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.
April 20, 2023
Investigations
Willow Grove mall theft suspect caught on video jumping from second floor during attempted escape
A theft suspect at the Willow Grove Park Mall was caught on video jumping from the building's second floor and injuring himself as he attempted to flee the scene, Abington Township police said. The incident happened around 7 p.m. on Friday, April 14. The man was taken to the hospital, where is still recovering from his injuries a week later. Abington police said the man, who was not named, will face criminal charges.April 19, 2023
Lawsuits
Netflix used man's photos in film, mistaking him for hitchhiker who killed N.J. attorney, lawsuit says
A Kentucky man is suing Netflix for $1 million because a documentary on the service uses his photo in the true crime feature "The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker." The documentary chronicles Caleb 'Kai' McGillvary, convicted of killing New Jersey lawyer Joseph Galfy in 2013.April 19, 2023
Addiction
Pennsylvania to make animal sedative xylazine a schedule III drug
Pennsylvania will make the veterinary sedative xylazine a schedule III controlled substance. The drug is mixed with fentanyl to make 'tranq dope, which is linked to an increasing number of opioid overdose deaths. Xylazine is associated with skin ulcers that can cause infections. The drug also complicates overdose response protocols because the sedative can mask the effects of the overdose reversal drug Narcan.April 19, 2023
Marijuana
Atlantic City's first recreational marijuana shop set to open on 4/20
Atlantic City marijuana dispensary MPX NJ will become the city's first business licensed to sell adult-use, recreational cannabis on Thursday, which is 4/20, the nation's unofficial pot-smoking holiday. The business at 153 S. New York Ave. sits within Atlantic City's established "Green Zone," where the city plans to build up the cannabis industry to promote tourism and economic revival of the struggling business district.April 19, 2023
Odd News
Morey's Piers markets summer jobs in Wildwood with seagull 'splatters'
Morey's Piers & Beachfront Waterparks launched an unconventional new hiring campaign that uses seagull poop splatter to appeal to prospective seasonal workers at the Wildwood destination. The amusement park is seeking to hire about 800 employees for the summer months including ride operators, lifeguards and game operators.April 18, 2023
TV
Actor F. Murray Abraham was fired from 'Mythic Quest' for alleged sexual misconduct, report says
F. Murray Abraham, the Oscar-winning actor who appeared in the first two seasons of Rob McElhenney's Apple TV+ comedy "Mythic Quest," was let go from the show last year due to at least two allegations of sexual misconduct, Rolling Stone reports. He went on to star in HBO's hit series "The White Lotus."April 18, 2023
Lottery
$2 million-winning lottery ticket sold at Fishtown Market
A $2 million-winning Pennsylvania Lottery ticket was sold at Fishtown Market at 2328 East Norris St. in Philadelphia on Sunday, April 16, lottery officials said. The Cash Five with Quick Cash ticket was sold Sunday at Fishtown Market, 2328 East Norris St., and matched all five balls drawn: 3-9-10-18-25. The business will get a $10,000 bonus.April 18, 2023
Education
Drexel, Salus are eyeing joining forces of the colleges' health sciences programs
Drexel University will explore an affiliation with Salus University, the private school in Elkins Park that has graduate programs in optometry, audiology, physicians assistant studies and other health sciences. The strategic partnership would aim to boost interdisciplinary research and make their graduate programs more competitive.April 17, 2023
Food & Drink
Rita's debuts new line of cold brew frozen coffee drinks
Rita's Italian ice and Frozen Custard has launched a new line of frozen cold brew coffees available in original cold brew, caramel and mocha flavors. The drinks are made with Rita's vanilla ice and frozen custard, and will be available at all stores for a limited time.April 17, 2023
Government
New Jersey regulators renew Curaleaf's recreational marijuana licenses, reversing earlier decision
Curaleaf will continue to sell recreational, adult-use marijuana at its stores in Bellmawr and Edgewater Park after New Jersey regulators voted Monday to renew the cannabis company's licenses. Last week, the state's Cannabis Regulatory Commission had voted not to renew the licenses, citing concerns about Curaleaf's labor practices. The renewals are now conditional upon the company's transparency with the CRC in matters related to its union employees and operations in New Jersey.Just In
- Meet Mandy Mango, the second Philly queen to be on 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
- The holidays can mess up the healthiest of habits. Here's how to get back on track
- N.J. bill would write Gov. Murphy's 100% clean electricity goal into law before he leaves office
- In latest World Cup ticket phase, which ends Jan. 13, FIFA says requests are over 30 times higher than supply
- Eagles-Commanders Week 18 injury report, with analysis
- A look ahead at an extremely busy 2026 for sports in Philadelphia
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