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.
January 22, 2021
Government
City unveils redesign plans for public spaces at North Philly intersection
A new design for the public spaces near the North Philly intersection of Broad Street, Germantown Avenue and Erie Avenue includes a circles layout, bright colors and trees. Improvements are slated to begin in May 2021.January 22, 2021
Opioids
Opioid overdoses are killing more Black Philadelphians, but fewer white residents
Opioid overdose deaths in Philadelphia have spiked among Black residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, a Penn Medicine study shows. During the same period, overdose deaths among white residents have unexpectedly fallen. The research comes as city health officials warn of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl, which is appearing more frequently in mixtures with other illicit drugs.January 22, 2021
Controversy
Pa. judge apologizes for photo of husband dressed as 'QAnon Shaman'
Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Kim Eaton apologized for posing in a photo with her husband dressed as the so-called "QAnon Shaman" who was involved in the U.S. Capitol riot in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. The photo, shared on Facebook, was intended as a joke as she and her family celebrated the Inauguration of President Joe Biden.January 22, 2021
Government
Philly unveils $12 million COVID-19 relief program for restaurants, gyms
The Philadelphia COVID-19 Restaurant and Gym Relief Program will provide grants of up to $15,000 to small businesses in the city that have been significantly impacted by the recent wave of pandemic restrictions.January 21, 2021
Illness
Philly's official COVID-19 vaccine website goes online; residents can sign-up to be notified about getting their shots
Philadelphia's official COVID-19 vaccination sign-up website is now online, allowing residents to complete contact forms that ultimately will enable them to schedule appointments for the coronavirus inoculation. The health department and other vaccine partners will call those who complete the form based on vaccine supply and the city's eligibility guidelines.January 21, 2021
Jersey Shore
'Heartbreaking' fire damages Jersey Shore restaurant Scojo's
Surf City restaurant Scojo's was damaged in a fire on Jan. 21, 2021, the owners of the Jersey Shore business said. Thh blaze was contained by Surf City, Ship Bottom and High Point firefighters.January 21, 2021
Eagles
Eagles fans give spicy reactions to hiring of new head coach Nick Sirianni
The reaction to the Philadelphia Eagles' hiring of Sirianni to be the team's new head coach generally was positive, much of it playing on the Italian last name that will likely endear him to the regions sizable Italian-American fanbase.January 21, 2021
Police
Fentanyl-laced drugs from Philly tied to body dumped at Pottstown Hospital
Two men are facing criminal charges connected to the death of Ramon Morales, whose body was dumped outside Pottstown Hospital in May 2020. Investigators determined the victim died of a drug overdose from a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine. The defendants, who allegedly obtained the drugs in Philadelphia, failed to call 911 and tried to cover up the victim's death, according to Montgomery County prosecutors.January 21, 2021
Investigations
Philly entrepreneur charged in $700,000 COVID-19 medical gown scheme
Gauravjit Singh, 26, of Philadelphia, was charged with one count of wire fraud for allegedly carrying out a scheme to obtain $712,500 from New York companies seeking medical gowns. The Drexel University grad told his victims he was a purveyor of PPE during the coronavirus pandemic, but instead used the funds he received for personal expenses, federal prosecutors said.January 20, 2021
Inauguration
Bernie Sanders' bundled-up Inauguration Day pose is now a bobblehead
Bernie Sanders' outfit at Wednesday's inauguration of President Joe Biden was a sensation on social media, where fans turned the Vermont senator's pose into a collection of memes. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is now accepting pre-orders for a $25 Sanders bobblehead.Just In
- Joel Embiid ruled out for Sixers-Celtics Game 3
- New Jersey launches website to show how tax dollars are being spent and what programs are funded
- I-95 and I-76 lanes to close for two weeks for bridge cleaning
- Ticket prices for the Flyers' playoff game Saturday rival the cost to attend last year's Stanley Cup Final
- Eagles Round 1 draft grade roundup: USC WR Makai Lemon
- Rob Mac travels back to the 1700s for Ancestry.com commercial
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