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 10, 2024
Government
Could 2024 be the year Pennsylvania raises its minimum wage?
It's been almost 15 years since Pennsylvania saw an upgrade to its minimum wage, while five neighboring states saw their minimum wages increase in the new year. The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia's executive director says change is unlikely without help from unions and employers.January 10, 2024
Education
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts to end its college degree programs
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is eliminating its bachelor's and master's degree programs due to increased costs and dwindling enrollment, President Eric Pryor said Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. PAFA will continue operating its museum, which opened in 1805, and its certificate programs.January 10, 2024
Weather
Heavy rains leave Philly region with power outages, floods and SEPTA disruptions
The rain storm that hit Philadelphia on Tuesday brought high winds and 2-4 inches of rain to the region, resulting in power outages, floods and Amtrak and SEPTA train cancellations. There is a flood warning in place for the Schuylkill River until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Another rain storm is expected to hit the region on Friday.January 10, 2024
Women's Health
To improve maternal health in Philly, a Penn Medicine program has homed in on food insecurity
Food for Health, a new Penn Medicine programs, aims to improve maternal health outcomes in Philadelphia by helping pregnant women experiencing food insecurity gain access to the food they need. The program, which received an IBX clinical care innovation grant, pairs nursing school students with community health workers to assess patients for food insecurity and connect them to programs that provide healthy foods.January 9, 2024
Weather
Wind gusts to reach 70 mph as storm dumps 2-3 inches of rain in Philly region
The major storm moving across the Philadelphia region Tuesday is expected to bring 2-3 inches of rain and 20-30 mph winds, with gusts of up to 70 mph. Downed trees, power outages and floods are expected. SEPTA already has amended service to its Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail line. New Jersey has declared a state of emergency.January 9, 2024
Entertainment
TEDx event at City Winery to discuss gender inclusivity, mental health and other topics
City Winery is hosting a series of TED talks on Saturday, May 11 from noon to 3 p.m. Speakers will discuss topics ranging from agriculture to gender inclusivity to mental health advocacy. Tickets, which cost $60, go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 10.January 8, 2024
Transportation
Broad Street stretch in the Navy Yard reopens after 18 months
The Broad Street stretch that runs between Crescent Drive and Intrepid Avenue within the Navy Yard reopened Monday morning after 18 months of construction. The roadway, which serves as the main thoroughfare in the Navy Yard, had been closed because its 120-year-old underlying structure had been deteriorating. The construction is part of a $6 billion improvement plan for the Navy Yard.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.Just In
- A Pierre Robert mural is coming to Center City, but its exact site is undetermined
- Mann Center concertgoers have to pay for parking again starting next month
- Intimate partner homicide has clear warning signs – and is often preventable, research shows
- As data centers spread in Pa., lawmakers are proposing guardrails. Community activists want a moratorium
- Joel Embiid listed doubtful for Sixers-Celtics on Sunday; full injury reports ahead of Game 4
- Why traffic for Flyers and Sixers playoff games will be even worse than usual
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