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

October 25, 2021

Sixers

Sixers announcer Alaa Abdelnaby criticized for call after Joel Embiid block on Josh Giddy

Philadelphia 76ers broadcaster Ala Abdelnaby faced criticism from some Oklahoma City Thunder and Australian NBA fans after a hard Joel Embiid block in the fourth quarter sent rookie guard Josh Giddy Into the stanchion. Abdelnaby, who reacted to Embiid's aggressive risk-taking, said he "could care less" whether Giddy took a rough fall.

October 25, 2021

Development

1,300-acre Philly refinery property to be redeveloped as The Bellwether District

The site of the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery will be renamed The Bellwether District as part of its transformation into an economic hub for logistics, e-commerce and the life sciences. Hilco Redevelopment Partners purchased the strategic, 1,300-acre site along the lower Schuylkill River after a massive explosion occurred at the refinery in June 2019. The long-term project is expected to bring 19,000 permanent jobs and generate $2.3 billion in economic development for Philadelphia.

October 22, 2021

Business

The Mission Inn to close after three decades as Cape May bed and breakfast

The Mission Inn will close for good at end of December, ending a nearly three-decade run on New Jersey Avenue in Cape May. The unique getaway destination at the Jersey Shore has been distinguished for its California mission style architecture, which stands in contrast to the Victorian homes most often associated with Cape May. Rooms are available to be booked through the rest of 2021.

October 22, 2021

Real Estate

Ben Simmons' Moorestown mansion features gaming and candy rooms

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons listed his mansion in Moorestown, New Jersey for $5 million as he navigates a standoff with the team. The home features an aquarium, private gaming room and candy room in the basement. The house also has a wine wall and includes five bedrooms and six bathrooms.

October 21, 2021

Eagles

Eagles' Jason Kelce weighs in on Ben Simmons saga: 'Just play better, man; this city will love you'

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jason Kelce addressed the ongoing saga between the Sixers and Ben Simmons, who missed the team's season opener due to a suspension and has maintained his demand for a trade out of Philadelphia. Kelce suggested the problem comes down to a lack of accountability from Simmons, and that earning the admiration of Philadelphia fans isn't as hard as some athletes make it out to be.

October 21, 2021

Development

Rendering depicts replacement for Downey's Irish Pub on South Street

Downey's Irish Pub, shuttered at Front and South streets since 2016, will be demolished and redeveloped into a mixed-use building that will include 18 apartments and ground floor retail. A rendering of the project from Ambit Architecture shows plans for the property, which may be part of a revived corridor as development continues along Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront.

October 21, 2021

Arts & Culture

Allen Iverson-inspired basketball hoop sculpture installed in East Kensington by city artist

A new sculpture in East Kensington pays homage to Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson. Created by artist Gianni Lee in partnership with Reebok ahead of the release of the new Question Mid "Class of 16" sneakers. The sculpture is inspired by the makeshift basketball hoops that Lee saw growing up as an Iverson fan in West Philadelphia. The installation, which includes playable nets, is located at 2300 Frankford Ave. in East Kensington.

October 21, 2021

Investigations

It's 'not true' that witnesses filmed rape on SEPTA subway, Delco D.A. says

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer denied that witnesses on board a SEPTA Market-Frankford Line subway used their cellphones to film a rape that occurred on Oct. 13. The incident gained national attention after 35-year-old Fiston Ngoy was charged with sexually assaulting a woman on the SEPTA train car. Police said numerous witnesses failed to intervene or call 911, and SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel III had claimed some witnessed filmed the woman's rape.

October 20, 2021

Social Media

Artisan Boulanger Patissier owners get crowdfunding support in cancer battles

A GoFundMe campaign is raising money to support Andre Chin and Amanda Eap, the owners of South Philadelphia's beloved Artisan Boulanger Patissier. Chin and Eap are battling prostate cancer and breast cancer, respectively, and have temporarily closed the shop on Mifflin Street as they seek treatment. Both owners have been James Beard Award semifinalists on multiple occasions.

October 20, 2021

Investigations

Delonte West arrested in Florida after alleged incident with police

Former NBA player and St. Joseph's University standout Delonte West was arrested Tuesday night in south Florida after an alleged drunken encounter with police, authorities said. Earlier this year, West reportedly had gotten a job at the rehab facility he had entered.

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