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 16, 2024
Nonprofits
AIDS Fund Philly to close after 35 years spent working to reduce HIV infections
AIDS Fund Philly, which has spent 35 years working to reduce HIV infections and AIDS deaths, is closing on Dec. 31, 2024. The nonprofit has raised money for people with HIV and organizations that serve them through its monthly GayBINGO and annual AIDS Walk Philly events.December 16, 2024
Arts & Culture
New fashion school in Kensington focuses on the art of selling clothes – not designing them
The Fashion Retail & Style Institute in Kensington begins its first 12-week program on Jan. 20. The school was created by entrepreneur Ebony Pratt, a North Philly native, to emphasize the art of selling clothes — not designing them.December 13, 2024
History
Descendant of 17th century colonist helps find ancestor's remains using radar at Gloria Dei Church cemetery
A descendant of Peter Rambo, a 17th century colonist, helped find his ancestor's remains using ground-penetrating radar at Gloria Dei Church cemetery. While the cemetery in Queen Village has been in continuous operation since 1677, documentation with burial locations didn't exist until a tombstone inscription book was made in 1877, leaving a 200-year gap in the records.December 13, 2024
Investigations
South Street pawn shop owners accused of selling $19 million in stolen goods
The owners of Society Hill Loan, a pawn shop on South Street, are accused of buying and selling nearly $20 million of goods stolen from stores like Home Depot, Target, Walmart, CVS and Safeway. Larry and Nathaniel Leonard, who also own pawn shops in Kensington and Wilmington, Delaware, are facing federal charges.December 12, 2024
Government
City Council steps in to halt possible demolition of Joe Frazier's gym
The former gym of Philly boxing legend Joe Frazier at 2917 N. Broad St. has continually failed inspections, and the city said it could demolish the building if deterioration continues despite it having landmark status. City Council passed a resolution Thursday to protect the building and find a new use for it.December 11, 2024
Business
Atlantic City's first full-service LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant in two decades to open next month
Owner Jason Tell will open the ByrdCage next month at the former Good Dog Bar space in Atlantic City. The restaurant, which will be the city's first full-service LGBTQ+ bar in two decades, will feature a piano lounge and entertainment space for drag events, theme nights and nightlife.December 11, 2024
Investigations
Jason Kelce won't be charged for smashing man's phone before Penn State football game
Jason Kelce won't be charged for slamming a man's phone into the ground before Penn State's game against Ohio State in State College on Nov. 2, university police say. A video of the incident shows the former Eagles star confronting a man who appears to shout an anti-gay slur in reference to his brother Travis Kelce for dating Taylor Swift.December 10, 2024
Transportation
With SS United States' departure from South Philly on hold, Florida county faces $100,000 fine
There's still no date set for when the SS United States will leave South Philly and a $100,000 fine will be triggered at midnight Thursday. According to a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, more tests need to be done to ensure the boat is able to make the trip.December 10, 2024
Investigations
Delco man charged in shooting that led to fatal car crash on I-95
Marquice Pierce was charged with murder and related crimes Monday for his alleged involvement in a double homicide on I-95 in September. Marquise is accused of fatally shooting Clinton Martin as he drove on the highway. Martin's car then struck and killed bystander Joshua Waltz, investigators said.December 9, 2024
Transportation
As speed cameras help cut fatalities on Roosevelt Boulevard, Broad Street becomes Philly's deadliest road
Broad Street had more deadly crashes than Roosevelt Boulevard in 2024, according to an annual report from Vision Zero. The report credited speed cameras for reducing fatalities on Roosevelt, estimating that more than 50 lives — about one per month — have been saved since they were installed in 2020.Just In
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- Philly said bon voyage to the SS United States in 2025
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- Bill to bring whole milk back as school lunch option awaits Trump's signature
- Pennsylvania, New Jersey join lawsuit against federal rules restricting gender-affirming care for minors
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