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

June 25, 2021

Sixers

Scottie Pippen's comments on Ben Simmons highlight the catch-22 of his NBA 'humiliation'

Scottie Pippen told GQ Magazine that Ben Simmons is "afraid of being humiliated," which raises a fundamental question about what the Sixers star perceives as humiliation. In the early part of his NBA career, Simmons has opted for passive failure. If he's ever going to reach another level offensively, he has to be willing to fail while taking a more aggressive approach.

June 25, 2021

Accidents

Off-duty correctional officer swam 300 yards to rescue elderly man at Jersey Shore

New Jersey correctional officer Chad Ammerman rescued an 82-year-old man whose boat sank Monday evening off the coast of Ocean County, police said. Ammerman, off-duty at the time, emptied a cooler to use as a flotation device and swam 300 yards to reach the victim, who had been stranded in the water for three hours.

June 24, 2021

Eagles

Eagles rookie DeVonta Smith surprised his mom with a new house

Eagles rookie wide receiver DeVonta Smith shared video Thursday of his mother seeing the new home that he purchased for her after he signed his first NFL contract this month. Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Alabama, was selected by the Eagles with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

June 24, 2021

Development

Renderings show North Philly apartment building proposed at shuttered CVS site

A seven-story apartment building with ground floor retail is proposed at the corner of Broad St. and Girard Ave. in North Philadelphia. The site was previously occupied by CVS/Pharmacy and the building will be demolished to make way for the new project at the busy intersection.

June 24, 2021

Odd News

Police kick out group holding exorcism 'for the dead trees' at Pennsylvania Home Depot

Police in Dickson City, located in Lackawanna County in Northeastern Pennsylvania, responded to a Home Depot store on Monday for a report of people holding an exorcism in the lumber department. The individuals were escorted out of the store but will not face charges. Authorities said the exorcism was done for the dead trees.

June 24, 2021

TV

Jason Sudeikis opens up about Allen Iverson practice rant scene in 'Ted Lasso'

"Ted Lasso" star Jason Sudeikis said he chose to honor NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson in the series because the Sixers star's famed 2002 practice rant carried emotional depth. "Ted Lasso" returns for Season 2 on Apple TV+ on July 23.

June 23, 2021

Investigations

Former Philadelphia Water Department employee allegedly stole, scrapped $164,000 in materials

Thomas Staszak, 46, of Philadelphia, is charged with theft and computer fraud after he allegedly stole more than $164,000 of materials from the Philadelphia Water Department, according to federal prosecutors. Staszak is accused of selling the stolen materials at scrap yards in Philadelphia and New Jersey.

June 23, 2021

Investigations

Man wanted in brazen theft caught on Lowe's camera in Bucks County

Bensalem police are searching for a man who allegedly stole a vacuum cleaner from a Lowe's home improvement store in Trevose last weekend. Investigators say the man switched the bar code for the $400 vacuum cleaner before entering the self-checkout aisle. Authorities released a video from the store showing the suspect and are asking for help from the public to identify him.

June 23, 2021

Courts

Philly agrees to $125,000 settlement for failure to give prisoners required out-of-cell time during COVID-19 pandemic

Philadelphia will pay $125,000 to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit about conditions in the city's four jails during the coronavirus pandemic. The city was sued over its inadequate provision of hygienic supplies and insufficient out-of-cell time for inmates, who argued their rights were violated and they were put at serious risk of COVID-19 infection. Settlement funds will go to the Philadelphia Bail Fund and the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund.

June 23, 2021

Business

Shoppers World opens at Fashion District Philadelphia, replacing Century 21

Shoppers World, a discount department store with clothing and home furnishings, has opened at Fashion District Philadelphia at the former space of Century 21.

All PhillyVoice contributors