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 19, 2020
Health Stories
Pennsylvania distillery pivots to produce hand sanitizer for charity amid coronavirus pandemic
Eight Oaks Distillery in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania will begin producing hand sanitizer to make up for shortages caused by the spread of COVID-19. Proceeds from donations for the sanitizer and cleaning supplies will go to ongoing operations and charity organizations.March 19, 2020
Technology
Israel uses controversial surveillance tool to track people with coronavirus, text alert others
The Israeli Health Ministry is tracking the spread of the coronavirus by using cell phone tower data, sending text message alerts advising individuals to enter quarantines if they were in close proximity to positive cases of COVID-19. Privacy advocates and opponents of the program have petitioned the country's High Court to shut it down.March 19, 2020
Volunteering
Philadelphia launches COVID-19 fund, urges healthy volunteers to give back
Philadelphia business and non-profit leaders have teamed up to form the PHL COVID-19 Fund, which will provide critical resources to organizations working to serve those most in need during the coronavirus pandemic.March 19, 2020
Education
Pennsylvania cancels PSSA, Keystone Exams due to coronavirus pandemic
Pennsylvania students will not take the PSSA and Keystone Exams in 2020 as a result of closures caused by the coronavirus, according to the state department of education. The annual tests were scheduled to begin in April and May.March 18, 2020
Illness
New Jersey looks to reopen Inspira Health hospital in Woodbury for COVID-19 patients
Inspira Health's Woodbury facility could open up nearly 300 new beds for coronavirus patients, New Jersey officials said Wednesday. The hospital, located at 509 North Broad Street, was decommissioned in December but would add much needed capacity to the state as COVID-19 cases surge.March 18, 2020
Eagles
Malcolm Jenkins shares farewell to Philly after parting with Eagles
Safety Malcolm Jenkins will become a free agent after six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, including a victory in Super Bowl LII. Jenkins shared his thoughts on his time in Philadelphia in a message to fans, announcing he plans to return to the city when he finishes his NFL career.March 18, 2020
Education
Philly school district pauses online instruction over state, federal equity mandates
Philadelphia School District superintendent Dr. William Hite explained why remote instruction for students must be limited to follow federal and state education department guidelines during the coronavirus closure period.March 18, 2020
Illness
Philly region ramps up COVID-19 testing, plans drive-thru site near stadium complex
Philadelphia officials talked about the drive-thru coronavirus testing site being established at the South Philly stadium complex; answered questions about Philly's hospital capacity and its ability to handle the expected influx of COVID-19 cases; and outlined the police department's to arrest policies during the pandemicMarch 17, 2020
Transportation
Pennsylvania Turnpike halts cash payments to mitigate spread of coronavirus
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is temporarily freezing cash and credit card payments at tolls statewide. Motorists without E-ZPass will be invoiced by mail through the toll system's Toll By Plate program. The measure will remain in place for the time being as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds.March 17, 2020
Public Transportation
SEPTA expects to limit subway, bus service amid Philly's coronavirus response
A SEPTA official said it will likely reduce bus and subway service in the near future in line with the reduced ridership and its staffing limitations because of the coronavirus. And additional COVID-19 testing sites in Philadelphia and the suburbs have become operational through various health care systems in and around the city, officials said.Just In
- Report: Phillies, Bo Bichette meeting went 'very well,' no more news yet
- Police search for suspects tied to fatal shooting at Chipotle near Temple University
- Mount Moriah Cemetery seeks donations to beef up security after grave-robbing spree
- Possible measles exposures took place at Philly airport, Amtrak's 30th Street station, health officials say
- 'Long Bright River' author is working on her next novel, but don't ask her about it
- Flyers thoughts: The Lightning brought a storm Philly still has to learn to weather
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