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.
May 25, 2022
Business
Insomnia Cookies moving HQ to former Super Walgreen's in Center City
Insomnia Cookies will relocate its headquarters to the building formerly occupied by Walgreens at the corner of Broad and Chestnut streets in Center City, the company announced. The new spaces will include offices, a test kitchen and a ground floor retail storefront. Insomnia Cookies was founded in Philadelphia in 2003 by then-University of Pennsylvania student Seth Berkowitz, whose concept has since expanded to 200 locations in the United States.May 25, 2022
Investigations
Off-duty Philly police officer killed in motorcycle crash on Broad Street
Philadelphia police officer Thomas Munz Jr., 27, was killed in a motorcycle crash along Broad Street in South Philadelphia on Tuesday evening. Munz was off-duty at the time of the crash. Munz was one of two PPD officers involved in the fatal shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. in West Philadelphia in Oct. 2020, an incident that garnered national attention and led to widespread protests in Philadelphia.May 25, 2022
Investigations
Body found at auto shop owned by missing Delaware County man
George Hughes, 57, was reported missing by his family on May 16. Hughes is the owner of Broomall Auto Body, where authorities in Marple Township reported the discovery of a dead body on the property on Wednesday. An autopsy has been scheduled to confirm the identify of the victim. Hughes' family said he had been struggling prior to his disappearance, which prompted a community volunteer search on Sunday.May 24, 2022
Food & Drink
Wildwood boardwalk's vintage Route 66 restaurant listed for sale
Route 66 restaurant, a doo-wop style business on the Wildwood boardwalk, has been listed for sale for $180,000. The listing is for the business and the equipment inside only, not the real estate. The owner of the 1950's-themed restaurant is looking to retire and is advertising the pizzeria as a turn key operation for the right buyer. Route 66 is known for its neon signage and Hot Rod car on the roof, along with other fifties memorabilia and decor inside.May 24, 2022
Food & Drink
Ocean City's iconic pink Chatterbox restaurant purchased by owners of Philly's Green Eggs Café
The Chatterbox restaurant, at Ninth Street and Central Avenue in Ocean City, New Jersey, has been purchased by the owners of Green Eggs Cafe, the Philadelphia restaurants know for their brunches. The Chatterbox's pink building was constructed in 1937 and designed by architect Vivian Smith, an Ocean City native who also designed City Hall, the historic Flanders Hotel and the Music Pier on the Boardwalk. Details about plans for the space have yet to be announced.May 23, 2022
Crime
Fentanyl seizures surge in Pennsylvania as the synthetic opioid displaces heroin, A.G. report says
Seizures of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl have dramatically increased in Pennsylvania in 2022, further displacing heroin as the dominant illicit substance in the state's drug supply. More fentanyl was seized in Pennsylvania during the first three months of 2022 than during the entirety of last year, according to a new report from the state attorney general's office. Law enforcement and public health officials are especially concerned about the presence of fentanyl in counterfeit prescription drugs, which have led to continued increases in overdoses.May 23, 2022
Environment
Schuylkill River dredging to resume this summer near Boathouse Row
The dredging of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia will resume in July 2022 with $13 million in funding, including federal infrastructure spending and money from a previous fundraiser for the project. The Schuylkill River is home to some of the region's most high-profile regattas and supports a strong rowing community. Efforts to dredge the waterway during the pandemic ran into complications, but a new contractor has been selected and plans are set to move forward over the summer.May 23, 2022
TV
John Oliver questions Democrats' 'risky' strategy against Doug Mastriano in Pa. governor's race
On Sunday's "Last Week Tonight," host John Oliver discussed Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano's victory in the Republican primary for governor. Mastriano, a far-right candidate endorsed by Donald Trump, will face Democrat and state Attorney General Josh Shapiro in November. Shapiro, a Democrat, had a campaign ad that appeared to boost Mastriano as his desired opponent. Oliver and other election observers have pointed out that it's a risky strategy in the Trump era of Republican politics.May 23, 2022
Investigations
Marple Township police, family search for missing Delaware County business owner
George Hughes, a 57-year-old business owner in Delaware County, was last seen on May 16 and has been reported missing by his family. Hughes is the owner of Broomall Auto Body. Family members said he was last spotted at a Fine Wine and Good Spirits store in the Edgemont Square Shopping Center in Newtown Township. A group of volunteers searched for Hughes at Ridley Creek State Park on Sunday, but were unable to locate him.May 20, 2022
Weather
Philly region under heat advisory this weekend with temperatures in the 90s
The Philadelphia region will be under a tornado watch until 7 p.m. on Friday. Damaging winds and hail could be present in some areas as a strong storm system moves east. A heat advisory also is in effect for this weekend, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s on Saturday and remaining hot and humid on Sunday.Just In
- Delaware County police chief placed on leave over a work schedule dispute, lawyer says
- New dietary guidelines call for eating more meat and full-fat dairy, but less sugary foods
- Surveillance footage shows suspect wanted for Roxborough High School vandalism, police say
- The Shops at Liberty Place in Center City are up for sale
- Sixers power ranking roundup: With another climb happening, who should be the fifth starter?
- My dad is gone, I'll just keep swinging
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