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.
July 25, 2025
Government
District Council 47, the white-collar city workers union, ratifies new 3-year deal
Members of AFSCME District Council 47, the city's white-collar workers union, ratified a new three-year contract that includes annual pay increases, a first-year bonus and a new committee to review citywide discipline. It comes on the heels of District Council 33 approving a new contract after a strike that reached its ninth day.July 24, 2025
Weekend
Shakespeare at Clark Park, Christmas in July and after-hours dinos: Your weekend guide of things to do
Things to do in Philadelphia during July's final weekend include Christmas in July celebrations, Rocky bus tours, North Philadelphia History Festival and outdoor Shakespeare in Clark Park.July 24, 2025
Nature
The Perseid meteor shower – the best of the year – is back. Here's how to see it
The Perseid meteor shower is on display through Sept. 1 in the Northern Hemisphere, with its peak expected to hit Aug. 12-13. The shooting stars can be seen with the naked eye, and more visible shortly before dawn. However, visibility during their peak may be partly obscured by the light of the moon.July 24, 2025
Technology
N.J. to offer digital driver's licenses and ID cards, following national trend
New Jersey will soon offer a digital option for ID cards and driver's licenses after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law Wednesday that called for the state's Motor Vehicle Commission to create the technology. The legislation includes protections for users.July 23, 2025
Investigations
Woman accused of posing as a nurse at Pennsylvania health care facilities
Shannon Nicole Womack is accused of faking her identity to work as a nurse at rehabilitation and nursing home facilities in Pennsylvania. State police say she used at least 10 names to gain employment. She also is accused of impersonating four nurses in other states.July 23, 2025
Arts & Culture
Penn Museum to license online tool developed by Barnes Foundation that provides up-close look at artifacts
The Penn Museum has partnered with the Barnes Foundation to utilize its Visual Experience Platform, which was designed to allow students in virtual classes to take deep dives into displays. The tool provides 360-degree views of galleries and collections, with an option to zoom in during live and recorded programming.July 22, 2025
Business
Vintage clothing store Snail to open in Old City, giving jeans, T-shirts and leather goods a 'second life'
Snail, a new vintage clothing store, is gearing up to open at 159 N. 3rd St. on Aug. 1. Owner Lauren Thomas said she stocks a variety of pieces, but tends to gravitate toward Americana styles in jeans, T-shirts and crewnecks.July 22, 2025
Music
Low Cut Connie says Wilkes-Barre show was canceled over band's political views
Philly rock band Low Cut Connie says their show in Wilkes-Barre on Friday night was canceled because of their political views. Earlier this year, the group released a track protesting the Trump administration and withdrew from a concert at the Kennedy Center.July 21, 2025
Education
Temple could have its largest class of incoming freshmen this fall
Temple University received the largest amount of deposits ever from accepted students, which could indicate its largest freshman class yet. The jump comes despite a hike in tuition.July 21, 2025
Environment
Wawa in Wildwood reopens after 800-gallon fuel spill is cleaned up
Approximately 800 gallons of fuel spilled at the Wawa at 418 W. Rio Grande Ave. in Wildwood during a delivery Sunday evening. The store and nearby roadways have reopened, but it's not clear how much, if any, fuel entered storm drains that feed into the backwaters.Just In
- Instant observations: Labaron Philon Jr. struggles vs. a team full of former Sixers
- President Trump wants to set clocks to daylight saving time year round. But standard time may be the better choice
- Camden County has a $400 million plan to clean up waterways for swimming and fishing
- Amid the cyclosporiasis outbreak, here's where to find local farmers markets
- HBO's 'Task' returns to Delco to continue filming new season in Upper Darby
- Five non-obvious questions facing the Eagles headed into training camp
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