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 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 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 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
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 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 2, 2023
Social Media
DeVonta Smith, Celtics fan, tells his own charity softball Twitter account to 'chill out' with Sixers love
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is a proud fan of the Boston Celtics, who happen to be the main NBA rival of the 76ers. During the Sixers' 119-115 win over Boston in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Smith tweeted about the game and praised James Harden, who scored a playoff career high 45 points. The Twitter page for Smith's own annual charity softball game — managed by someone else — tweeted, "Go Sixers!!!" Smith had a hilarious reaction, telling his own charity account to "chill out" with the love for the 76ers.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.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
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.Just In
- Eagles select Georgia OG Micah Morris with 207th overall pick of 2026 NFL Draft
- Joel Embiid listed doubtful for Sixers-Celtics on Sunday; full injury reports ahead of Game 4
- 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
- New Jersey launches website to show how tax dollars are being spent and what programs are funded
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