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

July 21, 2025

Environment

Wawa in Wildwood reopens after 800-gallon fuel spill is cleaned up

by Michaela Althouse

Approximately 800 gallons of fuel spilled at the Wawa at 418 W. Rio Grande Ave. in Wildwood during a delivery Sunday evening. The store and nearby roadways have reopened, but it's not clear how much, if any, fuel entered storm drains that feed into the backwaters.

July 18, 2025

Transportation

Section of Market Street to close to westbound traffic for over 3 months

by Michaela Althouse

Market Street will close to westbound traffic from Aug. 4 to Nov. 17 to undergo roadway and sidewalk improvements. Drivers should expect delays and will be rerouted to Front Street, Arch Street and 6th Street.

July 18, 2025

History

Inaugural North Philadelphia History Festival to honor the area's cultural past

by Michaela Althouse

The first North Philadelphia History Festival will take place July 24-27 at various locations in Strawberry Mansion, Northern Liberties and the area around Temple University. Events include video screenings, photography exhibits and walking tours on African American and Puerto Rican legacies that helped shaped the areas cultural identity.

July 18, 2025

Food & Drink

Mt. Airy's Jansen will switch to 'greatest hits' tasting menu ahead of Sept. 27 closure

by Michaela Althouse

Jansen, a fine-dining restaurant in Mt. Airy, will close its doors on Sept. 27. But before that happens, it will transition to a tasting menu on weekends in August and daily in September with some of its favorite dishes from the past decade.

July 17, 2025

Courts

Former Philly police officer Mark Dial, who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry, released on parole after sentencing

by Michaela Althouse

Former Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial was granted immediate parole Thursday after being sentenced to 9.5 months to 2 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry during a traffic stop in Kensington in August 2023. Dial, 29, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in May and served 10 months in prison while he awaited sentencing.

July 16, 2025

Nature

A dinosaur that once drew huge crowds to the Academy of Natural Sciences is back on display at the Philly museum

by Michaela Althouse

The skeleton of a Hadrosaurus dinosaur that was found in Haddonfield, New Jersey in 1858 is back on display at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The prehistoric herbivore was the first mounted dinosaur to be displayed at a museum in the 19th century.

July 16, 2025

Government

District Council 47's new contract includes salary increases, new health care benefits

by Michaela Althouse

District Council 47 reached a tentative deal early Tuesday morning on a three-year contract that will increases the pay for white-collar city workers. The increases the workers' pay by 2.5% in its first year. Additional 3% raises follow in the second and third years. It also includes new health care benefits.

July 15, 2025

History

18th-century tavern in Camden begins inside restorations to turn into American Revolution museum

by Michaela Althouse

The Benjamin Cooper House in Camden is undergoing a $4 million renovation and will reopen as a museum honoring South Jersey's Revolutionary War history. The first floor is set to open to visitors by next summer, when America will be celebrating its 250th birthday.

July 15, 2025

Government

AFCSME District Council 47 reaches tentative deal with Parker administration

by Michaela Althouse

Mayor Cherelle Parker and AFSCME District 47 reached a tentative contract agreement early Tuesday morning, averting a possible work stoppage for the city's white-collar workers union. The deal, coupled with the one-year extension to their prior contract, will increase the workers' pay by 13.5% over four years, Parker said.

July 14, 2025

Food & Drink

Federal Donuts, Asher's Chocolates roll out a Phish-inspired doughnut

by Michaela Althouse

Federal Donuts, Asher's Chocolate and Phish teamed up to unveil the My Sweet One doughnut, which is named after one of the rock band's songs. The specialty doughnuts are available at Federal Donuts locations through Wednesday and at Asher's Chocolate's beer garden in Souderton on Saturday. A portion of the proceeds benefits charity.