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 28, 2020
Comedians
Ahead of Philly comedy show, Jim Gaffigan goes on Twitter rampage against Trump followers
Comedian Jim Gaffigan unleashed on President Donald Trump in a Twitter tirade during the final night of Republican National Convention. Gaffigan is slated to perform at Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia on Saturday, August 29.August 28, 2020
Taxes
New Jersey hikes gas tax due to revenue lost amid pandemic
New Jersey will raise its fuel tax by 9.3 cents per gallon on Oct. 1. Officials said the state has lost required transportation funding during the coronavirus pandemic as fewer people purchase gas. With the change, New Jersey will have the fourth highest fuel tax in the United States.August 28, 2020
Universities
Kutztown University professor regrets telling students to seek out COVID-19, 'get it over with'
Dr. Victor Massad, a business professor at Kutztown University, came under fire this week after advising his students to actively contract COVID-19. The professor apologized for his remarks, explaining that he was contemplating herd immunity but failed to provide context for his remarks.August 28, 2020
Eagles
Tailgating outside the Linc during Eagles games will be prohibited, city says
The city of Philadelphia will not allow tailgating outside of Lincoln Financial Field during the Eagles' 2020 home games, officials said. Fans also will not be able to attend games inside the stadium during the coronavirus pandemic until further notice, the team said.August 27, 2020
Documentaries
Cara Delevinge to lead Hulu, BBC docuseries 'Planet Sex'
Cara Delevinge will star in an upcoming Hulu documentary series about sexual identity and gender. The project, tentatively called "Planet Sex," will be co-produced by BBC Three.August 27, 2020
Illness
Philly won't follow CDC's controversial new COVID-19 testing guidelines
Philadelphia will not adhere to new COVID-19 guidelines issued this week regarding testing for asymptomatic people who have been exposed to the coronavirus. The health department says these people should continue to get tested, despite the revision from the CDC.August 27, 2020
Eagles
Eagles fans will not be able to attend games at Linc 'until further notice,' team says
The Philadelphia Eagles will not have fans in attendance at Lincoln Financial Field to start the 2020 NFL season. City and state officials informed the team of the decision on Thursday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to limit large gatherings. Fans will not be permitted at games until further notice.August 27, 2020
Opioids
Excessive, high-dose opioids commonly prescribed after knee surgery, Penn study finds
High-strength opioid doses are commonly prescribed after both invasive and non-invasive knee surgeries in the United States, raising concern about long-term use and other risks in patients who don't have a history of taking these drugs. Penn Medicine researchers believe prescription standards can be modified for these surgeries to reduce potential harm to patients.August 26, 2020
Cyberattacks
SEPTA working through messy aftermath of August cyberattack
SEPTA was compromised by a suspected malware cyberattack on Aug. 10, resulting in the shut down of vital IT infrastructure used by the transit authority's employees. An investigation of the incident remains ongoing.August 26, 2020
Controversies
Philadelphia NAACP leader ousted as national organization takes over local branch
Philadelphia NAACP President Rodney Muhammad has been removed from his position in the wake of sharing an anti-Semitic meme on Facebook in July. The national NAACP will take over control of the local branch and oversee the leadership transition.Just In
- Why these two congressional districts outside Philly could be key to Democrats flipping the House
- Five takeaways from Josh Harris and Bob Myers' press conference following Daryl Morey's departure
- A rare corpse flower is in bloom at Temple's greenhouse in Ambler
- CDC boosts staff monitoring hantavirus but says public health risk remains low
- Phillies take two from Red Sox, get another series win under Don Mattingly
- American Girl dolls come to life in satirical FringeArts musical
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