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.
July 23, 2020
Crime
Former Congressman Ozzie Myers charged in alleged bribery of South Philly judge of elections
Former U.S. Congressman Michael 'Ozzie' Myers is charged with conspiracy and related offenses in an alleged bribery scheme to rig Democratic primary elections in South Philadelphia, federal prosecutors announced.July 23, 2020
Restaurants
Chips, pretzels don't count as 'meals' under Pa.'s revised COVID-19 rules for bars, restaurants
Guidance released by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board clarified the state's updated regulations for alcohol service at bars, restaurants and other businesses. The rules were tightened by Gov. Tom Wolf last week as part of a targeted COVID-19 mitigation strategy.July 23, 2020
Agriculture
Swede midge could be Pennsylvania's latest crop-threatening invasive species
The invasive swede midge, a tiny fly native to Europe and Asia, has been documented in Pennsylvania for the first time, according to Penn State Extension. The insect was found when researchers responded to a Bradford County farmer's complaint about a broccoli crop.July 22, 2020
Investigations
Fired Philly cop, seen on video pepper-spraying I-676 protesters, now charged with assault
Former Philadelphia police officer Richard Nicoletti has been charged with assault for his use of pepper spray on peaceful protesters during a June 1 demonstration on I-676, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Wednesday. The incident occurred during the June 1 demonstration where protesters marching against police brutality and systemic racism block the Vine Street Expressway.July 22, 2020
Controversies
Wolf condemns Bloomsburg Fair incident as LGBTQ+ groups demand written apology for Dr. Rachel Levine
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf offered support Wednesday for Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine and the state's transgender community. Levine was parodied by a man at the Bloomsburg Fair, where a dunk tank game invited guests to sink an impersonator of Levine.July 22, 2020
Restaurants
Brickwall Tavern shuts down South Jersey location due to coronavirus pandemic
The Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room in Burlington County will be closed for good as restaurant owner Smith Made deals with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Two other locations in Asbury Park and Philadelphia will remain open.July 21, 2020
Illness
As COVID-19 cases rise in Philly, health commissioner foresees 'cycles of opening and closing'
As Philadelphia sees rising cases of COVID-19, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said that restrictions will ebb and flow based on the city's progress in containing the coronavirus. Philadelphia also continues to try to address delays in trash collection across the city.July 21, 2020
Controversies
Bloomsburg Fair denies transphobic motive for dunk tank with Pa. Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine impersonator
The Bloomsburg Fair has come under fire for using a likeness of Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, a transgender woman, in a dunk tank game. The fair has denied that the game represented an anti-transgender stance.July 20, 2020
Humor
Grandma wowed in viral video of 'magic' trick with Wawa cups
A viral video on Reddit shows a young man fooling an elderly woman – possibly his grandmother – with a deceptive magic trick using coffee cups from Wawa.July 20, 2020
Health Stories
Mütter Museum artifacts shine light on Civil War-era smallpox vaccine
The Mütter Museum in Philadelphia staff found smallpox vaccination kits from the Civil-War era. Analysis discovered ancient DNA, and researchers have reconstructed a picture of the early vaccine used to fight the deadly scourge. This could spark ideas in today's fight against the novel coronavirus, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.Just In
- Psychiatric disorders share more genetic overlap than scientists realized, study shows
- Report: Eagles interviewing Zac Robinson for open offensive coordinator job
- MLB rumors: Bo Bichette is gone, should the Phillies try for Cody Bellinger? Other top free agents?
- Telford man charged with raping elderly woman and burglarizing 4 houses
- Cheltenham High football team's 'toxic' culture blamed for hazing incident, leaving 2026 season in doubt
- Philly conducts a homeless count each year. Here's why it's held in January, despite some drawbacks
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