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.
July 18, 2023
Podcasts
'The Always Sunny Podcast' put on hold amid actors, writers strikes
"The Always Sunny Podcast" will be on hold amid the ongoing actors and writers strikes, the show's hosts said on Instagram. The SAG-AFTRA strike prohibits actors from going on podcasts to promote their shows. The strike could potentially interfere with live tapings of the podcast scheduled in Philadelphia on Sept. 23 and New York City on Oct. 12. Rob McElhenney, who recently announced he had been diagnosed with neurodevelopment disorders at 46 years old, had planned to discuss those findings on the podcast later this month.July 17, 2023
Business
Former Regal movie theater in Oaks to reopen under new ownership
Valley Forge Promotions has acquired the former Regal Cinemas Oaks Stadium 24 theater at 180 Mill Road. It plans to reopen the it as an independent theater with an arcade, mini-bowling, a live theater and a corporate meeting space. The movie theater is expected to reopen in August 2023.July 17, 2023
Development
Restoration work begins at Cobbs Creek Golf Club in West Philly
The revitalization of the Cobbs Creek Golf Course in West Philly began Monday. The plans include reopening of the historic 18-hole championship course and building a year-round education center and short course operated by Tiger Woods' TGR Foundation. The 107-year-old course along Lansdowne Avenue, divided by Cobbs Creek, has been shut down since 2020. The Cobbs Creek Foundation, the nonprofit leading the renovations, plans to invest at least $100 million into the 340-acre property over the next few years.July 17, 2023
Social Media
Why did a camel show up in Northern Liberties and eat a baguette?
A camel seen on North 2nd Street in Northern Liberties was connected to photoshoot by Petit Clair, a children's clothing brand. Videos shared on social media showed the camel eating a baguette in the area of 2nd Street and Fairmount Avenue. Many wondered what the camel was doing in the city.July 14, 2023
Investigations
Philly man charged with attempted abduction of teen at Willow Grove mall
Abington police arrested 44-year-old Khalilh Evans in connection with the attempted abduction of a 14-year-old girl at the Willow Grove Park Mall on Wednesday night, authorities said. Evans, of Philadelphia, will be charged with false imprisonment of a minor and harassment. A second suspect has not been charged, but the investigation remains ongoing, police said. Police also are looking into allegations of similar incidents.July 14, 2023
Healthy Eating
How safe is aspartame? The WHO and FDA take different stances on the sweetener's cancer risk
After the World Health Organization deemed the artificial sweetener aspartame a 'possible carcinogen,' many consumers have questions about the safety of the substance found in diet sodas, chewing gum, sugar-free foods and other products widely sold in grocery stores. Health agencies and experts have pushed back against WHO's designation, calling aspartame a safe sugar alternative when consumed in moderation.July 13, 2023
Social Media
Jalen Hurts lookalike — a UPS driver and Cowboys fan — is flying to Philly to meet Eagles quarterback
Jalen Hurts has a lookalike in Texas named Mykol Gummings, a UPS driver and Dallas Cowboys fan who has gone viral on TikTok for his resemblance to the Eagles quarterback. Gummings said ESPN is planning to shoot a feature on him and Hurts, and that he'll soon be flying to Philly to meet the quarterback.July 13, 2023
Development
Renderings show proposed plans for Thomas Paine Plaza redesign
The Philadelphia Department of Public Property has unveiled renderings for the proposed renovation of Thomas Paine Plaza outside the Municipal Services Building in Center City. The proposed design includes two main spaces at Thomas Paine Plaza, a 10,000-square-foot one on the southeast side along John F. Kennedy Boulevard and a 6,000-square-foot space on the northeast side along Arch Street. The plan includes more seating, trees, lighting and new public art.July 13, 2023
Wildlife
The limpkin, a tropical bird native to Florida, spotted in Pennsylvania for the first time as its range expands
For the first time, a limpkin was spotted in Pennsylvania, at Lancaster County's Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. The tropical bird species, native to Florida and Georgia, has expanded its range over the last decade thanks to the spread of invasive snail species in its diet. More than 100 bird watchers came out to see the lone limpkin, a wading species, as it fed in shallow water.July 12, 2023
Food & Drink
Rosenberger's now has a hard iced tea made by Lansdale's Boardroom Spirits
Rosenberger's Iced Tea and Vodka takes the century-old Pennsylvania brand's classic beverage and mixes it in a canned cocktail made by Lansdale-based distillery Boardroom Spirits. The caffeinated, 4.5% ABV drink only is available in Pennsylvania. It can be purchased online and shipped anywhere in the state. It's also being sold at Boardroom Spirits' bottle shop and tasting room at 595 W. 3rd St in Lansdale, Montgomery County.Just In
- 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
- In Sixers' Game 3 loss, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond 'were trying as best as they could,' but their flaws were costly
- Philadelphia Eagles 2026 NFL Draft board
- New Jersey launches website to show how tax dollars are being spent and what programs are funded
Must Read
