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.
February 28, 2025
Arts & Culture
On Stage in March: 'King Hedley II,' Philly GRIT and 'Romeo and Juliet' reimagined
Philly theaters have three Shakespearian performances: '& Juliet,' 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' and 'Anthony & Cleopatra.' Plus, the Arden puts on August Wilson's 'King Hedley II,' and Bucks County Playhouse has a new, country-themed musical.February 28, 2025
Women's Health
Menopause symptoms begin for most women in their 30s, study shows
Most women begin experiencing menopause symptoms in their early 30s, new research shows. Psychological symptoms like anxiety and irritability generally come before physical symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes. But many don't seek treatment until their 50s, according to the study from the University of Virginia.February 27, 2025
Government
Proposed $2 trillion U.S. spending cuts could slash food benefits used by about a third of Philadelphians
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps low-income households buy groceries, could see funding slashed after a Republican budget proposal calling for $2 trillion in spending cuts over a decade narrowly passed in the U.S. House on Tuesday. SNAP supports nearly 500,000 Philly residents — about a third of the city's population.February 27, 2025
Transportation
5 Philly school zones may get speed cameras to improve student safety
Five Philadelphia schools zones would get automated speed cameras under a bill introduced Thursday in City Council. The legislation aims to prevent crashes involving students. Speed cameras have boosted traffic safety on Roosevelt Boulevard and are set to go up on Broad Street.February 26, 2025
Recreation
Franklin Square's playground is getting a climbing tower, rope swing and zip line
Franklin Square is upgrading its playground to include a climbing tower, new swing sets, a zip line and climbing boulders. The historic park also is renovating its bathrooms, adding an amphitheater with outdoor musical instruments and installing a misting area. The work is expected to be finalized by summer 2026.February 26, 2025
Transportation
Sinkhole in Port Richmond swallows vehicle, shuts down road
A sinkhole opened up on the 2700 block of Birch Street in Port Richmond on Tuesday afternoon, swallowing a vehicle and leaving another hanging over the edge. The Philadelphia Water Department temporarily shut off water for about 30 homes to fix a 6-inch main break caused by the hole.February 25, 2025
Real Estate
University of the Arts' Hamilton Hall sold to Scout, the design firm that redid the Bok building
Scout, the design firm that transformed the Bok building in South Philly, bought Hamilton Hall and Furness Hall during a bankruptcy auction Monday. The building formerly were part of the University of the Arts. Scout says it plans to keep the buildings as spaces for the arts community.February 24, 2025
Mental Health
Limiting internet use on smartphones can help boost mental health, attention spans
Blocking internet access on smartphones leads to improvements in mental health, well-being and attention spans, according to a new study of 467 adults. Researchers say the restrictions encourage people to focus on healthier activities, like spending time in nature and pursuing hobbies.February 24, 2025
Investigations
Camden police officer in critical condition after being stabbed during 'business check'
A Camden County police officer was stabbed Sunday night while he was stopped at Duran Grocery at Broadway and Chestnut streets in South Camden. He remains in critical but stable condition. The suspect, Richard Dennis of Lindenwold, is in custody.February 21, 2025
Adult Health
Why athletes like Victor Wembanyama sometimes get blood clots — a condition most common in older adults
San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama was likely benched for the rest of the season after developing deep vein thrombosis. Also known as blood clots, experts at Penn Medicine and Temple Health said they're rare among young people, but can occur in extreme cases from repetitive motion or after injuries.Just In
- Philly expands New Year's Eve firework shows so there are more places to 'enjoy the magic'
- There's an anti-cruising sign still standing in Rittenhouse. It reflects the area's complicated queer history.
- 'Stranger Things' star Cara Buono sees more than a 'clueless '80s mom' in Karen Wheeler as final season unfolds
- Climate change is coming for Rudolph, your hot chocolate and your white Christmas
- Eagles playoff scenarios: Are they locked into the NFC's 3-seed?
- Philadelphia Eagles 2026 opponents
Must Read
