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.

tanenbaum@phillyvoice.com

March 19, 2020

Education

Pennsylvania cancels PSSA, Keystone Exams due to coronavirus pandemic

by Michael Tanenbaum

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 19, 2020

Technology

Israel uses controversial surveillance tool to track people with coronavirus, text alert others

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

Health Stories

Pennsylvania distillery pivots to produce hand sanitizer for charity amid coronavirus pandemic

by Michael Tanenbaum

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 18, 2020

Illness

New Jersey looks to reopen Inspira Health hospital in Woodbury for COVID-19 patients

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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 pandemic

March 17, 2020

Police

Philadelphia police alter low-level arrest policies during coronavirus crisis

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police will limit arrests and avoid detaining individuals accused of low-level crimes as the city responds to the coronavirus crisis, Commissioner Danielle Outlaw announced. Arrests will be made "pursuant to an arrest warrant," which will be served at a later date. The modifications are meant to contain the spread of COVID-19.

March 17, 2020

Transportation

Pennsylvania Turnpike halts cash payments to mitigate spread of coronavirus

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

Illness

Penn opens Philly's first drive-thru coronavirus testing site, other locations to follow

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia's first drive-thru coronavirus testing site is planned for the University of Pennsylvania. Only patients who have been directly referred by a physician will have access to COVID-19 tests, health officials said. A second site in Radnor Township also will be operated by Penn.