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 24, 2024
Investigations
Two people charged in stabbing at Five Below in Montgomery County
Truman Parks, 52, and Sydney Swain-Parks, 27, have been charged with attempted murder for their alleged roles in the stabbing of a security guard at a Five Below store in Cheltenham, Montgomery County, on Dec. 6. Parks allegedly stole $150 in goods from the store before stabbing the guard. Swain-Parks is being charged as an accomplice.December 23, 2024
Government
Philly could create a prison oversight board next year. Here's what it would do
A proposal to create a Prison Community Oversight Board will appear on the 2025 primary ballot in Philadelphia after City Council unanimously approved a bill supporting its creation. The board and an Office of Prison Oversight would address issues like understaffing, cleanliness, deaths and escapes in the city's jail system.December 23, 2024
Jobs
Starbucks workers at Center City store join nationwide strike until Christmas
Unionized workers at five Starbucks stores in Philadelphia joined a nationwide strike that began Friday in Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle. It is expected to continue until Christmas. The workers are seeking higher wages in their first collective bargaining agreement.December 19, 2024
Arts & Culture
New Magic Gardens exhibit features tiles salvaged from the mosaic on the former Painted Bride Art Center
A new exhibit on display next month at Magic Gardens will feature tiles from the former Painted Bridge Arts Center at 230 Vine St. in Old City. Preservationists salvaged pieces after the building, which hosts Isaiah Zagar's most famous work, was slated for demolition last year.December 18, 2024
Food & Drink
Little Walter's pierogi z dynia makes New York Times' list of best foods in the country
Little Walter's pierogi z dynia was included in the New York Times list of the '26 Best Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2024.' The pierogi z dynia is a dumpling stuffed with seasonal squash, kale and horseradish. The Polish restaurant in East Kensington also was named to the New York Time's list of the 50 best restaurants earlier this year.December 17, 2024
Investigations
Two people shot while sitting in parked car in Northeast Philly
A man and woman who were sitting in a parked car on the 5900 block of Algon Avenue in Crescentville were shot late Monday night, Philadelphia police say. Investigators said 22 shots were fired; the man and woman were hospitalized in stable condition. Police have not released information about any suspects.December 17, 2024
Fitness
At FDR Park, you can take a private sauna this winter outside the American Swedish museum
The American Swedish Historical Museum has outdoor saunas available to rent from Dec. 26 to March 29. Private groups of up to four people can rent them for 45 minutes for $120 to $150. The saunas are tied to the Sauna is Life exhibit on display at the museum in FDR Park.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 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 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.Just In
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- Who's John Ternus, the Penn graduate named next CEO of Apple?
- Exploring scenarios for the Eagles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
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