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.
March 17, 2021
politicians
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman explains in blog post the significance of tattoos on his forearms
Pennsylvania Lieutenant Gov. John Fetterman has a series of numerical tattoos on both of his forearms. The 2022 Democratic U.S. Senate candidate explained in a blog this week that the numbers represent people who died as a result of gun violence in Braddock, the western Pennsylvania town where he served as mayor for 15 years.March 16, 2021
Films
Watch the trailer for 'Concrete Cowboy,' Idris Elba's Philly-inspired drama
"Concrete Cowboy," starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin, will premiere on Netflix on April 2. A trailer for the film gives a glimpse of the story that centers on Philadelphia's urban horseback riding culture, seen through the lens of a fragile relationship between a father and son.March 16, 2021
Courts
New Jersey man faces prison sentence for running over geese in Ocean County
Quintin Alec-Manning, 22, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty nearly two years after he intentionally ran over five geese with his car at a Home Depot parking lot in Toms River. Ocean County prosecutors will seek a 90-day prison sentence, community service and an order prohibiting Alec-Manning from owning or working with animals ever again.March 16, 2021
Prevention
COVID-19 vaccine site at Pa. Convention Center to reserve shots for eligible walk-ups – no appointment needed
Philadelphia's FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Center at the Pennsylvania Convention Center will allow walk-up appointments to eligible city residents from Wednesday, March 17 through Monday, March 22. Walk-ups must be part of phase 1A or phase 1B of the city's vaccine distribution plan and must have proof that they live in one of 22 Philadelphia ZIP codes.March 15, 2021
Obituaries
Founder of Sam's Pizza Palace on Wildwood boardwalk dies at 92
Sam Spera, founder of Sam's Pizza Palace in Wildwood, died on March 12, 2021, at 92 years old after decades of success at the Jersey Shore. Spera moved to New Jersey from Sicily, Italy, in the 1950s and created an iconic boardwalk business that has fed generations of visitors.March 15, 2021
Investigations
Pa. man charged in assault of Capitol police officer, N.J. native Brian Sicknick
Julian Elie Khater, 32, of State College, and George Pierre Tanios, 39, of Morgantown, West Virginia, are charged with assault for allegedly using of bear spray against law enforcement during the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6. Three police officers, including New Jersey-native Brian Sicknick were injured. Sicknick was hospitalized and later died after the insurrection.March 15, 2021
Government
Bar service to resume in Pennsylvania under loosened COVID-19 restrictions on April 4
Pennsylvania's COVID-19 restrictions will be eased again on April 4, allowing bar service to resume and businesses to increase occupancy limits. It remains to be seen whether Philadelphia officials will follow the Harrisburg's lead. Gov. Tom Wolf pointed to expanding vaccinations and falling case rates in explaining the state's decision to loosen mitigation efforts on Easter Sunday.March 15, 2021
Investigations
Bucks County mom doctored videos to harass girls on daughter's cheerleading sqaud, prosecutors say
Rafaela Spone, 50, of Chalfont, allegedly harassed members of her daughter's cheerleading squad by creating deepfakes in order to get them kicked off the team, according to Bucks County prosecutors. The alleged cyber harassment began in 2020 and targeted three underage girls.March 12, 2021
Investigations
Philly dirt biker charged in road rage attack on South Broad Street
Gregory Stevens, 27, of Philadelphia, was charged in a road rage assault on South Broad Street that was captured in a video and widely shared online. Stevens also faces charges stemming from an attempted robbery at a pharmacy in Kensington in February, where prosecutors say he injured the store owner and pointed a gun at his head. The road rage incident stemmed from a crash between an SUV and the illegal dirt bike Stevens was operating.March 12, 2021
Investigations
Missing Pennsylvania woman found dead at York County park
Nicole Ebaugh, 29, of York County, was found dead at the Heritage Rail Trail County Park in Springfield Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Ebaugh was reported missing on March 6, 2021 after she was last seen in around the same area where her body was discovered.Just In
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- SEPTA to close 2 trolley lines this weekend to replace rails
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- The Phillies, finally, shook up their lineup. But this feels like sink or swim.
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