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 23, 2020
Government
As U.S. attorney questions Philly's ban on public events, city senses Trump effort to squelch protests
U.S. Attorney William McSwain has challenged Philadelphia's ban on large public events, sending a letter to the city solicitor citing First Amendment concerns with the policy and its relation to COVID-19 mitigation. City officials fear the Trump administration may be trying to undermine peaceful protests.July 22, 2020
Controversies
Wolf condemns Bloomsburg Fair incident as LGBTQ+ groups demand written apology for Dr. Rachel Levine
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf offered support Wednesday for Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine and the state's transgender community. Levine was parodied by a man at the Bloomsburg Fair, where a dunk tank game invited guests to sink an impersonator of Levine.July 22, 2020
Restaurants
Brickwall Tavern shuts down South Jersey location due to coronavirus pandemic
The Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room in Burlington County will be closed for good as restaurant owner Smith Made deals with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Two other locations in Asbury Park and Philadelphia will remain open.July 22, 2020
Investigations
Fired Philly cop, seen on video pepper-spraying I-676 protesters, now charged with assault
Former Philadelphia police officer Richard Nicoletti has been charged with assault for his use of pepper spray on peaceful protesters during a June 1 demonstration on I-676, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Wednesday. The incident occurred during the June 1 demonstration where protesters marching against police brutality and systemic racism block the Vine Street Expressway.July 21, 2020
Illness
As COVID-19 cases rise in Philly, health commissioner foresees 'cycles of opening and closing'
As Philadelphia sees rising cases of COVID-19, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said that restrictions will ebb and flow based on the city's progress in containing the coronavirus. Philadelphia also continues to try to address delays in trash collection across the city.July 21, 2020
Controversies
Bloomsburg Fair denies transphobic motive for dunk tank with Pa. Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine impersonator
The Bloomsburg Fair has come under fire for using a likeness of Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, a transgender woman, in a dunk tank game. The fair has denied that the game represented an anti-transgender stance.July 20, 2020
Humor
Grandma wowed in viral video of 'magic' trick with Wawa cups
A viral video on Reddit shows a young man fooling an elderly woman – possibly his grandmother – with a deceptive magic trick using coffee cups from Wawa.July 20, 2020
Investigations
Babysitter charged with murder of missing toddler in Strawberry Mansion
Two-year-old King Hill disappeared from his family in Philadelphia on July 7, 2020. After an intensive search and investigation, 24-year-old Tianna Parks was charged with murder and related offenses in the boy's death. Authorities continue to search for Hill's remains.July 20, 2020
Protests
As Trump threatens to send federal agents to Philly, Kenney says city will 'resist'
Philadelphia officials said they have not been informed of plans to send federal law enforcement to city, as President Donald Trump hinted Monday. As protests against racism and police brutality continue in Portland, federal agents have been deployed to the city, prompting widespread criticism of the Trump administration.July 20, 2020
Health Stories
Mütter Museum artifacts shine light on Civil War-era smallpox vaccine
The Mütter Museum in Philadelphia staff found smallpox vaccination kits from the Civil-War era. Analysis discovered ancient DNA, and researchers have reconstructed a picture of the early vaccine used to fight the deadly scourge. This could spark ideas in today's fight against the novel coronavirus, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.Just In
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- Fatal vehicle crashes in Philly decreased by 26% in 2025, but pedestrian safety remains an issue, officials say
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