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.
September 10, 2020
Illness
Mayor Kenney: Clearing homeless encampments is 'multi-day operation,' won't tip hand on police intervention
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said the city will consider using police to break up the homeless encampments on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Ridge Avenue. The health department will also loosen restrictions on outdoor gatherings in the city.September 9, 2020
Protests
Mayor Kenney calls encampment resistance 'disappointing,' 'unacceptable'
Philadelphia's Sept. 9 deadline to evict the residents of three homeless encampments was met with resistance on Wednesday morning. The encampments, formed in June, were given notice by the city to clear by 9 a.m., but organizers said they do not intend to leave.September 9, 2020
Grants
Seven Philly organizations receive state historic preservation grants
Pennsylvania's Keystone Historic Preservation program provides grants to historical and heritage organizations, museums and local governments. In Philadelphia, seven organizations received grant funding in 2020, including Eastern State Penitentiary.September 9, 2020
Obituaries
Pennsylvania college football player, 20, dies of suspected COVID-19
Jamain Stephens, a 20-year-old football player at California University of Pennsylvania, died on Sept. 8. His death was believed to be linked to complications from COVID-19.September 9, 2020
Development
DRWC rejects Sixers' proposal for new arena at Penn's Landing
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation opted against a proposal from the Philadelphia 76ers to construct a new arena and other amenities at Penn's Landing. Instead, the DRWC selected another proposal from New York-based developer the Durst Organization.September 8, 2020
Eagles
Derrick Gunn launches Eagles podcast after NBC Sports Philly departure
Former NBC Sports Philadelphia reporter Derrick Gunn launched his new independent Eagles podcast after he was let go by the network last month. Gunn's first guest was Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham.September 8, 2020
Investigations
Harleysville woman accused of faking cancer diagnosis in GoFundMe scheme
A former Harleysville woman allegedly faked having brain cancer to raise money on GoFundMe to move to Australia, according to federal prosecutors. Vanessa O'Rourke, 32, was a Temple University student at the time she launched the fake crowdfunding campaign, which raised more than $11,000 in donations.September 8, 2020
Illness
Temple's COVID-19 outbreak appears to be slowing down, but parties still a worry
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley believes the COVID-19 outbreak at Temple University is subsiding since the switch was made to all-online instruction. The city also reopened indoor dining at restaurants across the city, but will stick to 25% capacity as the rest of Pennsylvania moves to 50% on Sept. 21.September 8, 2020
Illness
Penn researchers advance potential cure for type 1 diabetes
Scientists have long believed islet cell transplantation may cure type 1 diabetes. But transplanted cells have not shown longterm durability. Penn Medicine researchers have found a new method for transplanting healthy beta cells in animal models, according to a study published in Nature Metabolism.September 4, 2020
Investigations
Son-in-law stole $484,000 from family business in Montgomery County, prosecutors say
Chrisopher Oleksa, 36, allegedly stole more than $484,000 from Firely Pediatric and Home Care, a business owned by his wife's parents, between 2014 and 2020, according to Montgomery County prosecutors. He faces multiple criminal charges after the alleged credit card fraud was discovered.Just In
- Delaware County man arrested after allegedly leaving voicemails threatening to 'hunt' sheriff
- Six Flags reveals new roller coaster that it says will break or set six world records
- Penn bioethicist criticizes FDA panel's endorsement of six peptides
- Fort Dix prison guard had sexual relationship with inmate, FBI says
- Source: Sixers trade Johni Broome, second-round pick to Los Angeles Clippers for cash considerations
- How Jalen Carter's extension ranks with the NFL's highest-paid defensive players
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