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.
July 12, 2023
Media
Flyers apologize after staff members mocked reporter's question during Zoom call with Garnet Hathaway
The Philadelphia Flyers issued an apology after two members of the team's marketing staff were overheard ridiculing an Inquirer beat writer's question during a Zoom call with newly-signed forward Garnet Hathaway. President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones called the incident 'completely unacceptable' and said the team had reached out to the reporter and the Inquirer.July 12, 2023
Food & Drink
Rosenberger's now has a hard iced tea made by Lansdale's Boardroom Spirits
Rosenberger's Iced Tea and Vodka takes the century-old Pennsylvania brand's classic beverage and mixes it in a canned cocktail made by Lansdale-based distillery Boardroom Spirits. The caffeinated, 4.5% ABV drink only is available in Pennsylvania. It can be purchased online and shipped anywhere in the state. It's also being sold at Boardroom Spirits' bottle shop and tasting room at 595 W. 3rd St in Lansdale, Montgomery County.July 11, 2023
Addiction
White House plan targets xylazine, the animal sedative now commonly found in Philly's drug supply
The White House has outlined a national strategy to address the public health impact of xylazine, the veterinary sedative commonly mixed with fentanyl and other street drugs. The drug has fueled the opioid epidemic in recent years by complicating established treatment protocols for overdoses. In April, the White House declared xylazine an emerging health threat. The plan released Tuesday calls for developing an improved treatment framework that emphasizes community-level resources.July 11, 2023
Government
Two new public restrooms, dubbed Philly Phlush, are now open in the city – with more on the way
Philadelphia is installing six prefabricated restrooms from Portland Loo, which created kiosk-like structures that each include a changing table, menstrual products and the overdose prevention drug Narcan. The first two, at Fotterall Square in North Philly and near LOVE Park in Center City, have opened. Another is planned for Clark Park in West Philly. The three remaining sites have yet to be determined.July 11, 2023
Transportation
Sinkhole repair on Route 202 could keep Upper Merion roadway closed for days
The section of U.S. Route 202 that was closed due to a large sinkhole on Monday night may not reopen until Wednesday or Thursday, a PennDOT spokesperson said. The road is closed in both directions between Henderson Road and Saulin Boulevard. The sinkhole was discovered during an investigation of a water outage reported to PA American Water, the utility provider in Montgomery County. Repair work is underway.July 10, 2023
Investigations
Police suspect poisoned feeders led to unusual bird deaths at Warminster park
Numerous dead birds were found Saturday at Warminster Community Park in Bucks County, where authorities suspect someone poisoned a series of bird feeders that were placed at the park earlier that day. Investigators said the bands on the dead birds' feathers are consistent with homing pigeons. The bodies have been sent out for necropsies to determine how the birds died. The substance found in the feeders also has been sent to a lab for analysis. Police said the substance is dangerous to humans. The public should report bird feeders in the area that look like those recovered from the park.July 10, 2023
Investigations
Fire heavily damages historic Broad Street Market in Harrisburg
A building that forms part of the historic Broad Street Market in Harrisburg was damaged by a fire overnight Monday in the Pennsylvania state capital. Broad Street Market is described as one the nation's oldest continuously operated market houses. The market was founded in 1860, just before the start of the Civil War. There were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams have pledged to rebuild the brick building damaged by the fire.July 10, 2023
History
First Bank of the United States to be renovated, reopened as museum
The First Bank of the United States in Philadelphia will be renovated into a museum that will feature exhibits about the nation's economic history. The historic building at 120 S. Third St. served as the nation's original federal bank, established in 1791 at the urging of then-U.S. Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton. It is regarded as one of the most important artifacts of George Washington's administration. Construction is expected to be completed in 2025.July 7, 2023
Transportation
SEPTA gives riders free transit access while fare system glitch is fixed
SEPTA's fare collection system went down Friday morning, prompting the transit authority to offer free rides on all trains, subways, buses and trolleys. Officials are working to restore the fare system. In the meantime, riders will not be charged and all transit modes will run on normal schedules. The glitch comes as SEPTA begins the process to award a new contract for its upgraded fare collection system, dubbed SEPTA Key 2.0.July 7, 2023
Food & Drink
Jason Kelce creates charity donut for Fractured Prune's Jersey Shore shops
Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce has partnered with Jersey Shore donut shop Fractured Prune to create a new "Fat Kelce" donut with a peanut butter glaze, crumbled bacon topping and chocolate and honey drizzle. The donut is available at the stores in North Wildwood, Ocean City and Sea Isle City all summer long. All proceeds will benefit Kelce's (Be)Philly Foundation, a nonprofit that supports youth programs in Philadelphia.Just In
- As data centers spread in Pa., lawmakers are proposing guardrails. Community activists want a moratorium
- Why traffic for Flyers and Sixers playoff games will be even worse than usual
- A 'barbaric' problem in American hospitals is only getting bigger
- In Sixers' Game 3 loss, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond 'were trying as best as they could,' but their flaws were costly
- Philadelphia Eagles 2026 NFL Draft board
- New Jersey launches website to show how tax dollars are being spent and what programs are funded
Must Read
