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.
May 18, 2020
Police
Philly police seize more than 60 illegal ATVs, dirt bikes during weekend
Philadelphia police seized illegal ATVs and dirt bikes across the city after receiving complaints from residents, officials said. It was not immediately clear whether the seizures were connected to the COVID-19 crisis and enforcing social distancing.May 18, 2020
Government
Pennsylvania program extends unemployment compensation for 13 extra weeks
Pennsylvania's Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program will provide claimants an additional 13 weeks of benefits as the COVID-19 crisis continues. More than 1.87 Pennsylvania residents have filed for unemployment since the start of the pandemic.May 18, 2020
Government
Key to COVID-19 crisis: 'Don't be a jerk,' Philly managing director says
Philadelphia Managing Director Brian Abernathy joined other city officials in urging residents not to visit the Jersey Shore over Memorial Day weekend in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Abernathy said the key to the crisis is, "Don't be a jerk."May 18, 2020
Business
Mad River Manyunk, Farmicia in Old City to close as result of coronavirus crisis
Mad River Manayunk and Farmacia in Old City, two popular Philadelphia bars that have been around for more than a decade, will close due to the coronavirus crisis. The restaurant industry has been among the hardest hit across the United States.May 15, 2020
Music
Will Smith shouts out Philly, Dr. J in new 'Will' remix with Joyner Lucas
Will Smith and Joyner Lucas teamed up for a remix of "Will," a song from Lucas' debut album "ADHD." In his verse, Smith gives nods to his hometown of Philadelphia and 76ers legend Julius Erving.May 15, 2020
Phillies
Phillies' Bryce Harper says Blake Snell 'ain't lying' about raw deal on MLB pay cuts
Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper stood behind remarks by Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Blake Snell, who said he did not want to play this year if the MLB's proposed revenue split gets approved.May 15, 2020
Restaurants
Pennsylvania unveils penalties for restaurants reopening dining service too soon
Pennsylvania restaurants will be subject to food safety inspections by the department of agriculture if they violate the state's orders surrounding the resumption of dine-in service. The state has established rules for restaurants to follow amid the COVID-19 crisis.May 15, 2020
Politics
Philly won't cave to 'open up hysteria,' Mayor Kenney says
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said protesters focused on reopening and lifting coronavirus restrictions are putting the health and safety of others at risk. The mayor said Philadelphia will continue to base its planning on public health data. Gov. Tom Wolf moved another 12 counties into the next phase of his reopening plan.May 14, 2020
Adult Health
Penn researcher's breakthrough enables blind to 'see' letters, shapes
A study led by an incoming neuroscientist at Penn Medicine enabled people with blindness to see letters and shapes by using implanted electrodes to deliver visual information directly to the visual cortex, bypassing the eyes.May 14, 2020
Controversies
Pa. Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine checks 'insulting' reporter who called her 'sir'
The Pennsylvania Department of Health secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, told Pittsburgh radio host Marty Griffin, of KDKA-AM, not to misgender her after he repeatedly said "sir" when addressing her during a coronavirus press briefing. Levine, 62, is a transgender woman and has been in a position of high visibility during the COVID-19 crisis.Just In
- Philadelphia Eagles 2027 draft picks
- A 50,000 gallon Dixie Cup removed from roof of shuttered Lehigh Valley factory
- Spirit Airlines, one of three carriers at Atlantic City's airport, is preparing to shut down
- Sabrina Carpenter, Madonna drop new song they debuted at Coachella
- In Crust We Trust joins Fishtown's growing pizza scene at former Vince's storefront
- Flyers-Hurricanes starts Saturday night in Carolina for Game 1
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