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

October 12, 2021

Odd News

BASE jumpers filmed parachuting off new Rittenhouse luxury high-rise

by Michael Tanenbaum

Three BASE jumpers were filmed parachuting down from a luxury high-rise apartment building in the ritzy Rittenhouse neighborhood of Philadelphia. The footage was filmed by restaurant manager Candace Skinner, who was stunned when she saw the descending daredevils from her rooftop deck in Center City.

October 12, 2021

Recreation

Wells Fargo Center spells out code of conduct with new emphasis for disrespectful fans

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Wells Fargo Center has updated its code of conduct as the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers get set to begin their respective 2021-22 seasons. The arena released a video that will play at the beginning of all games to remind fans of the rules and consequences for violations, including the possibility of bans and criminal charges.

October 12, 2021

Movies

DeVonta Smith, CeeDee Lamb featured in promo trailer for much-hyped 'Dune' movie

by Michael Tanenbaum

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Philadelphia Eagles rookie wideout DeVonta Smith both appeared in a promo for Warner Bros. upcoming film "Dune: Part One," a sci-fi epic based on Frank Herbert's classic 1965 novel. The movie, directed by Denis Villenueve, will be simultaneously released in theaters and streaming on HBO Max on Oct. 22.

October 11, 2021

Social Media

Bobcat photo wins Pa. Game Commission's trail cam contest

by Michael Tanenbaum

A group of bobcats crossing a road in Selinsgrove, Snyder County has won the Pennsylvania Game Commission's 2021 Trail Cam Photo Contest. Photos submitted from across the state were narrowed down to ten finalists that received votes from the public on Facebook.

October 11, 2021

Development

Developer proposes fancy hotel at Cape May's former Beach Theatre site

by Michael Tanenbaum

Icona Resorts is planning a 168-room hotel in Cape May at the former site of the Beach Theatre. Developer Eustace Mita presented plans to City Council last week along with conceptual renderings of the grand hotel created with partner DAS Architects in Philadelphia. Icona Resorts has hotels in Avalon, Diamond Beach and a smaller location in Cape May.

October 11, 2021

Business

Wawa debuts self-checkout station in Northeast Philly as part of post-pandemic plan

by Michael Tanenbaum

Wawa is testing self-checkout kiosks at a growing number of stores, including a location on Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia. The company views the kiosks as an important step in a post-COVID world that will give customers an option to skip the line while reducing overall wait times.

October 11, 2021

Investigations

Chester County woman accused of Surf City murders claims she was set up

by Michael Tanenbaum

Sherry Lee Heffernan, 55, allegedly stabbed and killed her father, 87-year-old Surf City resident John Enders, and his girlfriend, 75-year-old Francoise Pitoy, according to Ocean County prosecutors. Heffernan, a real estate agent from Chester County, Pennsylvania, is accused of killing the couple because her father would not allow her to be the broker for the sale of his Jersey Shore home, police said.

October 8, 2021

Food & Drink

Donkey's Place set to open cheesesteak spot in Mount Holly

by Michael Tanenbaum

Donkey's Place, the Camden bar and restaurant beloved for its unique cheesesteaks, will open a new location in Mount Holly on Monday, Oct. 11. The restaurant owners have hinted that they also plan to open another location in Philadelphia in the coming year or two.

October 8, 2021

Investigations

Missing Lower Gwynedd teen might be in Philadelphia, investigators say

by Michael Tanenbaum

Authorities in Lower Gwynedd Township are searching for 17-year-old Joon Alex Shin, who went missing from his family's home on Sunday, Oct. 3. Shin's cellphone was last traced to Philadelphia in the area of 11th and Arch streets. Authorities believe Shin may have abandoned his car in favor of taking public transportation.

October 8, 2021

Sports Betting

Former Phillie Pete Rose to host new sports betting podcast

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pete Rose has teamed up with Quake Media to launch a new sports betting podcast that will handicap baseball, football, basketball, golf, horse racing and more. The 80-year-old former Phillie, who was banned from baseball in the late 1980s after investigation into his gambling habits, remains ineligible for enthrinement in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.