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.
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.February 26, 2025
Courts
Racketeering charges against George Norcross, 5 others dismissed by New Jersey judge
The racketeering case against George Norcross III and five co-defendants was dismissed by a New Jersey Superior Court judge Tuesday. The insurance executive and Democratic powerbroker was charged last year with exploiting government programs and intimidating business rivals to control redevelopment of properties the Camden waterfront.February 26, 2025
Business
During a normally slow time for tourism, Center City hotels cashed in on the Eagles' Super Bowl run
Center City hotels saw a major economic impact from the Eagles Super Bowl parade, which resulted in an extra 11,000 rooms being booked compared with the same weekend in February a year ago. The influx of visitors led to a $4.3 million boost in additional revenue, a 164% increase over the same time last year, according to a report released by Visit Philadelphia and other hospitality organizations.February 25, 2025
Lawsuits
Family from N.J. sues Roblox and Discord, claiming platforms are 'hunting ground' for child predators
A lawsuit claims online video game platform Roblox and chat app Discord allow child predators to exploit vulnerabilities and lax protections. The suit was filed this month by the parents of a 13-year-old boy who allegedly was targeted by a predator in New Jersey he met while playing Roblox last summer.February 25, 2025
Education
Penn State plans to close some satellite campuses, but Philly-area branches will be spared
Penn State University will close some of the 19 satellite branches that make up the school's Commonwealth Campus system in the coming years. In a letter to the university community, Penn State President Neil Bendapudi said declining enrollment and demographic trends necessitate closures. None of the branches in the Philadelphia area — including the Abington, Brandywine and Great Valley campuses — will be affected by the closure plan.February 24, 2025
Government
One year into Mayor Parker's Kensington intervention, city officials tout lower crime, better community services
Crime in Kensington has dropped by 17% and homicides are down by 45% since Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker began new efforts to reduce addiction and homelessness in the neighborhood last year. Police say they are reducing drugs on the streets, but critics say the mayor's encampment clearings have displaced problems - not solved them.February 24, 2025
Business
Fire at Kampar forces the South Philly restaurant to close indefinitely
A fire at Kampar will close the Malaysian restaurant for the foreseeable future while repairs are completed, chef-owner Ange Branca said. The restaurant in Bella Vista was named a semifinalist last month in the best new bar category of the prestigious James Beard Awards.February 21, 2025
Investigations
Who are the cult-like Zizians and how might they be linked to the 2022 killings of two Delco residents?
A Delaware County woman and two others linked to the Zizians cult were arrested in Maryland, as investigators probe their connection to the homicides of Richard and Rita Zajko's 2022 in Chester Heights and other cross-country crimes.February 21, 2025
Investigations
5 suspects wanted for starting Center City bonfire after Eagles' Super Bowl win
Philadelphia police are seeking to identify five people who started a bonfire at 12th and Market Streets after the Eagles won the Super Bowl. The suspects, who were caught on video, are wanted for arson, police said.February 21, 2025
Transportation
SEPTA, PPA will start using AI cameras in May to ticket illegally parked vehicles in bus lanes and stops
SEPTA and the Philadelphia Parking Authority will start using AI-powered cameras on buses and trolleys in May to ticket vehicles illegally parked in bus lanes and blocking bus stops, officials said. Tickets will be $101, PPA spokesperson Martin O'Rourke said.Just In
- Philly school district revises its school closures list one more time — with a vote slated for Thursday
- Evil Genius Beer Co. acquires national brand 21st Amendment Brewery
- Pa. court strikes down state ban on using Medicaid for abortions
- These Philly bars are offering Flyers-themed drink specials for the playoffs
- Sixers own No. 22 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft via Jared McCain trade after winning tiebreaker
- Full injury reports for Sixers-Celtics Game 2 on Tuesday
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