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

September 23, 2021

Music

New Fishtown music venue Brooklyn Bowl sets opening date

by Michael Tanenbaum

Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia, a new music venue in Fishtown, will debut Nov. 4, kicking off an initial run of 30 shows over the next several months. The venue, a LiveNation partner, includes bowling lanes and a restaurant. It adds to a growing district of music venues in Fishtown that have opened over the past several years, including the Fillmore Philadelphia and The Foundry.

September 23, 2021

Investigations

Contractor was hired to reseal driveways then allegedly just painted surfaces with black paint, Delco D.A. says

by Michael Tanenbaum

Two men face charges for pressuring homeowners in a Delaware County to hire them to reseal their driveways and then allegedly performing shoddy work, covering their driveways with black paint instead of sealant, authorities said. The Delaware County District Attorney's Office believe the pair has targeted senior citizens, and there could be more residents caught in the alleged scam. They are urged to come forward.

September 23, 2021

Sixers

Kate Scott to become Sixers' new play-by-play announcer on TV broadcasts

by Michael Tanenbaum

Kate Scott will be the Philadelphia 76ers new play-by-play announcer for the team's TV broadcasts on NBC Sports Philadelphia. She fills the seat that had been occupied by Marc Zumoff, the Sixers legendary broadcaster for 27 years. Scott is the first woman to call games full-time for a pro sports team in Philadelphia and the second woman to handle play-by-play duties full-time for an NBA team.

September 22, 2021

Investigations

Pat's King of Steaks not 'a public menace,' owner says after recent violent episodes

by Michael Tanenbaum

After a pair of violent incidents left two people dead outside Pat's King of Steaks in a span of two months, the owner of the Philadelphia cheesesteak shop is determined not to let the fallout negatively impact his business. Frank Olivieri says the South Philly landmark is "not a menace" to the community.

September 22, 2021

Sixers

Sixers choose cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com to be next jersey patch sponsor

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia 76ers jerseys will feature the logo of cryptocurrency app Cyrpto.com during the 2021-2022 season. The team selected the cryptocurrency and NFT platform as its brand partner to replace StubHub. All four versions of the Sixers uniform this season will feature the Crypto.com patch on the left shoulder of the jersey.

September 20, 2021

Food & Drink

Smoked brisket cheesesteak from Pat's King of Steaks, Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue benefits charity

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pat's Steaks and Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue collaborated on a limited-time smoked brisket cheesesteak that will be served at their respective South Philly and King of Prussia locations on Wednesday, Sept. 22, starting at noon. Proceeds from the sale of the cheesesteaks will support the Philadelphia nonprofit Sanctuary Farm.

September 20, 2021

Transportation

Center City roads closed as Adam Sandler's 'Hustle' continues filming in Philly

by Michael Tanenbaum

Production on Adam Sandler's upcoming Netflix film "Hustle" will shut down several streets in Center City on Monday as the project continues to highlight areas in and around Philadelphia. "Hustle" will star Adam Sandler as Stanley Beren, a struggling NBA scout who attempts to revive his career by bring a troubled overseas prospect to the United States.

September 17, 2021

Odd News

Pennsylvania man returns 108-year-old beer bottles for 'deposit' from brewery

by Michael Tanenbaum

An antique collector in Northeastern Pennsylvania found a 108-year-old wooden crate and seven beer bottles from Irving Cliff Brewery in Honesdale. The collector brought them to the storied brewery to return them, even though Pennsylvania no longer has a bottle deposit, and was given $60 for the antiques. The quaint story raises questions about whether the state will ever act again on bottle deposit legislation.

September 17, 2021

Celebrities

Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp spotted together at Jersey Shore

by Michael Tanenbaum

Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp were spotted at the Jersey Shore in Bay Head, Ocean County, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. The pair recently announced they were collaborating together on songs that will appear on Mellencamp's upcoming 25th studio album.

September 17, 2021

Odd News

Tech billionaire puts money on Eagles winning Super Bowl LVI in first sports bet from space

by Michael Tanenbaum

The first sports bets ever placed from outer space include a $4,000 wager on the long-shot Philadelphia Eagles to win Super Bowl LVI. Tech billionaire Jared Isaacson, commander of SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission, the first all-private orbit of Earth, made the bets Thursday on the BetMGM Sportsbook. The Eagles have 66-1 odds to win the Super Bowl.