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.
June 13, 2024
Government
Curtis Jones exits Thursday's City Council meeting after resident's statement about Gaza is interrupted
Councilmember Curtis Jones abruptly left Thursday's City Council in a brief show of support for a resident who had been cut off while speaking about the war Gaza. Kate Perez speaks on the topic of the regularly during the public comment portion of council's weekly meetings, and she was at the microphone Thursday when Jones walked out.June 13, 2024
Government
City Council unanimously approves Mayor Cherelle Parker's first budget
Councilmembers unanimously approved Mayor Cherelle Parker's first budget, which includes funding for 400 new police officers, additional sanitation and cleaning, and $100 million for a drug rehabilitation center in Northeast Philly.June 12, 2024
Education
Frankford High School to fully reopen in 2025 after asbestos abatement
The School District of Philadelphia plans to fully reopen Frankford High School for the 2025-2026 school year following a nearly $20 million asbestos abatement project. The school closed in April 2023, but some students have been attending classes in a wing of the building that is sealed off from the rest of the building.June 12, 2024
Government
Philly distributes $3.1 million from opioid settlement to 43 community programs
Philadelphia distributed another $3.1 million from the opioid settlement funds to community groups. Grants of $20,000 or $100,000 were given to 16 organizations in the North Philly, 13 in Kensington and 14 citywide.June 11, 2024
Jobs
OCF Coffee House abruptly closes, with CEO citing costs of unionization push
OCF Coffee House permanently closed its three locations Monday, one week after employees announced their plans to join Philly Workers United Local 80. CEO Ori Feibush says the coffee shops have never made money, and that legal expenses tied to the unionization push make business unsustainable. Employees say he's pulling the rug out from underneath them.June 11, 2024
Courts
Man who fatally shot journalist Josh Kruger sentenced 15 to 30 years in prison
Robert Davis, 20, was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for the death of Philly journalist Josh Kruger, who was fatally shot at his Point Breeze home in October 2023. Davis pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and related charges as part of a plea agreement. His family claims Kruger was providing him with drugs and threatened to post sexually explicit videos of Davis online.June 10, 2024
Investigations
9-year-old boy dies after being pulled from Tacony Creek
A 9-year-old boy died Sunday night after he was pulled from Tacony Creek near the 1100 block of East Wyoming Avenue in Philadelphia shortly after 6 p.m., police said. He was taken to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in critical condition and pronounced dead there at 7:18 p.m.June 10, 2024
Pets
ACCT Philly lowers adoption fee to $10 for dogs, cats to relieve overcrowding
The Animal Care and Control Team Philly (ACCT) has lowered adoption fees to $10 this week as it attempts to address overcrowding. The shelter has over 250 pets at the shelter and another 300 in foster care that are available for adoption.June 10, 2024
Entertainment
'The Chi' actor Brett Gray recounts his path from Mt. Airy to the small screen
Actor Brett Gray, who grew up in Mt. Airy, discusses his new role on 'The Chi,' his upcoming R&B album and his favorite places in his hometown. The Philly native also has starred in 'I'm A Virgo,' 'Star Trek: Prodigy' and 'On My Block.'June 7, 2024
Food & Drink
Iron Hill Brewing brings back its Dad's Got Jokes beer for Father's Day
Iron Hill Brewing is again selling its Dad's Got Jokes beer on tap and in cans at its taprooms. As part of the brewing process, brewers spelled out dad jokes in hops and then dumped them into the tanks. The limited-edition beer is a 5% ABV India pale lager with tropical fruit notes, flaked oats and malt.Just In
- 'The Four Seasons' and 'Task' are casting extras in the Philly area
- Philly considers new tax on Uber Eats robots and Waymo driverless taxis
- Philadelphia Portal to remain in City Hall courtyard after receiving funding from 'generous patron'
- Full injury report for Sixers-Knicks on Friday
- A permanent switch to standard time would be better for our health, sleep experts say
- Sixers' Jaylen Brown says he 'never demanded a trade,' refutes report from Celtics analyst Brian Scalabrine
- Free HIV tests, sexual wellness supplies and Jefferson Health screenings offered at Feltonville library Nov. 24
- A billboard is handing out free Halloween candy at Dilworth Park
Must Read
