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.
August 11, 2021
Wildlife
New Jersey hiker, 21, hospitalized after bitten by venomous copperhead snake
A New Jersey man suffered a venomous snake bite from a copperhead while hiking on a trail in Hopewell Township in Mercer County. The victim, 21, spent three days in the hospital before he was released. Copperhead snake bits are among the most common in the United States, and while their venom is rarely lethal to humans, bites can cause serious complications and may require anti-venom treatment.August 11, 2021
Prevention
Philly's indoor face mask requirement returns at midnight Thursday
Everyone entering businesses and other indoor public spaces in Philadelphia will be required to wear face masks, effective midnight, Thursday, Aug. 12. An exception to mask mandate are businesses with policies requiring patrons to show proof they have received their COVID-19 vaccination shots prior to entry. Fully inoculated people, carrying their vaccination cards, can go maskless in those businesses.August 11, 2021
Investigations
Seven ex-SEPTA managers charged in alleged bribery scheme totaling nearly $1 million
Seven former management-level employees in SEPTA's Bridges and Buildings Departments have been charged with bribery and fraud offenses for a scheme they allegedly arranged with a pair of vendors to steal nearly $1 million for their personal benefit. The two vendors also are facing criminal charges.August 10, 2021
Eagles
Eagles podcaster Giovanni Hamilton gets custom DeVonta Smith figurine, throwback sneakers at Linc practice
Philadelphia Eagles podcaster and superfan Giovanni Hamilton was gifted a custom DeVonta Smith figurine and a pair of Eagles high tops while attending the team's open practice at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday night. Hamilton, 13, suffers from Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, a type of dwarfism that has left him with skeletal abnormalities and severe muscle stiffness.August 10, 2021
Government
Sea Isle City boosting police presence to combat 'destructive behavior,' mayor says
Sea Isle City will increase police patrols at beaches in the Jersey Shore town amid a pattern of destructive behavior, Mayor Leonard Desiderio said Tuesday. The Cape May County town also will look to limit large crowds inside businesses as COVID-19 cases rise again in New Jersey.August 10, 2021
Government
Pennsylvania enacts a 'vaccine or test' requirement for some state workers
Pennsylvania will require COVID-19 vaccines for all state employees in health care and high-risk settings, unless they are willing to undergo regular testing, beginning Sept. 7. Governor Tom Wolf also announced that all state employees who choose to get vaccinated will be rewarded with a day off work starting Oct. 1. The new initiative comes as governments search for effective ways to induce higher rates of vaccination, including possible financial incentives.August 9, 2021
Investigations
Man wrongfully convicted of Barbara Jean Horn's 1988 murder in Northeast Philly does 'Dateline NBC' interview
Dateline NBC will examine the 1988 murder of Barbara Jean Horn in Northeast Philly and the wrongful conviction of Walter Ogrod, who was exonerated last year after spending 28 years behind bars, most of it on death row. The episode, title The Investigation, airs 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13. Lester Holt will interview Ogrod, Barbara Jean's parents, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and others as the special shines light on decades of corruption and misconduct in Philadelphia's criminal justice system.August 9, 2021
Investigations
Human Robot Brewing reports theft from safe at West Kensington taproom
Human Robot Brewing said its West Kensington brewery and taproom was robbed overnight Monday. An Instagram post from the Philadelphia brewery showed that safe at the location on North 5th Street had been broken into, but it's unclear how much money was taken. Philadelphia police are investigating.August 9, 2021
TV
'Modern Family' star helped New Jersey woman who fainted at Utah park
Julie Bowen, aka Claire Dunphy from the hit comedy "Modern Family," helped care for a New Jersey woman who fainted during a hike to see the Delicate Arch at Arches National Park in Utah. Minnie John, of Oradell, Bergen County, shared her unexpected brush with fame in a Facebook post.August 9, 2021
Technology
NASA rocket launch may be visible from Philly area on Tuesday
NASA's rocket launch from Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia may be visible from the Philadelphia area on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, shortly after the Antares spacecraft lifts off at 5:56 p.m. The launch is a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station that will include 8,200 pounds of crew supplies, hardware and research materials.Just In
- Quinta Brunson says she didn't tell her mom when she dropped out of Temple
- Exploring scenarios for the Eagles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
- 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
- Full injury reports for Sixers-Celtics Game 2 on Tuesday
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