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 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.

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

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.

May 1, 2023

TV

'Breaking Bad' stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul appear on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' set

'Breaking Bad' stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul were pictured on the set of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' in a photo shared by series creator Rob McElhenney. It's not yet clear why Cranston and Paul were at Paddy's Pub with the gang, but there's been speculation that the two actors will make cameos in Season 16, which premieres June 7.

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.

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