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.
January 7, 2022
Illness
West Norriton restaurant linked to fatal hepatitis A case gets shut down, Montgomery County officials say
Health officials in Montgomery County have confirmed one death from hepatitis A and are investigating a total of 11 cases that have been linked to an outbreak at a restaurant in West Norriton. Gino's Ristorante & Pizzeria has been closed until further notice as authorities continue their investigation. Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a highly transmissible virus and can vary in severity from a mild illness to a serious, life-threatening disease.January 7, 2022
Investigations
Tragic Fairmount fire may have been started by 5-year-old boy playing with lighter
A 5-year-old boy who was playing with a lighter may have started the fire that tragically killed 12 people at a rowhome in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood Wednesday. An investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing with the aid of ATF and other specialists.January 7, 2022
Social Media
Vintage prototype shows a Sixers uniform designed to glow under black lights
The Philadelphia 76ers explored the possibility of a new uniform design in the early 1980's, hiring a local ad agency to create a prototype for a more exciting jersey. Ivan Stiles, the designer on the project, recently shared photos of the little-known uniform proposal, a retro-look that had ultraviolet-sensitive ink meant to glow under black lights.January 7, 2022
Lifestyle
Reebok to release Eagles-themed Allen Iverson Answer IV sneakers
Reebok will release a Philadelphia Eagles-themed version of Allen Iverson's classed Answer IV sneakers, which he wore during the Sixers' 2001 season when the team reached the NBA Finals and Iverson won the league MVP award. The shoes, which will be available Jan. 21, are inspired by Iverson's outfit before Game One of the NBA Finals, when he wore a No.3 Iverson Eagles jersey and a du-rag in the tunnel.January 6, 2022
Eagles
Eagles could have stockpiled another 2022 1st round draft pick if they wanted, report claims
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman reportedly had an opportunity to collect an additional first-round draft pick last year before selecting Alabama wide receiver and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The Eagles, who now hold three first-round picks in the next draft, reportedly turned down a deal with the Chicago Bears that the New York Giants accepted instead.January 6, 2022
Courts
Philly man pleads guilty in DUI crash that severely injured four Neshaminy High School girls
Shane Brolly, 24, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to DUI and related offenses in a March 2021 crash in Northampton Township that severely injured four teenage girls who attend Neshaminy High School in Bucks County. Brolly, a U.K. citizen who was driving without a license, had blood alcohol level of 0.21, more than twice the legal limit, at the time of the crash.January 6, 2022
Development
Gigantic indoor waterpark to break ground in Atlantic City
The ISLAND Waterpark, and indoor facility planned next to Atlantic City's Showboat hotel, is scheduled to break ground on Jan. 12 at a beach front site on New Jersey Avenue. The project, led by developer Bart Blatstein, will add to the Showboat's Lucky Snake arcade and sports bar. It will feature waterslides, pools, a lazy river, lounge areas, party rooms, retail outlets and a family entertainment center.January 5, 2022
Education
Penn Law professor Amy Wax skewered again for claiming U.S. is 'better off with fewer Asians'
University of Pennsylvania law professor Amy Wax is under fire again for remarks about Asian immigration in the United States. A tenured professor at the Ivy League School, Wax has a history of sharing bigoted views about minorities. She recently said the U.S. would be 'better off with fewer Asians,' claiming that the group does not embrace American values and poses a danger to the culture. Wax again faced heavy backlash for her comments, but Penn has not taken action to remove her because of her protected status of tenure.January 5, 2022
Animals
Colorful Mandarin duck at Pennypack Park found dead, environmental center says
The Mandarin duck that has been spotted and photographed at Philadelphia's Pennypack Park has died, according to the environmental center at the park. The species is not not native to the area and the duck at Pennypack Park likely was a pet who had been released into the wild. Since late November, park visitors have been taking photos and sharing them online to appreciate the rare guest.January 5, 2022
Illness
FEMA COVID-19 testing site expected to open in Southwest Philly this week
Philadelphia will soon have a FEMA COVID-19 testing site at the Cibotti Recreation Center, located at 2500 S. 77th St. The coronavirus testing site will ramp up to a capacity of about 500 tests per day as the city continues to deal with surging COVID-19 infections caused by spread of the omicron variant.Just In
- Dogs can distinguish different types of human emotions, study shows
- Americans are increasingly opposed to data centers, Penn polling finds
- Ellen Yin aims to bring the 'ritual and community' of Italian cafes to Philly
- Man wanted in fatal shooting of Penn State student allegedly attempts to steal off-duty officer's car
- Eagles EDGE Jonathan Greenard won't be ready 'for couple weeks, at least'
- Tracking 2026-27 Sixers games reported and announced ahead of NBA schedule release
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