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.
December 21, 2023
Social Media
Plushies of Ricardo, the bull found wondering on NJ Transit tracks last week, sold out in two days
The plushie toy of Ricardo the bull, who was found walking on t NJ Transit train tracks recently, has sold out. It's believed the Texas longhorn escaped a North Jersey slaughterhouse. Sales of the toy will help pay for the bull's stay at Skylands Animal Sanctuary in Sussex County.December 20, 2023
Jobs
Popcorn for the People to open on South Street in March, employing staff with autism
Popcorn for the People, the nonprofit that employs adults with autism and other disabilities, will open its planned storefront on South Street on March 1, officials said. The shop in Philadelphia is opening in the former Wawa at Ninth and South Streets. The organization strives to fill employment gaps for people with autism, who often struggle to find jobs. The nonprofit will hire local adults to cook, prepare and package popcorn.December 19, 2023
Development
City denies Right-to-Know requests for 76ers arena proposal, activists demand more information
Philly activists say the city has denied over 100 Right-to-Know requests regarding the proposed 76ers arena in Chinatown. Journalist Faye Anderson, the Save Chinatown Coalition and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund have filed multiple requests for information on the project and say the city has denied them all. City Council is expected to introduce legislation regarding the proposed 76ers arena in January.December 19, 2023
Illness
WHO says COVID strain JN.1 is a 'variant of interest,' citing its increasing spread
The World Health Organization classified JN.1 as a COVID 'variant of interest' on Tuesday, but said that current tests and vaccines remain effective. JN.1 accounts for 32% of new COVID cases in the Northeast U.S.December 18, 2023
Education
Penn's faculty sign letter opposing trustee, donor influence
The University of Pennsylvania's Faculty Senate released a letter condemning interference from donors, alumni, the Board of Trustees and the Board of Advisors in academic and governance policies at the school. More than 900 faculty members have signed the letter, which follows an email from a donor and leader of the Wharton School’s board of advisors that alludes to the potential elimination of some departments and a reexamination of criteria for hiring Penn faculty.December 18, 2023
Mayor
Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker appoints 'Big Three' leadership team
Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker named the top three staffers in her new administration. Tiffany Thurman will be the Philadelphia mayor's chief of staff, Sinceré Harris will serve as the chief deputy mayor of intergovernmental affairs, sustainability and engagement, and Aren Platt will be the chief deputy mayor of planning and strategic initiatives. Parker, who takes office in January, said these are her administration's top three positions.December 15, 2023
Food & Drink
Bacon-themed restaurant — serving pork sandwiches, cakes and even drinks — opens in South Philly
Bake'n Bacon, a bacon-themed restaurant, opened its physical location at 1148 S. 11th St. in South Philadelphia's East Passyunk neighborhood. The restaurant, which started as a food truck, serves bacon sandwiches, bacon-themed drinks and desserts with bacon.December 15, 2023
Shopping
European clothing brand Mango to open store in King of Prussia Mall next year
European clothing brand Mango is opening its first Pennsylvania store in January at the King of Prussia Mall. The new store, part of a larger U.S. expansion plan, will only sell the company's women's line.December 15, 2023
Transportation
SEPTA plans to add rideshare-style bus service in some suburbs next year. How will it work?
SEPTA has proposed adding an on-demand bus service in the Philadelphia suburbs. The rideshare-like service would replace bus routes that are infrequent and have low ridership. The proposal is part of SEPTA's plan to overhaul its bus system. The 'Bus Revolution' plan will be voted on by the SEPTA board in January 2024.December 14, 2023
Government
Philly's chief medical examiner abruptly resigns after 1 year on the job
Philadelphia's Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Constance DiAngelo resigned from her post this week. The news comes just a few days after 6ABC reported that a Southwest Philadelphia family was suing the city after their 16-year-old daughter, Ashay McCord, was mistakenly cremated. Officials say DiAngelo's resignation is unrelated to the lawsuit.Just In
- Any good these Eagles have left is only fleeting
- Nike releases Philly-inspired Air Force 1 sneakers to welcome LeBron James to Sixers
- Hopeful for a froyo comeback, Bryar's Yogurt Bar owner says the trendy treat needed to 'evolve'
- Why microplastics are so harmful to people? Scientists may have figured out the answer
- Ballot questions: Philly voters to weigh in on bid preferences for city contracts and the arts and culture agency
- 5 Sixers thoughts: From Joel Embiid to his backups, takeaways from first week
- Le Virtù to serve entirely gluten-free Italian menu for one night in South Philly Nov. 5
- Free Delaware Heritage Festival brings a pirate camp, crafts and colonial games to Dover
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