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.
February 20, 2024
Investigations
Francisville fire damages 2 buildings, displaces about 20 people
A two-alarm fire damaged two buildings on the 1600 block of Ridge Avenue on Monday, displacing about 20 people. No one was injured. It took more than three hours to bring the blaze under control. More than 100 firefighters responded. The cause had not been disclosed as of Thursday morning.February 20, 2024
Jobs
As potential strike looms, Ultimo Coffee workers raise money to cover possible lost wages
Ultimo Coffee workers are seeking to raise $7,500 to cover the income they may lose if they strike. Unionized workers at the coffee chain's Newbold and Rittenhouse locations voted to authorize a strike last week. They have established a GoFundMe campaign for people to donate to their relief fund. The next bargaining session is scheduled for next week.February 16, 2024
Transportation
SEPTA gains $317 million to buy new Market-Frankford Line train cars
SEPTA plans to spend $800 million to replace its Market-Frankford Line train cars, which are 25 years old and increasingly needing repairs. On Friday, it received a $317 million federal grant to help cover the costs. SEPTA also plans to spend another $150 million to upgrade the El's signal system.February 15, 2024
Shopping
Nike has plans to open store dedicated to its Jordan brand on Walnut Street
Retailer Nike plans to open a World of Flight store for Jordan's shoes and clothes at 1617 Walnut St., which has been vacant for years. It looks to be the fourth store worldwide, and the first in the U.S.February 15, 2024
Investigations
Bucks County man accused of beheading father now faces terrorism charges
Justin Mohn, the Bucks County man accused of beheading his father, is facing new charges, including terrorism and weapons offenses. Mohn allegedly called for the execution of specific federal employees during a YouTube video he posted after his father's death. Investigators also found a USB device of his that allegedly contained photos of government buildings and instructions on how to make an explosive device.February 14, 2024
Food & Drink
Federal Donuts' new South Philly shop looks to be its biggest yet – by a lot
Federal Donuts is planning to open a new South Philly store at 22 Wolf St. The shop will be in a warehouse building that once housed a Forman Mills store and is near John's Roast Pork and the Columbus Commons shopping center. The store remains under construction, and details are scant. But the Federal Donuts name and logo have been painted on the building.February 14, 2024
Transportation
Uber, Lyft drivers won't drive to the Philly airport Wednesday as part of a strike
Drivers for Uber and Lyft won't take riders to the Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday, Feb. 14 as part of a national strike. Rideshare workers are demanding higher wages, better health care and the right to form a union. The protest affects 10 airports across the United States, including those in Newark, New Jersey and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.February 13, 2024
Lawsuits
Penn asks judge to dismiss lawsuit filed by Jewish students who claim it's an 'incubation lab' for antisemitism
The University of Pennsylvania has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from two Jewish students who claim it failed to properly respond to antisemitism on campus. The university argues that is working to address the issue and that the lawsuit is not the right vehicle for determining how to move forward.February 13, 2024
Politics
Johnny Doc's nephew wants to replace Kevin Boyle in the Pennsylvania House
Sean Dougherty, nephew of convicted union leader John Dougherty, aka Johnny Doc, began collecting signatures to appear on the primary ballot for Pennsylvania's 172nd Legislative District. The seat is held by state Rep. Kevin Boyle, a Democrat who is facing scrutiny for allegedly threatening bar workers during a drunken outburst at a Montgomery County bar.February 12, 2024
Food & Drink
Dinner at Academy of Natural Sciences to show how your eating habits can reduce climate change
Dining for a Greener Future is a carbon-neutral dinner being hosted by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University on Thursday, Feb. 22. The four-course meal from 12th Street Catering includes dishes made of locally-sourced food, which help reduce the carbon footprint of a meal. To offset it completely, Drexel will plant trees through the nonprofit Trees for the Future.Just In
- Nordstrom Rack to open new stores in Exton and Media this fall
- Report: Phillies, Bo Bichette meeting went 'very well,' no more news yet
- Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe and Paul George probable for Sixers-Cavaliers on Wednesday
- Police search for suspects tied to fatal shooting at Chipotle near Temple University
- Philly woman sentenced to prison for role in Medicaid fraud scheme totaling $1.76 million
- Mount Moriah Cemetery seeks donations to beef up security after grave-robbing spree
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