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

May 8, 2024

Government

Homeless encampment in Kensington to be cleared Wednesday

by Michaela Althouse

The homeless encampment on Kensington Avenue between East Orleans Streets and Allegheny Avenue will be cleared Wednesday as part of Mayor Cherelle Parker's Kensington revitalization plan. The neighborhood has the largest open-air drug market on the East Coast and about one-third of the city's homeless population.

May 7, 2024

Investigations

Boy, 10, fatally hit by motorist while walking home from school in Delaware

by Michaela Althouse

A 17-year-old boy driving an SUV struck two boys, ages 10 and 12, as they were walking home from school in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday afternoon, police said. The 10-year-old boy died after being taken to Nemours Children's Hospital.

May 7, 2024

Celebrities

The 2024 Met Gala had no shortage of stars with Philly ties

by Michaela Althouse

The 2024 Met Gala brought out several stars with ties to the Philadelphia region, including actor Colman Domingo, actress Da'Vine Joy Randolph, singer Sabrina Carpenter and former 76ers player Ben Simmons.

May 6, 2024

Investigations

New Jersey state trooper dies during training session for elite team

by Michaela Althouse

Marcellus Bethea, a New Jersey state trooper, died during a training session to be a member of the TEAMs unit, which carries out underwater searches, rescue operations and counterterrorism responses. Police haven't released a cause of death. An investigation is underway.

May 6, 2024

Food & Drink

Pat's Steaks reopens Wednesday, adding sandwiches that have never been on its menu before

by Michaela Althouse

Pat's King of Steaks reopens Wednesday after months of renovations. The South Philly shop at South Ninth Street and Passyunk Avenue, is adding breakfast sandwiches and a chicken cheesesteaks to its menu.

May 3, 2024

Government

Pennsylvania, New Jersey receive more federal funding to replace lead pipes

by Michaela Althouse

The Biden administration allocated another $3 billion to replace lead service lines across the country. Pennsylvania is receiving $152 million and New Jersey is receiving $123 million. The Philadelphia Water Department expects to receive some of Pennsylvania's funding. An estimated 25,000 homes in the city still have lead pipes.

May 3, 2024

Nature

Western lowland gorilla Patty comes to Philly zoo as potential breeding partner

by Michaela Althouse

Patty, an 11-year-old female western lowland gorilla, is now on display at the Philadelphia Zoo. She was brought here as a mating partner for 39-year-old Matuba as part of a breeding program to save the critically endangered species.

May 2, 2024

Books

Kelsey McKinney of podcast 'Normal Gossip' spills the beans on her new book

by Michaela Althouse

Philly resident Kelsey McKinney, the creator and host of 'Normal Gossip' announced Wednesday that she's releasing a book. 'You Didn't Hear This From Me: (Mostly) True Notes on Gossip,' which will be released in February, is a collection of essays on gossip, plus a few pop culture musings.

May 1, 2024

Women's Health

Breast cancer screenings should begin at 40, new guidelines say

by Michaela Althouse

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends women begin getting breast cancer screenings every other year at age 40. This ensures coverage under the Affordable Care Act and brings the panel in line with guidelines issued by the American Cancer Society and other organizations.

May 1, 2024

Education

Community College of Philadelphia seeks additional $20 million from city budget

by Michaela Althouse

Professors and staff at the Community College of Philadelphia want $20 million in additional funds from the city's 2025 budget. They say students are lacking the resources they need to graduate.