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.
April 20, 2021
Government
Philly's high COVID-19 case count means restrictions will stay put, health commissioner says
Philadelphia's COVID-19 restrictions will remain in place amid high case counts that have reached levels not seen since the last surge in early January. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said restaurant restrictions and mask guidelines will stay where they are as vaccination efforts turn to a wider group of city residents.April 20, 2021
Weather
Rare virga cloud photographed over Lehigh Valley
A rare virga cloud was seen above Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley on Monday, April 19, 2021. Virga clouds are streaks of precipitation, visible on the underside of another cloud, that never reach the ground. They are most often observed in deserts and temperate climates.April 19, 2021
Investigations
Montgomery County man allegedly stabbed ex-girlfriend to death
Danelo Cavalcante, 31, of Royersford, allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, 33, outside her Schuylkill Township residence on April 18, 2021. Cavalcante is charged with homicide and related offenses in the stabbing, which happened in front of the victim's children, Chester County prosecutors said.April 19, 2021
Food & Drink
Bobby Flay Steak to close at Borgata Casino in Atlantic City
Bobby Flay Steak at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa will permanently close in Atlantic City on June 30 after 15 years at the Jersey Shore. The space will reopen with a new temporary concept. A popular dining destination, the restaurant was heavily impacted by the loss of business during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, which slashed casino profits in Atlantic City.April 19, 2021
Prevention
One vaccine dose may be enough for people who had COVID-19, Penn scientists say
People who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection may only need one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to develop long-term immunity to the coronavirus and its variants, according to research out of the University of Pennsylvania. People who never had COVID-19 still appear to need both doses to ensure both a strong antibody response and memory B cell protection.April 16, 2021
Prevention
Philly makes all adults 16 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
All Philadelphia residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as of Friday, April 16. The FEMA COVID-19 vaccination site at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia will remain open through May 26 and will use the Pfizer vaccine, city officials confirmed. The Center City site got a four-week extension in response to the pause on use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.April 16, 2021
TV
What they're saying: 'Mare of Easttown,' HBO's detective drama set in the Philly area premieres Sunday
HBO's new detective drama "Mare of Easttown," starring Kate Winslet, premieres at 10 p.m on Sunday, April 18. The show, based in a fictionalized version of Philadelphia's western suburbs, showcases the well-known "Delco accent" that has generated buzz about the series throughout its production. Early reviews for the seven-part series, written by Berwyn native Brad Inglesby, have been positive.April 16, 2021
Entertainment
Knoebels Amusement Resort earns Certified Autism Center designation
Konebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania is now a Certified Autism Center. The park, celebrating its 95th anniversary, will reopen April 24 and will hold an Autism Awareness Day on June 6, 2021.April 16, 2021
Marijuana
Upper Merion downgrades marijuana possession to a summary offense
Upper Merion Township reduced its penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana, shifting from a misdemeanor offense to a summary offense that carries a $50 fine. It's one of several towns in Montgomery County to make the change, including Norristown, West Norriton and Plymouth Township.April 15, 2021
Social Justice
Penn Museum will repatriate human skulls once used to support white supremacist theories
The Penn Museum will repatriate or rebury a collection of 1,300 human skulls that were once used to advance white supremacist race science, led by 19th century natural scientist Samuel G. Morton. The collection had been housed at the Philadelphia museum since 1966, when Penn took it from the Drexel Academy of Natural Sciences. Some of the remains came from enslaved individuals, researchers found.Just In
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- Philly airport expects 5% more flyers during holiday season than last year
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