Pat Ralph

Pat is a Web Curator for PhillyVoice, where he writes about news, sports, culture, and health in the City of Brotherly Love and surrounding region. Originally from the Jersey Shore, Pat graduated from Villanova University with a bachelors degree in political science and communications and then earned his masters in journalism at Columbia University. Before making the move from New York City to Philadelphia, Pat previously worked for Golf.com/Golf Magazine, the New York Post, Sports Business Journal/Daily, and Business Insider. Follow him on Twitter @Pat_Ralph.

pat@phillyvoice.com

January 19, 2022

Music

Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner recalls working coat check at Union Transfer on 'The Late Late Show'

by Pat Ralph

Japanese Breakfast appeared Tuesday night on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden,' where lead singer Michelle Zauner talked about her experience checking coats at Union Transfer before eventually putting on five sellout shows at the Philadelphia concert hall this past summer. The Philly indie pop band performed 'Slide Tackle' from the group's Grammy-nominated album, 'Jubilee,' on Tuesday night's show.

January 13, 2022

Education

New Jersey schools can shorten COVID-19 quarantine period to 5 days under new guidelines

by Pat Ralph

New Jersey students and teachers may return to K-12 schools in as little as five days after testing positive for or being exposed to COVID-19, according to new guidelines laid out by the state health department. Students and teachers would be required to wear masks as much as possible, including outdoors, for five days following a five-day quarantine period.

January 13, 2022

Weather

Weekend starts with frigid temperatures in Philly region followed by snow, sleet on Sunday

by Pat Ralph

After extremely cold weather to start this weekend the Philadelphia region, there will be a winter storm bringing a mix of snow, sleet and rain, starting Sunday afternoon into Monday. Overnight low temperatures Friday and Saturday will be in the teens and wind chills will make it feel much colder. Forecasters are uncertain how much snow and sleet will accumulate before the storm turns to rain.

January 12, 2022

Philadelphia native Cory Anotado to appear as contestant on 'Jeopardy!' this week

by Pat Ralph

Philadelphia native and La Salle University graduate Cory Anotado will be a contestant on 'Jeopardy!' Thursday night. Anotado, a creative designer for a marketing agency in Baltimore, will appear on Thursday's show with an attorney from Columbia, South Carolina named Clark Dawson. A third contestant will be determined based upon the results of Wednesday's contest. The episode will air Thursday at 7 p.m. on 6ABC.

January 12, 2022

Government

New Jersey reinstates public health emergency amid omicron surge

by Pat Ralph

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy reinstated a public health emergency Tuesday as part of an effort to slow down the COVID-19 surge caused by the omicron variant. The action allows a several pandemic-related measures to remain in place for at least 30 days, including the school mask mandate and various vaccinations requirements.

January 12, 2022

Entertainment

'Mare of Easttown' earns four Screen Actors Guild Award nominations

by Pat Ralph

'Mare of Easttown' was nominated Wednesday for four Screen Actors Guild Awards this year, three of which went to Kate Winslet, Evan Peters and Jean Smart in the major acting categories. Will Smith and Bradley Cooper's respective performances in 'King Richard' and 'Licorice Pizza' earned both actors a nomination this year. Adam McKay's film 'Don't Look Up' was nominated for outstanding cast performance.

January 11, 2022

Odd News

Philadelphia jumps to second place on Orkin's 2022 list of cities most infested with bed bugs

by Pat Ralph

Philadelphia had the second-most bed bug infestations among U.S. cities over the past year, trailing only Chicago for the top spot in the nation, according to Orkin. Philly made the biggest year-over-year jump, moving up 12 spots from No. 14 to No. 2 on the pest control company's 2022 list. The annual list was compiled from bed bug treatments performed in cities from December 2020 through November 2021.

January 11, 2022

Jimmy Kimmel remembers Bob Saget as 'the sweetest man' during tearful tribute Monday night

by Pat Ralph

Jimmy Kimmel sobbed as he remembered Bob Saget at the start of his late-night show on Monday. The host of 'Live' praised his friend Saget for the kindness and love he showed to others, calling him 'the sweetest man.' Saget, 65, known for his roles on 'Full House,' 'Fuller House,' and 'America's Funniest Home Videos,' died Sunday, Jan. 9, in an Orlando, Florida hotel room.

January 11, 2022

Health Insurance

At-home COVID-19 tests soon will be covered by health insurance

by Pat Ralph

All private health insurers must cover the costs of over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests. The new White House directive makes 150 million Americans eligible to receive up to eight free tests per month. Health plans must cover the costs at the time of purchase or allow people to submit claims for reimbursement.

January 10, 2022

Trailer for Peacock's ‘Bel-Air’ gives first look at dramatic reboot of ‘Fresh Prince’

by Pat Ralph

Peacock released the first official trailer Monday for 'Bel-Air.' The dramatic reboot of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' will delve into far-more tension than its NBC sitcom predecessor ever did. The new series will center around Will's struggle to maintain his West Philly identity while adjusting to his new life among the wealthy in Southern California. 'Bel-Air' will premiere Feb. 13 after Super Bowl LVI on Peacock, with new episodes debuting weekly.