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

May 16, 2025

Development

Wonderland Pier site to reopen this summer with arcade, pizza shop on Ocean City Boardwalk

by Michael Tanenbaum

Gillian's Wonderland Pier, the Ocean City amusement park that closed last year after nearly a century on the boardwalk, will operate this summer as an arcade and pizza shop. Icona Resorts, the developer that owns the property, plans to propose replacing the building with a 250-room luxury hotel that would preserve Wonderland's Ferris wheel and carousel rides.

May 15, 2025

Investigations

Delco man allegedly tried to silence neighbor's dogs by tossing poisoned meatballs into their yard

by Michael Tanenbaum

Marple Township resident Mark Nugent, 63, faces animal cruelty charges after surveillance video allegedly captured him tossing meat stuffed with rat poison into a neighbor's yard where two dogs live, police say.

May 14, 2025

Investigations

Former Langhorne police officer charged with trying to dupe 76-year-old woman out of $500,000 estate

by Michael Tanenbaum

Carlito Cortez, a former officer for the Langhorne and Yardley Borough police departments, allegedly engaged in a yearslong romance scam aimed at getting a 76-year-old woman to give him financial control over her more than $500,000 estate, Bucks County prosecutors said. Cortez is charged with theft by deception, false swearing, perjury, official oppression and related offenses.

May 14, 2025

Real Estate

King of Prussia home designed by renowned architect Richard Neutra hits market for $2.5 million

by Michael Tanenbaum

A midcentury modern home in King of Prussia designed by famed architect Richard Neutra has hit the market for $2.5 million. Neutra is best known for the hundreds of innovative homes he designed in Southern California. The property in King of Prussia is one of just six he designed in the Philadelphia area. It's a rare instance of one of the architect's East Coast homes being listed for sale.

May 13, 2025

History

National Constitution Center to open two new galleries ahead of America's 250th birthday

by Michael Tanenbaum

The National Constitution Center will open two new galleries ahead of Philadelphia's celebration of the semiquincentennial in 2026. The galleries, focusing on America's founding principles and the separation of powers, will be supported by a $15 million gift from Citadel credit union CEO Kenneth Griffin.

May 13, 2025

Marijuana

Pa. bill to legalize marijuana at state-run stores nixed by Senate panel before full vote

by Michael Tanenbaum

A Pennsylvania marijuana legalization bill backed by Democrats and passed by the state House of Representatives will not make it to a vote in the state Senate after a Republican-led panel rejected the bill Tuesday. The proposal would have given cannabis regulation to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, but it was widely opposed by Republicans and the private cannabis industry.

May 12, 2025

Investigations

Police investigating death of 98-year-old man at Northeast Philly home as a homicide

by Michael Tanenbaum

Philadelphia police are investigating the death of a 98-year-old man who was found with a gash to his forehead Sunday night at a home on the 6500 block of Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philly, authorities said. The man was not identified. Medics who arrived at the home said the man was found unresponsive sitting on the living room steps. Authorities are investigating the man's death as a homicide.

May 12, 2025

Government

Whitemarsh Township cancels July 4 parade, citing safety risks to community, but residents say transparency is lacking

by Michael Tanenbaum

Whitemarsh Township officials voted last week to cancel this year's Fourth of July parade, an annual tradition that has spanned generations in the Montgomery County community. The township cited public safety concerns and recent violent attacks at other large community events. In an online petition, residents contend the township was not transparent about the decision. They're urging local officials to reconsider.

May 12, 2025

2025 Election

Larry Krasner welcomes battling Trump policies in campaign for third term as Philly district attorney

by Michael Tanenbaum

Progressive District Attorney Larry Krasner is seeking a third term against former Municipal Court Judge Pat Dugan in Philadelphia's May 20 Democratic primary, while framing his campaign as a fight against Trump policies.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

May 12, 2025

2025 Election

In district attorney race, Pat Dugan leans on accountability to challenge Krasner 'fatigue'

by Michael Tanenbaum

Pat Dugan, a U.S. Army veteran and former Municipal Court judge, is running against two-term Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner in the May 20 Democratic primary, promising to restore balance to the prosecutor's office.