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 24, 2023
Wildlife
Two children injured by bear in northern Pennsylvania, officials say
Two children were injured Monday when they were attacked by a black bear attack in Wright Township, Pennsylvania, authorities said. The kids, ages five and 14 months, were playing in their driveway at the time of the attack. They were treated for bites and scratches at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, and they have since been released. Bear attacks are considered rare. Few details about Monday's incident are available and it's unclear what may have provoked the bear.May 24, 2023
Wildlife
Pennsylvania biologists believe a thought-to-be-extinct bird still lives
Researchers at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh have published a peer-reviewed study containing photos, audio recordings and drone videos that they contend proves the continued survival of the ivory-billed woodpecker in Louisiana. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has argued that the species is extinct and sought to remove it from the federal list of endangered species. A final decision from the government has been delayed in order to allow biologists to present evidence.May 23, 2023
Investigations
Man accidentally shoots himself at Wildwood Crest motel, police say
A Frackville, Pennsylvania man is facing charges after he accidentally shot himself in the leg at a motel in Wildwood Crest last Thursday, May 18, authorities said. Alexander Wiederhold, 30, was with a child at the time of the shooting. The child was unharmed. The gun allegedly fired while Wiederhold was carrying bags into his room. The owner of the gun, Sabrina Sweed, 29, also of Frackville, also faces charges for possessing a high capacity magazine and hollow point bullets. Neither Wiederhold nor Sweed had a concealed carry permit, police said.May 23, 2023
Movies
Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner seeks actress to play her in 'Crying In H Mart' movie
Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner is searching for an actress to play herself in the upcoming film adaptation of 'Crying In H Mart,' the best-selling memoir she wrote about her childhood and the grief she experienced after her mother's death from cancer. Zauner posted an open casting call for a Korean American woman between 18- to 25-years old. The movie, written by Zauner, will be directed by 'The White Lotus' star Will Sharpe.May 23, 2023
Children's Health
Social media is a driver of youth mental health crisis, U.S. surgeon general warns
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory Tuesday on the harmful effects of social media on children and adolescents. The report highlights statistics on depression, anxiety and other mental health problems that research has associated with negative impacts of social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. The report calls on stakeholders to work together to address a crisis that has exposed young people to dangers that society does not yet fully understand.May 22, 2023
2023 Election
Cindy Bass narrowly wins Democratic primary in City Council's 8th District
Philadelphia City Councilmember Cindy Bass, a three-term incumbent in Northwest Philly's 8th District, has won the Democratic primary against challenger Seth Anderson-Oberman, according to the Associated Press. Bass held a margin of just over 400 votes with about 95% of the vote counted. The district covers neighborhoods including Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown, Nicetown-Tioga and Wissahickon. The 8th District race was the closest Democratic primary contest in 2023.May 22, 2023
Holidays
Chickie's & Pete's to pay tolls for Jersey Shore travelers this Friday
Chickie's & Pete's will pay for all eastbound tolls to the Jersey Shore on the Atlantic City Expressway, beginning at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza exit, from 5–6 p.m. on Friday, May 26, heading into Memorial Day weekend. The "Free Toll Friday" event includes a kickoff celebration from noon–5 p.m. at the Frank S. Farley Plaza in Hammonton, at mile marker 20 on the Atlantic City Expressway. The event will have free food and activities.May 22, 2023
2023 Election
As Philly's next mayor, Cherelle Parker says struggling communities would be her top concern
Cherelle Parker, the Democratic mayoral nominee in Philadelphia, detailed her policy proposals for stop and frisk policing, year-round schooling and trash collection Monday during her first press conference since winning the primary election. She will face Republican David Oh in November's general election. Parker is poised to become the first woman elected mayor in Philly.May 19, 2023
Food & Drink
R & S Keystone Diner in Bucks County is the latest Philly-area diner to close
The R & S Keystone Diner in Telford, Bucks County closed Thursday after a 75-year run. The original R & S Grill was on Line Lexington Road in Hatfield, Montgomery County, where it opened in 1948. It moved to its location on 4714 Bethlehem Pike in Telford in 1960. It has been run by owner JoAnn Kerr since 1981, when she took it over from her late parents.May 19, 2023
Media
NBC10 hires new meteorologist Justin Godynick
Meteorologist Justin Godynick will join NBC10's First Alert Weather Team on June 7. The South Jersey native will provide weather reports during the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts Wednesdays through Fridays as well as on weekend evenings. Godynick last worked at NBC-owned WBTS-TV in Boston and previously was a meteorologist for stations in the New York metropolitan area.Just In
- As data centers spread in Pa., lawmakers are proposing guardrails. Community activists want a moratorium
- Why traffic for Flyers and Sixers playoff games will be even worse than usual
- A 'barbaric' problem in American hospitals is only getting bigger
- In Sixers' Game 3 loss, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond 'were trying as best as they could,' but their flaws were costly
- Philadelphia Eagles 2026 NFL Draft board
- New Jersey launches website to show how tax dollars are being spent and what programs are funded
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