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 20, 2023
Investigations
Remains of missing geocacher from South Jersey found in Louisiana woods, police say
Robert Owens Jr., a 58-year-old Millville, New Jersey man whose family reported him missing earlier this week, was found dead Wednesday in a densely wooded area in central Louisiana, police said. Owens was a recently retired teacher who was traveling on a geocaching trip. The popular hobby involves using GPS devices to locate containers hidden at locations around the world. Investigators found Owens' decomposed remains near a creek.July 19, 2023
Wildlife
Delaware County girl, 12, recovering from shark bite at Florida beach
Magnolia Woodhead, a 12-year-old girl from Springfield, Delaware County, survived a shark bite during a family trip to Florida in the last week of June. Woodhead was swimming at Cocoa Beach when the shark bit her thigh. She needed 50 stitches. The attack is one of several that have been reported at Central Florida beaches in recent weeks.July 19, 2023
Recreation
Atco Dragway abruptly closes after 63 years in Camden County
The Atco Dragway, a home for auto enthusiasts in the region since 1960, has permanently closed, the owners said Tuesday on Facebook. The future of the quarter-mile track had been in question for several years after plans emerged for its possible sale.July 19, 2023
Development
15-story apartment apartment building proposed behind AMC movie theater near Temple University
Tower Investments CEO Bart Blatstein has proposed a 15-story apartment building with 242 units at 1600 N. Broad St., which is currently a parking lot behind the AMC movie theater near Temple University. The retail strip and the nearby Edge apartment building are owned by Blatstein. The parking lot where the new project is proposed is owned by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.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 18, 2023
Media
In FOX News primetime debut, Jesse Watters' mom urges him to avoid 'conspiracy rabbit holes'
FOX News debuted its new primetime show hosted by Philly-native Jesse Watters on Monday night. The conservative pundit finished the episode by taking a call from his mother, Anne Purvis, who urged her son not to drive ratings by peddling conspiracy theories.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 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
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 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.Just In
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