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.
August 12, 2021
Investigations
Lancaster man stored dismembered head inside freezer, police say
Donald Meshey Jr., 32, of Lancaster, is charged with homicide and related offenses after a human head was found inside his freezer and a dismembered cadaver was located in a bedroom at the residence, police said. Authorities said the incident remains under investigation.August 12, 2021
Wildlife
Pennsylvania Elk Cam goes live as 2021 bugling season begins
The Pennsylvania Elk Cam has returned for the 2021 bugling season through an annual partnership between the Pennsylvania Game Commission and HDOnTap. The live stream camera is positioned over a field on State Game Lands 311 in Benezette, Elk County, in the north central part of the state. It will remain live until the end of bugling season in mid-October. The best time to tune is during late afternoons.August 11, 2021
Prevention
Philly's indoor face mask requirement returns at midnight Thursday
Everyone entering businesses and other indoor public spaces in Philadelphia will be required to wear face masks, effective midnight, Thursday, Aug. 12. An exception to mask mandate are businesses with policies requiring patrons to show proof they have received their COVID-19 vaccination shots prior to entry. Fully inoculated people, carrying their vaccination cards, can go maskless in those businesses.August 11, 2021
Wildlife
New Jersey hiker, 21, hospitalized after bitten by venomous copperhead snake
A New Jersey man suffered a venomous snake bite from a copperhead while hiking on a trail in Hopewell Township in Mercer County. The victim, 21, spent three days in the hospital before he was released. Copperhead snake bits are among the most common in the United States, and while their venom is rarely lethal to humans, bites can cause serious complications and may require anti-venom treatment.August 11, 2021
Investigations
Seven ex-SEPTA managers charged in alleged bribery scheme totaling nearly $1 million
Seven former management-level employees in SEPTA's Bridges and Buildings Departments have been charged with bribery and fraud offenses for a scheme they allegedly arranged with a pair of vendors to steal nearly $1 million for their personal benefit. The two vendors also are facing criminal charges.August 10, 2021
Government
Sea Isle City boosting police presence to combat 'destructive behavior,' mayor says
Sea Isle City will increase police patrols at beaches in the Jersey Shore town amid a pattern of destructive behavior, Mayor Leonard Desiderio said Tuesday. The Cape May County town also will look to limit large crowds inside businesses as COVID-19 cases rise again in New Jersey.August 10, 2021
Government
Pennsylvania enacts a 'vaccine or test' requirement for some state workers
Pennsylvania will require COVID-19 vaccines for all state employees in health care and high-risk settings, unless they are willing to undergo regular testing, beginning Sept. 7. Governor Tom Wolf also announced that all state employees who choose to get vaccinated will be rewarded with a day off work starting Oct. 1. The new initiative comes as governments search for effective ways to induce higher rates of vaccination, including possible financial incentives.August 10, 2021
Eagles
Eagles podcaster Giovanni Hamilton gets custom DeVonta Smith figurine, throwback sneakers at Linc practice
Philadelphia Eagles podcaster and superfan Giovanni Hamilton was gifted a custom DeVonta Smith figurine and a pair of Eagles high tops while attending the team's open practice at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday night. Hamilton, 13, suffers from Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, a type of dwarfism that has left him with skeletal abnormalities and severe muscle stiffness.August 9, 2021
Investigations
Man wrongfully convicted of Barbara Jean Horn's 1988 murder in Northeast Philly does 'Dateline NBC' interview
Dateline NBC will examine the 1988 murder of Barbara Jean Horn in Northeast Philly and the wrongful conviction of Walter Ogrod, who was exonerated last year after spending 28 years behind bars, most of it on death row. The episode, title The Investigation, airs 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13. Lester Holt will interview Ogrod, Barbara Jean's parents, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and others as the special shines light on decades of corruption and misconduct in Philadelphia's criminal justice system.August 9, 2021
Technology
NASA rocket launch may be visible from Philly area on Tuesday
NASA's rocket launch from Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia may be visible from the Philadelphia area on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, shortly after the Antares spacecraft lifts off at 5:56 p.m. The launch is a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station that will include 8,200 pounds of crew supplies, hardware and research materials.Just In
- Cheltenham woman accused of stealing nearly $1 million worth of lingerie to sell online
- New Jersey receives $5 million in grants for World Cup watch parties, events
- Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art plans $100 million expansion with 325-acre nature preserve
- Kurt Vile releases new single, 'Zoom 97,' from his upcoming album
- Eagles name Adam Berry assistant general manager
- Joel Embiid ruled out for Sixers-Knicks Game 2
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