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.
June 28, 2021
Transportation
'SEPTA Key 2.0' sets table for future upgrades to fare payment system
SEPTA plans to introduce mobile fare payment across the transit system starting later this year, but 'SEPTA KEY 2.0' is just the beginning of a long-term plan to keep current with a changing landscape of technology, privacy issues and cyber threats. A Request for Information issued this week will seek expertise from vendors with experience implementing these systems in other cities, with an eye toward what SEPTA can do to stay ahead of the curve.June 25, 2021
Accidents
Off-duty correctional officer swam 300 yards to rescue elderly man at Jersey Shore
New Jersey correctional officer Chad Ammerman rescued an 82-year-old man whose boat sank Monday evening off the coast of Ocean County, police said. Ammerman, off-duty at the time, emptied a cooler to use as a flotation device and swam 300 yards to reach the victim, who had been stranded in the water for three hours.June 25, 2021
Sixers
Scottie Pippen's comments on Ben Simmons highlight the catch-22 of his NBA 'humiliation'
Scottie Pippen told GQ Magazine that Ben Simmons is "afraid of being humiliated," which raises a fundamental question about what the Sixers star perceives as humiliation. In the early part of his NBA career, Simmons has opted for passive failure. If he's ever going to reach another level offensively, he has to be willing to fail while taking a more aggressive approach.June 25, 2021
Prevention
Philly Vax Sweepstakes awards cash prizes to first group of winners
The Philly Vax Sweepstakes awarded 12 cash prizes to city residents after the first drawing was held on June 21. Two people received $50,000 prizes for getting their COVID-19 vaccination. The second drawing, which will include another 12 cash prizes, will be held July 6. The third and final drawing will be on July 19.June 24, 2021
TV
Jason Sudeikis opens up about Allen Iverson practice rant scene in 'Ted Lasso'
"Ted Lasso" star Jason Sudeikis said he chose to honor NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson in the series because the Sixers star's famed 2002 practice rant carried emotional depth. "Ted Lasso" returns for Season 2 on Apple TV+ on July 23.June 24, 2021
Eagles
Eagles rookie DeVonta Smith surprised his mom with a new house
Eagles rookie wide receiver DeVonta Smith shared video Thursday of his mother seeing the new home that he purchased for her after he signed his first NFL contract this month. Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Alabama, was selected by the Eagles with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.June 24, 2021
Odd News
Police kick out group holding exorcism 'for the dead trees' at Pennsylvania Home Depot
Police in Dickson City, located in Lackawanna County in Northeastern Pennsylvania, responded to a Home Depot store on Monday for a report of people holding an exorcism in the lumber department. The individuals were escorted out of the store but will not face charges. Authorities said the exorcism was done for the dead trees.June 24, 2021
Development
Renderings show North Philly apartment building proposed at shuttered CVS site
A seven-story apartment building with ground floor retail is proposed at the corner of Broad St. and Girard Ave. in North Philadelphia. The site was previously occupied by CVS/Pharmacy and the building will be demolished to make way for the new project at the busy intersection.June 23, 2021
Courts
Philly agrees to $125,000 settlement for failure to give prisoners required out-of-cell time during COVID-19 pandemic
Philadelphia will pay $125,000 to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit about conditions in the city's four jails during the coronavirus pandemic. The city was sued over its inadequate provision of hygienic supplies and insufficient out-of-cell time for inmates, who argued their rights were violated and they were put at serious risk of COVID-19 infection. Settlement funds will go to the Philadelphia Bail Fund and the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund.June 23, 2021
Business
Shoppers World opens at Fashion District Philadelphia, replacing Century 21
Shoppers World, a discount department store with clothing and home furnishings, has opened at Fashion District Philadelphia at the former space of Century 21.Just In
- Report: Phils ace Zack Wheeler to return Saturday vs. Braves
- Educators, tech advocates weigh in on Mayor Parker's proposed rideshare tax
- For older adults, excessive daytime napping may be a sign of underlying health issues
- Philly's MLB All-Star Game schedule includes fan festival and new 3-on-3 competition
- Who's John Ternus, the Penn graduate named next CEO of Apple?
- Exploring scenarios for the Eagles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
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