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.
March 19, 2025
Education
Trump administration plans to freeze $175 million in federal funding to Penn over trans athlete policy
President Donald Trump has signaled he will freeze $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania over trans athlete policies. A senior Trump administration official told Fox Business about the planned cuts Wednesday morning. Penn, however, said it hasn't received an official notification.March 19, 2025
Investigations
Pedestrian fatally struck by U-Haul truck in Kensington
A U-Haul driver who fatally struck a woman walking on the sidewalk in Kensington on Tuesday afternoon and then fled the scene was taken into custody, police say. The driver lost control of the truck after leaving the scene of another nearby crash, investigators say.March 18, 2025
Business
Tequilas Restaurant reopens two-years after kitchen fire
Tequilas Restaurant in Rittenhouse is reopening Tuesday after two years of repair work prompted by a kitchen fire in February 2023. The blaze caused significant damage to the building. Dinner reservations are now available on Mondays through Saturdays from 5-9 p.m.March 17, 2025
Education
Community College of Philadelphia professors, staffers authorize a strike
About 1,200 Community College of Philadelphia faculty, adjunct professors and staffers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. They have been working without contracts since August. They are demanding CCP increase their wages, boost staffing levels and provide free transit passes to students.March 17, 2025
Health Insurance
Jefferson Health is no longer in-network for Cigna after contract expired Saturday
Jefferson Health is now out-of-network for people with employer-based Cigna health insurance, because the two organizations failed to reach a new deal covering reimbursement rates. The old deal expired Saturday. Emergency care at Jefferson's hospitals remains in-network and Medicare Advantage members are not affected.March 14, 2025
Festivals
At the new Philadelphia Cocktail Festival, sip the latest creations from the city's mixologists
The inaugural Philadelphia Cocktail Festival brings together mixologists and distillers to serve their boozy creations Saturday, March 29, at the 23rd Street Armory in Fitler Square. Tickets cost $39 for sessions lasting from 1-3 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.March 14, 2025
Environment
Tree that can grow 40 types of fruit — from cherries to peaches — takes root at Temple's art school
A Tree of 40 Fruits was planted at Temple University on Friday by artist Sam Van Aken, who created it by grafting various heirloom tree varieties together. The tree eventually will bear 40 types of stone fruit, including cherries, peaches, plums, apricots and nectarines.March 13, 2025
Transportation
Mayor Parker proposes boost to Vision Zero funding after cuts to traffic safety program last year drew backlash
Mayor Cherelle Parker announced a boost to funding for Vision Zero during her budget address Thursday, proposing $5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $30 million through 2031. In Parker's first budget, the traffic safety program received $1 million for 2025.March 13, 2025
Government
Mayor Parker's 2026 budget proposal calls for tax cuts, higher parking rates and more housing spending
Mayor Cherelle Parker's 2026 budget proposal would cut the city's wage tax and its business income and receipts tax while increasing the real estate transfer tax. She also wants to increase street parking rates in Center City, expand the year-round school program and boost funding for housing.March 12, 2025
Festivals
Philly St. Patrick's Day parade has a new route. Here are road closures and SEPTA changes for Sunday
The annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Philadelphia takes place Sunday, March 16. Here's your guide to road closures, parking restrictions, the weather forecast and more.Just In
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- Flyers prospects: Jett Luchanko reassigned to Phantoms
- 5 candidates to consider as the next Flyers head coach
- A subtle loss of smell may be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease
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