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 2, 2023
Courts
Lehigh Valley school district must allow after school club run by Satanic group, federal judge rules
The Saucon Valley School District must allow the After School Satan club to operate at its facilities, a federal judge in Pennsylvania ruled, citing the group's First Amendment rights. The club is run by The Satantic Temple, a religious organization that promotes free speech, scientific inquiry and individual liberties. The school district backed out of an approval for the group to rent space after facing backlash from community members and parents.May 2, 2023
Adult Health
Loneliness epidemic affects half of American adults, but there are many ways to get connected
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's new advisory on the loneliness epidemic shows the trend of social disconnection that threatens the mental and physical health of Americans. About half of U.S. adults say they struggle with feelings of loneliness, including a young people who are more glued to devices and social media. Murthy said loneliness poses serious risks to well-being and life expectancy in the U.S. if efforts aren't made to reverse this trend.May 1, 2023
TV
'Breaking Bad' stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul appear on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' set
'Breaking Bad' stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul were pictured on the set of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' in a photo shared by series creator Rob McElhenney. It's not yet clear why Cranston and Paul were at Paddy's Pub with the gang, but there's been speculation that the two actors will make cameos in Season 16, which premieres June 7.May 1, 2023
Illness
This treatment for an intestinal infection sounds disgusting, but it may be a breakthrough, and it has FDA approval
The FDA's approval of Vowst, a new pill made from human poop, will change the way doctors treat the bacterial infection C. difficile, which affects about 500,000 patients in the U.S. annually. Vowst is a new form of fecal matter transplant that can be taken orally instead of the enema-based treatments given anally using poop samples donated at stool banks.April 27, 2023
Recreation
Deptford Little League will require spectators who berate umpires to officiate games
Deptford Little League in New Jersey has a new policy to teach a lesson to parents and spectators who complain about umpires. Those who yell at umps will not be allowed to attend future games as fans until they have umpired three games themselves, accompanied by a trained umpire. The policy is in response to harassment.April 27, 2023
Investigations
Bam Margera surrenders to police for alleged assault at family home in Chester County
Former 'Jackass' star Bam Margera turned himself in to Pennsylvania State Police on Thursday for the alleged assault at the family's home in Pocopson Township, outside West Chester, Chester County. On Sunday, April 22, Margera allegedly hit his bother, Jesse Margera, in the head multiple times and threatened to shoot Jesse and their father, Phil Margera, police said. Bam then fled the property.April 26, 2023
TV
John Mulaney discusses stint at Pennsylvania rehab in Netflix special 'Baby J'
In John Mulaney's new Netflix stand-up special, "Baby J," the comedian spills details about his experience entering a rehab facility in Pennsylvania to get treated for his addictions to cocaine, alcohol and a slew of prescription drugs. In the span of a year, Mulaney, 40, entered rehab, got divorced and had a child with actress Olivia Munn.April 26, 2023
Investigations
Man, woman plotted killing of teacher at Dunkin' drive-thru in Cheltenham, prosecutors say
Zakkee Alhakim, 33, of Philadelphia, and Julie Jean, 34, of Elkins Park, are each charged with homicide, conspiracy and related offenses in Rachel King's death. King's 11-year-old son was in the backseat of the car at the time of the shooting. The alleged motive was King's relationship with her boyfriend, who had been involved in an affair with Jean last year, Montgomery County prosecutors said.April 26, 2023
Food & Drink
Lancaster's Our Town Brewery to open taproom in Fairmount
Our Town Brewery, founded in Lancaster in 2020, is planning to open a new taproom in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood at 1519 Ridge Ave. The space will include indoor seating for about 40 people and a beer garden out back. Our Town Brewery offers a mix of traditional beer styles and more experimental brews.April 25, 2023
Recreation
Ocean City's Castaway Cove looks to add new roller coaster, as it continues to rebuild from 2021 fire
Playland's Castaway Cove, the amusement park on the Ocean City boardwalk, has proposed building a new family-friendly roller coaster to add to its collection of rides. The park's arcade and landmark pirate ship entrance were destroyed by a fire in January 2021.Just In
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