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 15, 2025
Education
Philly school district is updating its reassignment room process for teachers facing misconduct investigations
The School District of Philadelphia will more closely monitor the cases for teachers in reassignment rooms, where educators are sent during misconduct investigations. The process overhaul comes after a City Council member pushed for a hearing to look into complaints about the holding facility's conditions and the wasted time and money.April 14, 2025
Arts & Culture
The Portal is moving from LOVE Park to City Hall courtyard; here's a livestream
The Portal, a sculpture that connects passersby in Philly with counterparts in three European cities, is moving from LOVE Park to the City Hall courtyard Monday morning. It is being transported along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and making a stop at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of a procession.April 14, 2025
Nature
Rare trees named for Ben Franklin to be planted at Carpenters' Hall
Two rare Franklin trees will be planted outside Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia on April 25. The species was named by John Bartram after his friend, Benjamin Franklin, but it went extinct in the wild. Every surviving tree descends from seeds first planted at Bartram's Garden.April 11, 2025
Performances
Orchestral performance of 'Twilight' comes to Philly in November
The 60-city 'Twilight' in concert tour will stop by the Met in Philadelphia on Nov. 22. While the movie plays, a 12-piece orchestra will perform the soundtrack live.April 11, 2025
Illness
Measles case reported in Philly; people may have been exposed at 2 hospitals
A measles cases was confirmed in Philadelphia in a person who had been traveling abroad. People may have been exposed to the virus at Pennsylvania Hospital on Sunday and Holy Redeemer Hospital in Montgomery County on Tuesday.April 10, 2025
Government
Philly renters could get more protections under bills aimed at making landlords keep up with repairs
A bill package introduced in City Council on Thursday calls for additional regulation for landlords who neglect repairs at their properties. Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke, who introduced the Safe Healthy Homes Act, said it was meant to protect tenants and give "teeth" to existing laws.April 10, 2025
Recreation
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stops by City Council, pledges $1 million to Philly and says 'Go Birds!'
FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared at Thursday's City Council meeting to announce that the organization would donate $1 million to Philadelphia for hosting games in the 2025 Club World Cup and 2026 World Cup.April 9, 2025
Holiday
South Philly's Carnaval de Puebla canceled due to fears that immigrants may be targeted by ICE
El Carnaval de Puebla, the annual South Philadelphia event celebrating Mexican culture and history, was canceled after community members expressed fears that ICE would target immigrants at the festival. The celebration typically draws 15,000 people to Washington Avenue.April 8, 2025
Nature
It's the final day that Philly's cherry blossoms are in peak bloom – here are photos from Fairmount Park
The cherry blossom trees in Fairmount Park are in peak bloom for the final day in 2025. Here are photos of them at their best, when 70% of their pink and white flowers are open.April 8, 2025
TV
Cory Booker says his 25-hour Senate speech was a rallying call for Democrats to stand up to President Trump
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) appeared on 'The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert' on Monday to speak about his record-breaking, 25-hour speech on the Senate floor. Booker said it was an opportunity for Democrats to recognize they have not done enough to stand up to President Donald Trump.Just In
- Federal audit finds N.J. nursing homes let workers start without background checks
- Pennsylvania State Police commissioner leaving to join FBI
- Trump reclassifies marijuana, easing federal restrictions but stopping short of legalization
- Flyers suspend radio announcer Tim Saunders for explicit comment caught on hot mic
- Philadelphia Eagles 2026 opponents
- Eagles are repeat NFC East champs for the first time in over 20 years
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