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

February 23, 2024

Politics

Philly to open 10 new satellite election offices

by Michaela Althouse

City Commissioner Omar Sabir said Philadelphia will open 10 satellite offices, one for each district, where voters can apply for mail-in ballots, register to vote, request replacement ballots and more. The first is on deck to open in West Philly ahead of the primary election on April 23.

February 22, 2024

Transportation

SEPTA riders briefly stranded after train went on wrong track

by Michaela Althouse

A SEPTA Wilimington/Newark Regional Rail train heading to 30th Street Station was routed to a dead track on Thursday morning, leaving riders briefly stranded.

February 21, 2024

Neighborhoods

Kensington residents receive $3.5 million for home repairs, eviction prevention

by Michaela Althouse

Kensington Planning Process leaders said a new program using opioid settlement funds that Philadelphia was awarded last year will help residents with home repairs and eviction prevention.

February 21, 2024

Investigations

Shooting near Muhlenberg College in Allentown injures 4 people

by Michaela Althouse

A shooting in Allentown injured four people and prompted officials at nearby Muhlenberg College to briefly put campus buildings on lockdown and order students to shelter in place. The shooting occurred at 7 p.m. Tuesday near 19th and West Turner streets.

February 20, 2024

Investigations

Francisville fire damages 2 buildings, displaces about 20 people

by Michaela Althouse

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

by Michaela Althouse

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

by Michaela Althouse

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

Investigations

Bucks County man accused of beheading father now faces terrorism charges

by Michaela Althouse

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 15, 2024

Shopping

Nike has plans to open store dedicated to its Jordan brand on Walnut Street

by Michaela Althouse

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 14, 2024

Transportation

Uber, Lyft drivers won't drive to the Philly airport Wednesday as part of a strike

by Michaela Althouse

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.