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 12, 2024
Government
City employees expected in the office Monday after judge denies injunction on mayor's policy
A judge denied a request for an injunction on Mayor Cherelle Parker's return-to-office policy, which is set to take effect Monday, July 15. After a two-day hearing, it was determined that the union representing city workers could not prove irreparable harm.July 11, 2024
Government
With Philly's return-to-office deadline looming, city employees await ruling on union lawsuit
Mayor Parker's return-to-office mandate takes effect Monday, pending a judge's decision. Last week, the AFSCME District Council 47, representing the city's white-collar workers, filed a lawsuit claiming that Parker's plan violates the union's contract.July 10, 2024
Government
Mayor Cherelle Parker stands firm on return-to-office policy as union's lawsuit to block it heads to court
All Philadelphia municipal employees will be required to return to in-person work five days a week starting Monday, July 15, if Mayor Cherelle Parker's new policy withstands a lawsuit to stop it filed by the city's white-collar workers union. The lawsuit will be heard in Common Pleas Court on Thursday, July 11.July 10, 2024
Transportation
Philadelphia Parking Authority says scammers are sending texts about fake unpaid tickets
The Philadelphia Parking Authority issued a warning about a phishing scam that asks people to pay fake outstanding tickets. Scammers claiming to be from the PPA are sending texts messages asking people to make payments on a link that is not connected to the PPA. Any outstanding parking violations can be verified on the PPA's website.July 5, 2024
Performances
A circus performance of 'Hamlet' to open at FringeArts this month
The New York Circus Project's tour stops in Philadelphia July 24 through 28 for a circus performance of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Acrobats will bring a new interpretation to the classic tragedy, which will be at FringeArts.July 5, 2024
Food & Drink
Diggs Boys Bourbon, a spirits company born of the COVID lockdowns, to begin selling bottles in Pa. state stores
Diggs Boys Bourbon, a Black-owned spirits company started during the COVID-19 pandemic by three friends from the Philadelphia region, plans to open a distillery and taproom in the city in 2025. Its high-rye bourbon is available online and at stores in 12 states, and Pennsylvania state stores soon will sell it, too.July 3, 2024
Jobs
Union sues over Mayor Cherelle Parker's return-to-office policy for city workers
Mayor Cherelle Parker is requiring all city workers to work on site five days a week beginning July 15, 2024. A lawsuit filed by a union representing 6,000 employees claims the policy violates their contract and is asking a judge to block the requirement. The Parker administration contends collective bargaining was not necessary.July 3, 2024
Transportation
Ben Franklin Bridge to show off its new lights with a July Fourth-themed display
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge's new lighting system is fully complete. To showcase it, a five-minute, patriotic-themed light display will debut Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. and continue running through Saturday night, the Delaware River Port Authority said.July 3, 2024
Music
Summer road trip guide: Music, podcast and audiobook recommendations to get through those long drives
PhillyVoice's staff picked their favorite songs, albums, podcasts and audiobooks to listen to on your next long road trip ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.July 3, 2024
Holiday
Not interested in Welcome America? Consider these other July Fourth events
Attending Welcome America isn't the only way to celebrate July Fourth in the Philadelphia region. Peddler's Village, Penn Woods Winery and Styer Orchard all have events planned. Parks on Tap and the Philadelphia Horticultural Society's pop up gardens will be open, too.Just In
- 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'
- Wawa's shelfless, all-digital store at Drexel University to close Jan. 21
- 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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