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.
April 29, 2025
Festivals
South Street Live! celebrates spring with a mix of family-friendly activities
South Street Live! takes place May 3 from noon to 8 p.m. along South Street in Philadelphia. Here's a block-by-block guide to all the activities. They include a Kentucky Derby watch party, Renaissance Faire, skateboarding party, Maifest celebration, art market, vinyl record block party and comic book giveaway.April 28, 2025
Healthy Eating
Eating ultra-processed foods may lead to an early death; here's how to reduce them in your diet
Eating greater amounts of ultra-processed foods, like processed meats, sugary drinks and instant meals, is linked to a higher risk of premature death, new research shows. But there are ways to reduce the amount of ultra-processed foods in your diet. Here are some tips.April 28, 2025
Music
'The Twist' singer Chubby Checker to be inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Singer Chubby Checker and producer Thom Bell are among 13 artists included in the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class. Checker recorded his famous cover of 'The Twist' while still at South Philadelphia High School. Bell helped craft The Sound of Philadelphia, a style of soul, with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.April 25, 2025
Courts
Mistrial declared in sexual assault case against former Flyers goalie Carter Hart; new jury being selected
A mistrial was declared Friday in the ongoing trial against former Flyers goalie Carter Hart. The hockey player was accused alongside four other former members of Canada's world junior team of sexually assaulting a woman in a London, Ontario, hotel room in 2018.April 25, 2025
Transportation
Proposed Transit Access Fund would protect Zero Fare program for low-income SEPTA riders
A bill package introduced Thursday by Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke calls for setting aside 0.5% of the city's general fund into a Transit Access Fund to pay for SEPTA's Zero Fare program for low-income riders. The legislation needs approval from councilmembers and voters in a ballot question in the November election.April 24, 2025
Investigations
Ocean County man charged with arson for allegedly starting New Jersey wildfire
Joseph Kling, 19, of Ocean Township, has been charged with arson for allegedly starting the Jones Road Wildfire in the New Jersey Pinelands on Tuesday morning. The blaze has burned 15,000 acres in Ocean, Barnegat and Lacey townships.April 24, 2025
Government
Committee will investigate claims that blighted property law is being used in predatory manner
City Council approved a resolution Thursday calling for a committee to investigate Act 135, the state's abandoned and blighted property law. Critics say it is misused by developers and other bad actors to target homes in popular areas.April 23, 2025
Environment
Garden State Parkway reopens, but massive wildfire still rages in New Jersey Pinelands
The Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey began Tuesday morning in Barnegat Township and quickly spread to Lacey and Ocean townships, officials said. As of Wednesday morning, it encompassed 8,500 acres and 25,000 people were without power. Evacuation orders had been lifted and major roadways were reopened.April 22, 2025
Health News
Crozer Health to close Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital
Crozer Health plans to close Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital – the health systems two remaining hospitals in Delaware County. Its parent company, Prospect Holdings, said Crozer's four outpatient facilities will remain open until they are sold.April 22, 2025
Technology
New tools show free WiFi locations as Philly aims to improve digital equity
City officials announced the launch of the Philly Free Wi-Fi Finder and Philly Free Wi-Fi Dashboard to promote digital equity in Philadelphia. The finder shows nearby locations offering free, public WiFi networks while the dashboard compiles data on areas that need better internet access.Just In
- New dietary guidelines delayed again as RFK Jr. plans to reject expert panel's recommendations
- Flyers suspend radio announcer Tim Saunders for explicit comment caught on hot mic
- Free Library's most-borrowed book of the year was written by a local author
- Distillery to open in stables of Gilded Age mansion on Elkins Estate in Montgomery County
- Phillies trade RP Matt Strahm to Royals
- Joel Embiid ruled out for Sixers-Knicks with illness, right knee injury management
Must Read
