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 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
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 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 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 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 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.July 18, 2025
Transportation
Section of Market Street to close to westbound traffic for over 3 months
Market Street will close to westbound traffic from Aug. 4 to Nov. 17 to undergo roadway and sidewalk improvements. Drivers should expect delays and will be rerouted to Front Street, Arch Street and 6th Street.July 18, 2025
Food & Drink
Mt. Airy's Jansen will switch to 'greatest hits' tasting menu ahead of Sept. 27 closure
Jansen, a fine-dining restaurant in Mt. Airy, will close its doors on Sept. 27. But before that happens, it will transition to a tasting menu on weekends in August and daily in September with some of its favorite dishes from the past decade.July 18, 2025
History
Inaugural North Philadelphia History Festival to honor the area's cultural past
The first North Philadelphia History Festival will take place July 24-27 at various locations in Strawberry Mansion, Northern Liberties and the area around Temple University. Events include video screenings, photography exhibits and walking tours on African American and Puerto Rican legacies that helped shaped the areas cultural identity.Just In
- Full injury reports for Sixers-Pistons
- 'Silver Linings Playbook' is being adapted into a musical
- Mural of LeBron James replaces painting of Phillies' 'Daycare' trio in Fishtown
- Job-based health plan costs rise, with little relief in sight
- Sixers' Jaylen Brown says former Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum 'has a great PR team' and 'should stay ready at all times'
- 'The Haunting of Pennhurst' documents a haunted attraction's even scarier past
- 45 things to do Halloween weekend in Philly, the suburbs and South Jersey
- Think you can beat Rocky? Timed race up Art Museum steps set for Nov. 7
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