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, 2022
Health News
Lone star tick that causes severe red meat allergy multiplies in Northeast U.S.
Alpha-gal syndrome, a disease spread by the lone star tick, can cause severe allergies that result from eating red meat. The condition has become more prevalent in the United States as the lone star ticks, native to the southeastern states, continues to spread north and west to multiply in new states. Allergic reactions to lone star tick bites are connected to the protein-linked sugar alpha-galactose. The lone star tick's primary mammalian hosts contain these sugars, which then get passed on to human hosts through the insect's saliva. Not naturally present in humans, alpha-gal leads to strong antibody responses that can last a lifetime.April 29, 2022
Social Media
Baker Mayfield statue at Oklahoma draws comparisons to Dennis Reynolds from 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'
Quarterback Baker Mayfield was honored with a statue at the University of Oklahoma, where he won a Heisman Trophy before being selected by the Cleveland Browns with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The statue of Mayfield unveiled at OU reminded fans of Dennis Reynolds, the character played by Glenn Howerton on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Mayfield is looking for a new team in 2022 after the Browns signed Deshaun Watson this offseason.April 29, 2022
Development
LINK trail from Philly to Jersey Shore is part of Camden's $100 million parks plan
The LINK trail, a 34-mile path that will create a connection from Philadelphia to Cape May Point, is part of a $100 million investment in the Camden County park system. The 12-foot wide trail will be open to cyclists and pedestrians, running from the Ben Franklin to Winslow Township, where it will connect with the Atlantic County trail. The investment will cover upgrades to Camden's 24 parks and improvements to several waterways.April 29, 2022
Investigations
Newtown Township man charged in fatal stabbing of his father
Jordan Kurman, 22, is charged with criminal homicide after Bucks County prosecutors say he stabbed his father to death Friday morning at his parents' home in Newtown Township. Police responded to the home on David Drive and found 49-year-old Gregory Kurman with a fatal stab wound to his neck. Investigators said Jordan Kurman was in the driveway of the residence wearing clothing stained with blood, and his mother told police her son had stabbed her husband.April 29, 2022
History
Cape May fisherman finds submerged engine from WWII-era aircraft
A squid fisherman in Cape May discovered an aircraft engine underwater off the coast of New Jersey earlier in April. The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum confirmed that the engine dates back to the period of World War II and may have belonged to a fighter such as the Northrop P-61 Black Widow or the Grumman F6F Hellcat. The engine will be cleaned and displayed at the aviation museum.April 28, 2022
Courts
Republican running for Pennsylvania lieutenant governor accused of threatening wife, child and family dog
Pennsylvania lieutenant governor candidate Teddy Daniels has been barred from his home in Wayne County after his wife was granted a protection from abuse order. The woman alleged that Daniels, a far right Republican candidate, repeatedly threatened her and blamed her for negative press he had gotten. Daniels has refused to drop out of the race in response to the allegations, which prompted a welfare check by Pennsylvania State Police last weekend before a court granted two protection orders for his wife this week.April 28, 2022
Health News
FDA proposes landmark ban on menthol cigarettes in effort to curb smoking
The FDA is moving forward with a proposal to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos in the United States. The measure aims to reduce the appeal of cigarettes to youth and young adults while decreasing the mortality risk of current menthol cigarette smokers. Some opponents of the measure fear it will push the market underground and create unintended law enforcement consequences for Black communities where menthol cigarettes are most popular among smokers.April 28, 2022
Investigations
Bouncer to be charged with third-degree murder in death of man punched outside Center City bar
Kenneth Frye, the bouncer caught on video punching a man outside a Center City bar, will be charged with third-degree murder following an investigation into the incident, according to authorities. Pope, 41, was knocked unconscious and died a week later.April 28, 2022
Media
Classic Hits 98.1, formerly Oldies 98, rebrands as BIG 98.1
Philadelphia radio station Classic Hits 98.1 has rebranded as BIG 98.1. Audacy announced the switch for WOGL on Thursday and said the station will add more music from the 1990's into its mix of classics from the 1980's. The change continues an evolution of the brand away from the Oldies 98 format that once ruled WOGL during the 1990's. The new format will keep host Sean "Coop" Tabler, but other hosts from Classic Hits 98.1 will not carry over as Audacy brings on new talent in the coming months.April 27, 2022
Development
Renault Winery owners acquire 200-acre Jersey Shore golf resort with plans for renovation
Sea Oaks Golf Resort in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey has been acquired by the owners of the historic Renault Winery, who plan to renovate the 200-acre property and reopen the public golf course in June 2022. The 18-hole course was closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accountability Equity, the owner of Renault Winery Resort and Kennett Island Resort, intends to make the new LBI National Golf & Resort a wedding venue with a hotel.Just In
- Sixers will pick No. 22 or No. 23 overall in 2026 NBA Draft courtesy of Houston Rockets, Jared McCain trade
- Temple students to create live albums of Opera Philadelphia productions
- Lower Merion activates township's first automated red light cameras
- A huge craft brewing conference is coming to Philly, and its official beer is a new Yards lager
- Two museums are looking back on the entire history of American art through political teapots and a 'death cart'
- WNBA officially expanding to Philadelphia
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