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.
November 19, 2020
Investigations
Three former Philly revenue department employees charged in alleged bribery scheme
Three former employees of Philadelphia's Revenue Department were charged Thursday with accepting thousands of dollars in bribes facilitated through their jobs. Jarredd McQueen, Demarys Natal and Nicole Mixon allegedly deleted debts owed to the city in exchange for payments from taxpayers.November 19, 2020
Senior Health
Severe COVID-19 cases, deaths rising as Philly enters critical pandemic stage
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley reported an increase in severe cases of COVID-19 as the virus continues to surge across the city, Pennsylvania and the United States. Deaths and hospitalizations are both rising, while nursing home cases also are increasing. New restrictions take effect Friday and will remain in place for the rest of the year.November 19, 2020
Business
Grey Lodge Pub in Northeast Philly closes permanently due to COVID-19 impact
The Grey Lodge Pub will close for good as a result of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The owners of one of the original craft beer bars in Philly, located in the Mayfair neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia, said Thursday that the bar will close permanently as result of the economic impact of COVID-19, which has ravaged restaurants across the city. Lucky Cat Brewing will continue to operate at the Frankford Avenue location.November 19, 2020
Development
Philadelphia Housing Authority commits 240 properties for affordable development
The Philadelphia Housing Authorities has agreed to support the development of 240 affordable housing properties in neighborhoods surrounding Fishtown, Kensington and Northern Liberties. The projects will be in partnership with several Latino non-profit organizations, which have played a role in similar affordable housing initiatives over the last decade.November 18, 2020
Youth Sports
Teen on Philadelphia Little Flyers suffers serious injuries in New Jersey game
Philadelphia Little Flyers youth hockey player Brian Page, 17, was seriously injured during a tournament game in New Jersey on Nov. 15. He underwent emergency surgery in Philadelphia. A GoFundMe campaign started by a teammate has gained widespread support as Page looks ahead to a long recovery.November 18, 2020
Investigations
Classmate charged in alleged conspiracy to kill Delaware teen Madison Sparrow
Delaware prosecutors charged 17-year-old Annika Stalczynski with first degree murder and conspiracy in the death of Madison Sparrow, the Newark girl whose body was found in the woods in early October. Sparrow's ex-boyfriend, Noah Sharp, had already been charged last month.November 18, 2020
Beer
Wawa, 2SP return with another batch of coffee beers for 2020 holidays
Wawa and 2SP Brewing Company, both based in Delaware County, have teamed up again to release three coffee beers for the 2020 holiday season. The Holiday Reserve Stout, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout and Rum Barrel Aged Imperial Stout will begin hitting shelves on Nov. 20.November 18, 2020
Sixers
As Sixers prepare for NBA Draft, Allen Iverson arrives in retro SLAM bobblehead form
Allen Iverson gets a new limited edition bobblehead from FOCO, which partnered with SLAM Magazine commemorate the Sixers legend's front cover pose in March 1999. Philadelphia enters the 2020 NBA Draft on Wednesday night with the 21st overall pick.November 17, 2020
2020 Election
Reputed mob boss Joey Merlino roped into bizarre Philly election fraud conspiracy
A fake news story about "Skinny" Joey Merlino claimed the former Philadelphia mob boss was involved in a scheme to commit widespread ballot fraud in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania to tilt the 2020 election in favor of Joe Biden. An attorney for Merlino said the claims, published on a conspiracy website, were entirely false.November 17, 2020
Public Art
Neon 'Electric Philadelphia' mural lights up I-676 underpass
A new mural from artists David Guinn and Drew Billiau is complete on 6th Street in Philadelphia, bringing neon lights to an Interstate 676 underpass between Race and Wood streets.Just In
- Philly airport expects 5% more flyers during holiday season than last year
- Wall Street Journal names Philly the world's top place to visit in 2026
- McMillan's Bakery in South Jersey will not reopen, family says
- There's an anti-cruising sign still standing in Rittenhouse. It reflects the area's complicated queer history.
- Joel Embiid probable for Sixers-Nets on Tuesday; Paul George set to return
- Phillies sign right-handed reliever Zach Pop to 2026 contract
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