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 18, 2024
Investigations
Contractor in 30th Street Station restoration project charged in bribery scheme
Lee Maniatis, the chief operating officer of MARK 1 Restoration, was charged for his alleged role in a bribery scheme involving a $58 million project at 30th Street Station. Prosecutors say the company received an extra $52 million in exchange for expensive dinners, trips and a German Shepard puppy.July 18, 2024
Holiday
Cirque du Soleil's Christmas show is coming to the Met in December
Cirque du Soleil's holiday show 'Twas the Night Before is at the Met Philadelphia from Dec. 19-29. Based on the classic Christmas poem, characters come to life to jump through hoops and swing from silks in an 85-minute performance.July 18, 2024
Food & Drink
Michael Schulson has ditched plans to open 4 restaurants in Atlantic City
Philly restauranteur Michael Schulson says he no longer plans to open four restaurants at ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City, saying he wants the Jersey Shore to remain a place where he can escape work. Earlier this year, he announced plans to open a Pearl & Mary oyster bar, Samuel's deli and two other restaurants there.July 18, 2024
Odd News
Longwood Gardens' century plant blooms for first time in more than two decades
Longwood Gardens century plant is in for the first time in 22 years. Workers had to remove a pane from the greenhouse where it live to make room for the enormous outgrowth.July 17, 2024
Government
Closing of two nonprofits drastically limits where Philly residents can find help to get food assistance
The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger and Benefits Data Trust announced within two weeks of each other this summer that they'd be closing. The result is a huge gap in application help for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).July 17, 2024
Food & Drink
Essex Squeeze, a New York-based juice bar and cafe, opens in Northern Liberties
New York-based juice bar Essex Squeeze opened its first Philly location in Northern Liberties this week, serving smoothies and bowls. Co-founder Cedric Hernandez said the owners of SET NoLibs helped convince them to move into the neighborhood.July 17, 2024
Education
Denis O’Brien named interim president of Drexel following John Fry's departure for Temple
Denis O'Brien was named interim president of Drexel University on Tuesday. O'Brien, a longtime board member and energy executive, will replace John Fry, who announced earlier this month that he would be moving to Temple once a successor was named.July 16, 2024
Courts
Corruption trial for Nadine Menendez, wife of Sen. Menendez, postponed indefinitely
The trial for Nadine Menendez, wife of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, has been postponed indefinitely due to her health. The couple has been accused of accepting bribes in exchange for aiding foreign governments, though the senator's attorneys have argued Nadine accepted the bribes without her husband's knowledge.July 15, 2024
Weather
Hot weather has Philly in a heat health emergency through Wednesday night
Philadelphia is under a heat health emergency through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s early this week, and possibly reach 100 degrees on Tuesday. The city has opened cooling centers. The Corporation for Aging's heatline at (215) 765-9040 is available between 8:30 a.m. and midnight.July 15, 2024
Jobs
Patient actors at Thomas Jefferson University who unionized this year hold rally for new contract
A group of workers at Thomas Jefferson University who simulate patients for medical students held a rally Monday at Washington Square Park. The workers, known as standardized patients, unionized in January and are seeking a pay raise and better health care. But they say the school is trying to limit membership and isn't bargaining in good faith.Just In
- 'Long Bright River' author is working on her next novel, but don't ask her about it
- New Jersey residents with criminal convictions now can serve as jurors
- These local movie theaters are giving out free popcorn on Jan. 19
- City hopes 2026 will be turning point for LOVE Park's vacant 'flying saucer'
- Game ball, three stars, and snap count analysis: Wild Card Round, Eagles vs. 49ers
- Joel Embiid, Paul George questionable for Sixers-Raptors on Monday after missing front end of back-to-back
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