Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Tanenbaum Headshot

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.


tanenbaum@phillyvoice.com

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

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 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 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

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

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

Pets

Feline Frenzy, a thrift shop and cat adoption center, opens in North Wales

Feline Frenzy Thrift Shop and Adopt is a new nonprofit in North Wales, Montgomery County that accepts donations of clothing and other items that are sold in the store to support the mission. The store, run by Maura Shuttleworth, includes a gated area where customers can spend time with cats and kittens, which are available for adoption. People surrendering cats must call in advance to book appointments for drop off. The rescue also has a cat shelter in Perkiomenville.

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.

April 25, 2023

Investigations

Bam Margera's family members plea for him to get help after alleged assault

Bam Margera's mom, April, and brother, Jesse, spoke out on Tuesday after the former 'Jackass' star fled the family home in Chester County over the weekend following an alleged assault. Margera allegedly punched his brother and threatened to shoot other members of his family, Pennsylvania State Police said.

April 24, 2023

Food & Drink

Libertee Grounds, the mini golf bar in Francisville, to expand with nine new holes

Libertee Grounds, the Philadelphia bar with mini golf and a long list of hyperlocal beers, will soon be adding another nine holes in an expanded space. The addition also will include a new golf simulator, another bar, a private event space and a lounge area. The back nine of the golf course is expected to open in fall 2023 at 1600 West Girard Ave.

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