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 5, 2023
Entertainment
Angel of Empire, racehorse bred in Pennsylvania, is tied for the best odds to win Kentucky Derby
Angel of Empire, a Pennsylvania-bred horse, will compete in Saturday's Kentucky Derby at Lousiville's Churchill Downs. He has 6-1 odds heading into the first race of the Triple Crown. Angel of Empire was born in 2020 at Blackstone Farm in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County.May 5, 2023
Courts
Former Sharon Hill cops sentenced to probation for fatally shooting Fanta Bility outside high school football game
Former Sharon Hill police officers Devon Smith, Sean Dolan and Brian Devaney were sentenced Friday to five years of probation for fatally shooting Fanta Bility as the 8-year-old girl left a football game at Academy Park High School with her family in August 2021. The officers pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment charges last November.May 5, 2023
Investigations
Missing Jersey Shore postal worker found dead off Sandy Hook beach
Corey McFadden, a missing U.S. postal worker from Cape May County, was found dead off Sandy Hook after he was reported missing in early May. McFadden's body was recovered on May 22 and he was later identified as the missing man from Lower Township. McFadden's car was found abandoned in early May after he apparently ran out of gas on the Garden State Parkway in Wall Township, Monmouth County, about 100 miles north of his home. McFadden's family was last in contact with him on April 28 and his co-workers became concerned when he did not show up for work.May 4, 2023
Mental Health
A weed-fueled, psychotic break helped inspire new animated film 'Bug Therapy,' a nudge for mental health treatment
'Bug Therapy' is an animated short film about insects seeking help for mental health problems. Voice actors on the project include Jay Leno, Dr. Phil McGraw, Meghan Trainor and Tom Green. The film was written by screenwriters Michael Jann and Michele Jourdan, who were partly inspired by the mental breakdown Jann's son, Max, suffered after smoking too much marijuana one night in 2019. The movie aims to break down stigmas about seeking help.May 4, 2023
Transportation
Pa. Turnpike starts work on Northeast Extension tolling gantries that won't require drivers to slow down
The Pennsylvania Turnpike has begun early construction work on a series of electronic tolling gantries that will replace toll booths and plazas along the Northeast Extension of I-476 and east of the Reading Interchange at Exit 286 to the New Jersey line. Drivers will be able to travel under the gantries at highway speeds and will be billed using E-ZPass or via mail with the state's toll-by-plate system. The gantries are expected to debut in the eastern part of Pennsylvania in 2025. Gantries along the turnpike's western roadways are expected to debut in 2027.May 3, 2023
Real Estate
Sale of Ram's Head Inn spares South Jersey venue from demolition
The Ram's Head Inn in Galloway Township, New Jersey has been sold to a new owner who plans to renovate and reopen the venue, whose history stretches back to the 1930s. A realtor representing the buyer of the property at 9 W. White Horse Pike said the Colonial style property was slated to be demolished this week ahead of the sale. It had been a popular South Jersey wedding venue before it was shut down in 2019 due to building-related issues.May 3, 2023
Investigations
Man wanted for sexual assault near Penn, Drexel campuses, police say
Philadelphia police are searching for a man who committed a sexual assault early Tuesday morning near the Hamilton Court apartments in University City, authorities said. The incident occurred near the campuses of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. Police have released a surveillance video that shows the suspect.May 3, 2023
TV
Comcast restores NFL Network on Xfinity after dropping channel during contract dispute
The NFL Network is back on Comcast after it was dropped by Xfinity during recent contract negotiations with the pro football league. The previous contract lapsed Monday because the sides had been far apart on money and Comcast was unhappy with the length of the NFL's proposed extensions, which the cable giant felt were too short. NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast, also airs 'Sunday Night Football.'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
Food & Drink
New bar on Wildwood Boardwalk will have golf simulators, other virtual games
Bar Fore, a new concept on the boardwalk in North Wildwood, will have two indoor, Full Swing golf simulators with 53 virtual courses from around the world. The bar, which also has a food menu, is at the Montego Bay Resort at 1800 Boardwalk. The simulators at Bar Fore also will have other virtual games.Just In
- Paxson Hill Farm, once a public garden and nursery in Bucks County, hits market for $5 million
- Protein-rich foods are trendy, but eating less protein may promote healthy aging
- Two Robbers to close the Lodge, its South Philly bar and restaurant
- Camden County bridge closes for 3 months to undergo repairs
- Heroes and zeroes from Day 4 of Eagles training camp: Jalen Hurts finally has a good day
- Report: Phillies trade for lefty reliever Brooks Raley
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