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.

tanenbaum@phillyvoice.com

July 14, 2023

Investigations

Philly man charged with attempted abduction of teen at Willow Grove mall

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

Wildlife

The limpkin, a tropical bird native to Florida, spotted in Pennsylvania for the first time as its range expands

by Michael Tanenbaum

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 13, 2023

Development

Renderings show proposed plans for Thomas Paine Plaza redesign

by Michael Tanenbaum

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

Social Media

Jalen Hurts lookalike — a UPS driver and Cowboys fan — is flying to Philly to meet Eagles quarterback

by Michael Tanenbaum

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 12, 2023

Food & Drink

Rosenberger's now has a hard iced tea made by Lansdale's Boardroom Spirits

by Michael Tanenbaum

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.

July 12, 2023

Media

Flyers apologize after staff members mocked reporter's question during Zoom call with Garnet Hathaway

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Flyers issued an apology after two members of the team's marketing staff were overheard ridiculing an Inquirer beat writer's question during a Zoom call with newly-signed forward Garnet Hathaway. President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones called the incident 'completely unacceptable' and said the team had reached out to the reporter and the Inquirer.

July 12, 2023

Development

Rivers Casino to open hotel at renovated PECO plant in Fishtown

by Michael Tanenbaum

Rivers Casino is opening a hotel in Fishtown later this year at The Battery, the renovated former PECO power plant along the Delaware River waterfront. The 62-room boutique hotel will have one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. It will also have co-working spaces, lobby gathering spaces, a pool table and an indoor basketball court. The Battery will include a mix of rentals, office space and event space inside the historic Philadelphia building.

July 11, 2023

Transportation

Sinkhole repair on Route 202 could keep Upper Merion roadway closed for days

by Michael Tanenbaum

The section of U.S. Route 202 that was closed due to a large sinkhole on Monday night may not reopen until Wednesday or Thursday, a PennDOT spokesperson said. The road is closed in both directions between Henderson Road and Saulin Boulevard. The sinkhole was discovered during an investigation of a water outage reported to PA American Water, the utility provider in Montgomery County. Repair work is underway.

July 11, 2023

Addiction

White House plan targets xylazine, the animal sedative now commonly found in Philly's drug supply

by Michael Tanenbaum

The White House has outlined a national strategy to address the public health impact of xylazine, the veterinary sedative commonly mixed with fentanyl and other street drugs. The drug has fueled the opioid epidemic in recent years by complicating established treatment protocols for overdoses. In April, the White House declared xylazine an emerging health threat. The plan released Tuesday calls for developing an improved treatment framework that emphasizes community-level resources.