Michaela Althouse
Michaela Althouse is a staff writer for PhillyVoice with interests in climate, technology, education and politics. She’s previously written for Technical.ly, Washingtonian Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, New Project Media and Metro Eireann. She is a Bucks County native who enjoys gardening, exploring Philly and finding the city’s best coffee.
January 5, 2024
Food & Drink
New Kensington bar creates a space for people who love cocktails but don't want to drink alcohol
Nikki Graziano opened Bar Palmina in The Matchbook in Kensington last year in hopes of creating a space for people who enjoy cocktails but do not want to drink alcohol. The non-alcoholic bar is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. During January, it's menu includes three special non-alcoholic drinks.January 5, 2024
Education
Penn taps Ramanan Raghavendran to head its board of trustees
The University of Pennsylvania has named Ramanan Raghavendran as the chair of its board of trustees. Raghavendran, a Penn alum who founded a venture capital firm, replaces Scott Bok, who stepped down hours after Liz Magill resigned as president last month. Penn's leadership had come under scrutiny for its response to antisemitism on campus.January 5, 2024
Food & Drink
Northern Liberties bar and restaurant, The Abbaye, to close after 21 years
The Abbaye, a bar and restaurant operating at 637 N. Third St. in Northern Liberties for more than 21 years, is closing, its owners said via Instagram. The last day will be Jan. 13, 2024.January 4, 2024
Women's Health
Stress can cause high blood sugar in women trying to conceive, study finds
A new study found that increased stress during preconception, or the time period immediately before conception, can lead to high blood sugar. Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital also found that women who conceived through intrauterine insemination had more stress and higher blood sugar levels than those who used in vitro fertilization, and that women of higher socioeconomic status — assessed using median family income — reported higher stress and had higher blood sugar levels.January 3, 2024
Investigations
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez accused of aiding Qatari government by accepting bribes
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, of New Jersey, is now accused of accepting bribes in exchange for brokering a deal between New Jersey developer Fred Daibes and a Qatari investment fund headed by a member of Qatar's royal family. He previously was charged with accepting bribes in exchange for political influence that benefited three businessmen and the government of Egypt.January 3, 2024
Food & Drink
Pizza Shackamaxon is opening new restaurant, Pizza Richmond, where customers can dine in
Pizza Shackamaxon, the Fishtown takeout joint, is opening a sister location in Point Richmond early this year. The new restaurant, called Pizza Richmond, will offer the option to dine in – unlike its predecessor, according to owner Mike Parsell. It also will accept online orders and eventually add delivery options. It's the latest development on Richmond Street from A Frame Construct, Parsell's development company.January 2, 2024
Government
Cherelle Parker privately sworn-in as mayor ahead of inauguration ceremony
Cherelle Parker is already officially the mayor of Philadelphia after a private swearing-in ceremony held early Monday morning. Parker's inauguration is scheduled for later today at 10 a.m. at The Met.January 2, 2024
Development
Chestnut Street bridge over I-95 scheduled to close Jan. 15 ahead of demolition
The Chestnut Street bridge over I-95 will close Jan. 15 and be demolished in February as construction on a new park at Penn's Landing continues. Bus routes will be affected and drivers will be redirected south on Front and Dock streets.December 29, 2023
Lawsuits
Florida woman sues Hershey's because her peanut butter pumpkin candies didn't actually have jack-o'-lantern faces
Hershey's is being sued for $5 million by a woman who claims the candy company misrepresented Reese's products on their packaging. The suit, filed in Florida, says Hershey's falsely advertised multiple Reese's candies, as the packaging shows artistic cutouts of faces and shapes in the chocolate that were not featured in the Reese's she bought.December 28, 2023
Pets
Dog blood bank opens in Center City; pets who donate receive a free exam and treats
A blood bank for dogs is now open at the Philadelphia location of the Veterinarian Emergency Group, an animal hospital network, at 1213 Walnut St. Similar to human blood banks, dogs can make blood donations which will be stored for emergency medical services. Dogs who donate will receive a free exam and treats.Just In
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