey as it weighs potential sale
Fashion retailer Forever 21 plans to close at least 200 stores in the United States, including shops at the Fashion District mall in Center City and the Franklin Mall in Northeast Philadelphia. The company is seeking a buyer as it considers filing for its second bankruptcy. Stores at the Cherry Hill and Deptford malls in South Jersey also will close.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 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 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.Just In
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