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.
May 19, 2020
Illness
Philly's daily COVID-19 cases 'dropping fairly rapidly' as city tops 20,000 total
Philadelphia is beginning to see accelerated progress in reducing the spread of COVID-19, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said. While the city doesn't have a timeline, it is beginning move more quickly toward the hitting benchmarks for entering the yellow phase of the Pennsylvania's reopening plan.May 19, 2020
Food & Drink
Popular Malaysian restaurant Saté Kampar on East Passyunk closes, citing lease issue
Saté Kampar, a Malaysian BYO on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philly, will close until it is able to find a new location. Owner Ange Branca said the lease expired amid the COVID-19 crisis and the restaurant was unable to reach a new agreement.May 19, 2020
Politics
Montgomery County commissioners clash over face masks during COVID-19 briefing
Montgomery County Commissioners Dr. Valerie Arkoosh and Joe Gale argued about the importance of face masks during a COVID-19 press briefing on May 18, 2020. Arkoosh chided Gale for not wearing a mask while attending a flag event for veterans at St. Matthews Cemetery in Conshohocken.May 18, 2020
Government
Pennsylvania program extends unemployment compensation for 13 extra weeks
Pennsylvania's Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program will provide claimants an additional 13 weeks of benefits as the COVID-19 crisis continues. More than 1.87 Pennsylvania residents have filed for unemployment since the start of the pandemic.May 18, 2020
Police
Philly police seize more than 60 illegal ATVs, dirt bikes during weekend
Philadelphia police seized illegal ATVs and dirt bikes across the city after receiving complaints from residents, officials said. It was not immediately clear whether the seizures were connected to the COVID-19 crisis and enforcing social distancing.May 18, 2020
Government
Key to COVID-19 crisis: 'Don't be a jerk,' Philly managing director says
Philadelphia Managing Director Brian Abernathy joined other city officials in urging residents not to visit the Jersey Shore over Memorial Day weekend in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Abernathy said the key to the crisis is, "Don't be a jerk."May 18, 2020
Business
Mad River Manyunk, Farmicia in Old City to close as result of coronavirus crisis
Mad River Manayunk and Farmacia in Old City, two popular Philadelphia bars that have been around for more than a decade, will close due to the coronavirus crisis. The restaurant industry has been among the hardest hit across the United States.May 15, 2020
Politics
Philly won't cave to 'open up hysteria,' Mayor Kenney says
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said protesters focused on reopening and lifting coronavirus restrictions are putting the health and safety of others at risk. The mayor said Philadelphia will continue to base its planning on public health data. Gov. Tom Wolf moved another 12 counties into the next phase of his reopening plan.May 15, 2020
Music
Will Smith shouts out Philly, Dr. J in new 'Will' remix with Joyner Lucas
Will Smith and Joyner Lucas teamed up for a remix of "Will," a song from Lucas' debut album "ADHD." In his verse, Smith gives nods to his hometown of Philadelphia and 76ers legend Julius Erving.May 15, 2020
Restaurants
Pennsylvania unveils penalties for restaurants reopening dining service too soon
Pennsylvania restaurants will be subject to food safety inspections by the department of agriculture if they violate the state's orders surrounding the resumption of dine-in service. The state has established rules for restaurants to follow amid the COVID-19 crisis.Just In
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