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.
April 22, 2022
Government
Biden nominates Jacqueline C. Romero to be successor to Bill McSwain as U.S. Attorney in Philly
Jacqueline C. Romero, 51, has been nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the top prosecutor in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Romero would serve as the successor to former U.S. Attorney William McSwain, an appointee of former President Donald Trump who is now running a Republican campaign for Pennsylvania governor. Romero is the first woman to be nominated to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where she has worked since 2006.April 22, 2022
Government
Philly rescinds COVID-19 indoor face mask requirement, but still strongly recommends they be worn
Philadelphia has lifted its mask mandate in indoor public spaces, abandoning the requirement just days after it took effect. The city's Board of Health voted Thursday night to rescind the policy Philadelphia was the only large U.S. city that had implemented a new mask mandate this spring. The decision, which contrasted with CDC guidance, prompted a strong public backlash and a lawsuit from a group of local businesses. The city will shift to strongly recommending masks in indoor public settings and will no longer use the COVID response level system that automatically triggers policy changes.April 21, 2022
Investigations
Two Pennsylvania state troopers under investigation for killing horse that escaped from Amish farm
Two Pennsylvania state troopers are under investigation for shooting and euthanizing a horse that escaped from an Amish farm in Chester County last December. The criminal probe is looking into whether the troopers violated animal cruelty laws. The animal was shot along U.S. Route 1 and State Road 10.April 21, 2022
Investigations
South Jersey post office worker used job to make, sell 400 fake COVID-19 vaccine cards, prosecutors say
Lisa Hammell, 39, of Turnersville, New Jersey, allegedly sold at least 400 fake COVID-19 vaccination cards that she made at a U.S. post office in Marlton where she worked, according to federal prosecutors. Hammell is charged with health care fraud and related offenses. The scheme is one of nine separate federal cases as part of a wider crackdown on fraud and profiteering related to the coronavirus pandemic.April 21, 2022
Government
Mayor Kenney defends Philly's outlier mask mandate: 'People will complain about just about anything'
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney spoke with the Washington Post on Thursday and discussed the city's new mask mandate, which has sparked local backlash and a lawsuit from a group of businesses. Philly is the only major city in the United States to bring back a COVID-19 mask mandate this spring. Kenney defended the decision of the city health department, arguing that public opposition is political and that he will continue to follow the guidance of his health department.April 21, 2022
Investigations
Man charged with luring teen to Delco park and fatally shooting him
Mark Laird, 18, of Boothwyn, is charged in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Reuben Rosado at Henry Johnson Park in Trainer, Delaware County on March 15, prosecutors said. Laird allegedly lured Rosado to the park under the guise that he would give him a gun, but instead fatally shot the teenager.April 20, 2022
Investigations
Man arrested in theft of Hyundai, Kia cars from shipment at South Philly rail yard
Philadelphia police are investigating the mass theft of new Hyundai vehicles from a rail yard owned by freight operator CSX along Delaware Avenue in South Philadelphia. The incident appears to have happened overnight Monday into Tuesday. It was not immediately clear how many vehicles were stolen and an investigation is ongoing.April 20, 2022
Media
Philly jazz radio host Bob Perkins to retire from full-time role on WRTI-FM
Bob Perkins, legendary Jazz radio host and South Philadelphia native, will retire from his full-time position as a host on Temple University's public WRTI-FM station. Perkins' career in media spans 57 years, including 25 years at WRTI-FM. He will maintain his Sunday morning Jazz Brunch show on 90.1 FM. from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., but will no longer work weeknights beginning in June 2022.April 20, 2022
Development
Sesame Place water tower, a roadside landmark since 1993, slated to be demolished
The Sesame Place water tower, along I-295 in Langhorne, looks to be headed for demolition after decades as a landmark for families approaching the amusement park. The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority reportedly have approved plans to take bids to raze the structure.April 19, 2022
Investigations
New Jersey bar linked to two fatal crashes has liquor license suspended indefinitely
HI Point Pub, a bar and restaurant in Absecon, New Jersey, has had its liquor license suspended indefinitely by the state's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Investigators said the bar has been linked to two fatal vehicle crashes, nearly ten drunk driving incidents, a brawl and other troubling incidents over the past few years.Just In
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- First mRNA-based flu vaccine approved by the FDA for older adults
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