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

April 30, 2025

Arts & Culture

On Stage in May: 'Some Like it Hot,' 'Rent' and a Founding Father-era remix

by Michaela Althouse

Philly theaters are putting on a number of parodies this month, including Old Academy Players' 'Disenchanted,' Philadelphia Artists' Collective's 'Cato (Remixed)' and 'The 39 Steps' at Lantern Theater Company. Plus, performances of 'Penelope,' a retelling of 'The Odyssey,' and 'Monsieur Chopin.'

April 30, 2025

Investigations

Suspect charged with killing man whose body was found in Schuylkill River

by Michaela Althouse

Roger Rosson, 61, was charged with homicide in the death of Joshua Daywalt, 35. Daywalt's body was pulled from the Schuylkill River in East Falls on Feb. 7. He was found with gunshot wounds to the head.

April 29, 2025

Festivals

South Street Live! celebrates spring with a mix of family-friendly activities

by Michaela Althouse

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

by Michaela Althouse

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

by Michaela Althouse

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

Transportation

Proposed Transit Access Fund would protect Zero Fare program for low-income SEPTA riders

by Michaela Althouse

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 25, 2025

Courts

Mistrial declared in sexual assault case against former Flyers goalie Carter Hart; new jury being selected

by Michaela Althouse

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 24, 2025

Investigations

Ocean County man charged with arson for allegedly starting New Jersey wildfire

by Michaela Althouse

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

by Michaela Althouse

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

by Michaela Althouse

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.