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 10, 2023
Music
Meek Mill befuddled by AI-generated song about his dad, who was killed during the rapper's childhood
Meek Mill shared an AI-generated song written from the perspective of his father, who was killed when the Philly rapper was 5 years old. He tweeted, 'WTF' along with a video that includes the song, 'Back from the Grave.' As AI-generated music continues to enter the mainstream, Spotify has pulled thousands of machine-made songs over concerns about the latest method of 'artificial streaming,' which uses bots to inflate stream counts and earn royalties.May 9, 2023
Investigations
Bob Marley bag hidden on Philly-bound flight contained $400,000 worth of cocaine, authorities say
More than $400,000 worth of cocaine was seized from a passenger jet that arrived at Philadelphia International Airport from Montego Bay, Jamaica last Thursday, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials said. The drugs were hidden in a drawstring bag decorated with the face of reggae legend Bob Marley. Officials said about 12 pounds of cocaine were taken and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. No arrests have been made.May 9, 2023
Odd News
Possible meteorite crashes through roof of New Jersey home, police say
A black, metallic-looking rock that crashed into a home in Hopewell Township, New Jersey may be a meteorite, police said. The object penetrated the home's roof and ceiling before denting the its hardwood floor and coming to a rest. If the object is a meteoroid, then it was an uncommon occurrence. Most meteorites are never recovered because they land in the ocean or in remote parts of the earth.May 8, 2023
Business
Ocean City Pickle Company to bring new gourmet shop to Asbury Avenue
Ocean City Pickle Company is set to open over Memorial Day weekend at 1324 Asbury Ave. The shop comes from the owners of Smithville Pickle Company in the historic village in Galloway Township. In addition to its selection of gourmet pickles, the shop in Ocean City will have more than 40 flavors of popcorn, seasoned pretzels, homemade ketchups and BBQ sauce. Other pickled products include asparagus, beets, mushrooms and carrots.May 8, 2023
Investigations
Missing New Jersey swimmer's body found on Maryland beach, officials say
The body of missing swimmer Praise Ezechibueze, 21, of Edison, New Jersey, was found Sunday morning on a beach in Ocean City, Maryland, officials said. Ezechibueze had been reported missing the day before and search crews were unsuccessful in finding him.May 8, 2023
Courts
Mistrial declared for ex-Philly cop who pepper-sprayed protesters on I-676
A judge declared a mistrial for former Philadelphia police officer Richard Nicoletti, 37, who faced criminal charges for pepper-spraying three protesters on Interstate 676 during a June 2020 demonstration. Nicoletti was fired after an internal affairs investigation and the case was referred to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, whose office charged the former officer. A jury was unable to reach a verdict in the case.May 8, 2023
Development
Developer breaks ground on senior affordable housing project in Chinatown
Developers have broken ground on 51-unit affordable housing project designed for seniors in Chinatown. The five-story building is planned for a surface parking lot near 9th and Vine streets, adjacent to the Vine Street Expressway. The project is a partnership between developer Pennrose and the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp.May 5, 2023
Investigations
Missing Jersey Shore postal worker found dead off Sandy Hook beach
Corey McFadden, a missing U.S. postal worker from Cape May County, was found dead off Sandy Hook after he was reported missing in early May. McFadden's body was recovered on May 22 and he was later identified as the missing man from Lower Township. McFadden's car was found abandoned in early May after he apparently ran out of gas on the Garden State Parkway in Wall Township, Monmouth County, about 100 miles north of his home. McFadden's family was last in contact with him on April 28 and his co-workers became concerned when he did not show up for work.May 5, 2023
Entertainment
Angel of Empire, racehorse bred in Pennsylvania, is tied for the best odds to win Kentucky Derby
Angel of Empire, a Pennsylvania-bred horse, will compete in Saturday's Kentucky Derby at Lousiville's Churchill Downs. He has 6-1 odds heading into the first race of the Triple Crown. Angel of Empire was born in 2020 at Blackstone Farm in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County.May 5, 2023
Courts
Former Sharon Hill cops sentenced to probation for fatally shooting Fanta Bility outside high school football game
Former Sharon Hill police officers Devon Smith, Sean Dolan and Brian Devaney were sentenced Friday to five years of probation for fatally shooting Fanta Bility as the 8-year-old girl left a football game at Academy Park High School with her family in August 2021. The officers pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment charges last November.Just In
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