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

January 31, 2025

Arts & Culture

On Stage in February: 'A Raisin in the Sun,' 'Much Ado About Nothing' and a Mae West refresh

by Michaela Althouse

From Broadway hits like 'A Raisin in the Sun' to experimental shows and Shakespeare classics, Philadelphia theaters offer diverse performances in February, with tickets starting as low as $21.

January 31, 2025

Government

After ICE raids this week, city officials take a stand against President Trump's anti-immigration efforts

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia City Council members, state politicians and immigrations experts took part in a news conference Friday to provide an update on the city's efforts and residents' rights in the wake of President Donald Trump's anti-immigration efforts during his first weeks in office.

January 31, 2025

Adult Health

FDA approves non-opioid painkiller, first new class in decades

by Michaela Althouse

The FDA approved the first new class of non-opioid painkillers in more than two decades, the agency said Thursday. Suzetrigine, branded as Journavx, works to block receptors before they reach the brain in patients with surgical or injury pain.

January 30, 2025

Government

To kick off year that's 'all about housing,' City Council introduces legislation to cut upfront fees for new tenants

by Michaela Althouse

Legislative packages introduced Thursday by Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Rue Landau would cut upfront fees for security deposits and make it easier to add affordable housing units in the city.

January 29, 2025

Accidents

Temple student dies after falling from light pole during Eagles' NFC title celebrations

by Michaela Althouse

Tyler Sabapathy, an 18-year-old freshman at Temple University died Tuesday after he fell from a light pole near City Hall during the Eagles' NFC championship celebrations on Sunday night. He was an exercise and sport medicine major who had participated on the university's gymnastics club team.

January 29, 2025

Courts

Former Sen. Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery and corruption

by Michaela Althouse

Bob Menendez, the former U.S. senator from New Jersey, was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for his conviction last year on federal corruption charges. The 71-year-old Democrat was found guilty of 16 felony counts in July for accepting bribes – including gold bars, a Mercedes Benz and cash – in exchange for aiding the governments of Egypt and Qatar. He is the only U.S. senator who has ever been convicted of acting as a foreign agent.

January 29, 2025

Investigations

Ex-Chester police commissioner charged in hit-and-run crash

by Michaela Althouse

Ex-Chester City Police Commissioner Steven Gretzky is facing five summary charges for an alleged hit-and-run crash that happened Monday. Gretzky retired Tuesday – one day after he was placed on administrative leave while the crash was investigated. Pennsylvania State Police announced the charges Wednesday morning.

January 28, 2025

Investigations

Shooting in Frankford ballroom leaves 1 man dead, 2 injured

by Michaela Althouse

One man was killed and two others are in critical condition after they were shot inside a ballroom in Frankford on Monday night, Philadelphia police say. Investigators found more than 40 bullet casings at the scene, including 30 from a high-powered rifle.

January 27, 2025

Lifestyle

Eagles fans can leave messages for the team ahead of Super Bowl LIX by calling from these 5 rotary phones in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Five rotary phones have been placed around the city for Eagles fans to leave voicemails for the players ahead of the Super Bowl. The messages will be shared with the players and on social media.

January 27, 2025

Investigations

Driver charged with crashing car into Eagles fans on North Broad, injuring 8 people

by Michaela Althouse

A car crashed into a crowd of Eagles fans celebrating the team's NFC Championship near Broad and Spring Garden streets Sunday night. Eight people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Rebekah DeShields, 26, of Narberth, is charged with aggravated assault, driving without a license, simple assault, reckless driving and related offenses.