Michaela Althouse

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.

michaela@phillyvoice.com

January 10, 2024

Weather

Heavy rains leave Philly region with power outages, floods and SEPTA disruptions

The rain storm that hit Philadelphia on Tuesday brought high winds and 2-4 inches of rain to the region, resulting in power outages, floods and Amtrak and SEPTA train cancellations. There is a flood warning in place for the Schuylkill River until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Another rain storm is expected to hit the region on Friday.

January 9, 2024

Entertainment

TEDx event at City Winery to discuss gender inclusivity, mental health and other topics

City Winery is hosting a series of TED talks on Saturday, May 11 from noon to 3 p.m. Speakers will discuss topics ranging from agriculture to gender inclusivity to mental health advocacy. Tickets, which cost $60, go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 10.

January 9, 2024

Weather

Wind gusts to reach 70 mph as storm dumps 2-3 inches of rain in Philly region

The major storm moving across the Philadelphia region Tuesday is expected to bring 2-3 inches of rain and 20-30 mph winds, with gusts of up to 70 mph. Downed trees, power outages and floods are expected. SEPTA already has amended service to its Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail line. New Jersey has declared a state of emergency.

January 8, 2024

Transportation

Broad Street stretch in the Navy Yard reopens after 18 months

The Broad Street stretch that runs between Crescent Drive and Intrepid Avenue within the Navy Yard reopened Monday morning after 18 months of construction. The roadway, which serves as the main thoroughfare in the Navy Yard, had been closed because its 120-year-old underlying structure had been deteriorating. The construction is part of a $6 billion improvement plan for the Navy Yard.

January 5, 2024

Food & Drink

New Kensington bar creates a space for people who love cocktails but don't want to drink alcohol

Nikki Graziano opened Bar Palmina in The Matchbook in Kensington last year in hopes of creating a space for people who enjoy cocktails but do not want to drink alcohol. The non-alcoholic bar is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. During January, it's menu includes three special non-alcoholic drinks.

January 5, 2024

Food & Drink

Northern Liberties bar and restaurant, The Abbaye, to close after 21 years

The Abbaye, a bar and restaurant operating at 637 N. Third St. in Northern Liberties for more than 21 years, is closing, its owners said via Instagram. The last day will be Jan. 13, 2024.

January 5, 2024

Education

Penn taps Ramanan Raghavendran to head its board of trustees

The University of Pennsylvania has named Ramanan Raghavendran as the chair of its board of trustees. Raghavendran, a Penn alum who founded a venture capital firm, replaces Scott Bok, who stepped down hours after Liz Magill resigned as president last month. Penn's leadership had come under scrutiny for its response to antisemitism on campus.

January 4, 2024

Women's Health

Stress can cause high blood sugar in women trying to conceive, study finds

A new study found that increased stress during preconception, or the time period immediately before conception, can lead to high blood sugar. Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital also found that women who conceived through intrauterine insemination had more stress and higher blood sugar levels than those who used in vitro fertilization, and that women of higher socioeconomic status — assessed using median family income — reported higher stress and had higher blood sugar levels.

January 3, 2024

Investigations

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez accused of aiding Qatari government by accepting bribes

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, of New Jersey, is now accused of accepting bribes in exchange for brokering a deal between New Jersey developer Fred Daibes and a Qatari investment fund headed by a member of Qatar's royal family. He previously was charged with accepting bribes in exchange for political influence that benefited three businessmen and the government of Egypt.

January 3, 2024

Food & Drink

Pizza Shackamaxon is opening new restaurant, Pizza Richmond, where customers can dine in

Pizza Shackamaxon, the Fishtown takeout joint, is opening a sister location in Point Richmond early this year. The new restaurant, called Pizza Richmond, will offer the option to dine in – unlike its predecessor, according to owner Mike Parsell. It also will accept online orders and eventually add delivery options. It's the latest development on Richmond Street from A Frame Construct, Parsell's development company.

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