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 17, 2025

Protests

Philly's Women's March drew 50,000 in 2017. A much smaller protest is planned ahead of Trump's second inauguration.

by Michaela Althouse

In 2017, the Women's March drew 50,000 people in Philly to protest newly elected President Donald Trump. On Saturday, a much smaller demonstration is planned ahead of Trump's second inauguration, and organizers have rebranded it the People's March, hoping it will spark a resurgence in the movement.

January 16, 2025

Family-Friendly

Philadelphia Flower Show embraces 'Gardens of Tomorrow' theme with futuristic exhibits

by Michaela Althouse

The 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show, which will be March 1-9, embraces the 'Gardens of Tomorrow' theme with exhibits that explore the future of flowers. There will also be a group of wellness vendors with botanical beauty and skin care products at the event this year.

January 15, 2025

Jobs

Jefferson resident physicians vote to unionize, joining national trend

by Michaela Althouse

Resident physicians and fellows at Jefferson University Hospitals voted to join the Committee of Interns and Residents, which is part of the Service Employees International Union. The decision follows unionization votes at Temple University Hospital and Einstein Healthcare Network last week.

January 15, 2025

Investigations

Samuel Fels High School student fatally shot in Feltonville

by Michaela Althouse

Noah Scurry, a 17-year-old basketball player at Samuel Fels High School, was shot and killed outside his home in Feltonville on Tuesday morning, police said. Investigators are on the hunt for a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, but have not made any arrests. Scurry recently achieved the top SAT score in his class.

January 14, 2025

Arts & Culture

Mütter Museum taps former Temple Health president as its new leader

by Michaela Althouse

Larry Kaiser, a former thoracic surgeon and Temple Health president, was named the president and CEO of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The medical society oversees the Mütter Museum, which has faced controversy over the way it acquired and displayed some of its collections, including human remains.

January 14, 2025

Investigations

Philly man convicted for kidnapping and demanding ransom from hostage's wife in 2021

by Michaela Althouse

Eric Alamo, 48, was convicted for kidnapping a man, demanding ransom from his wife and transporting both of them to a hotel in Feasterville-Trevose, Bucks County, in 2021, the district attorney's office said Tuesday. Alamo awaits sentencing.

January 13, 2025

Festivals

Founders Philly Freeze-Out returns to Manayunk on Feb. 1 with a run, chowder crawl and live ice carvings

by Michaela Althouse

The Founders Philly Freeze-Out returns to Main Street in Manayunk on Feb. 1 with ice sculpture carving demonstrations, chowder samples, a free run and winter market. Plus, local bars and restaurants will have specials.

January 13, 2025

Investigations

125-year-old crown stolen from St. John the Evangelist church in Center City

by Michaela Althouse

A 125-year-old crown was stolen from a statue of the Virgin Mary at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Center City early Saturday morning, Philadelphia police say. Surveillance video shows the thief breaking into the building. The man broke a stained glass window to enter, investigators say. Police are looking for the man.

January 13, 2025

Adult Health

Insomnia drugs improve sleep, but they also may stop a process that helps prevent dementia

by Michaela Althouse

The sleep drug zolpidem, which is found in Ambien and other insomnia medications, may prevent a brain function that clears the brain of tau and amyloid – proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to a new animal study. A Temple Health expert says more research is needed, because this is the first study to observe this.

January 10, 2025

Government

A $13.7 million grant will be used to connect Schuylkill River Trail from Manayunk to Passyunk Avenue

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia received a $13.7 million from the federal grant Friday that will pay for two Schuylkill River Trail connections: the Wissahickon Gateway Trail in Manayunk and the Passyunk Connection in Kingsessing and Elmwood Park.