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 24, 2025
Government
Committee will investigate claims that blighted property law is being used in predatory manner
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
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.April 22, 2025
Health News
Crozer Health to close Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital
Crozer Health plans to close Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital – the health systems two remaining hospitals in Delaware County. Its parent company, Prospect Holdings, said Crozer's four outpatient facilities will remain open until they are sold.April 22, 2025
Technology
New tools show free WiFi locations as Philly aims to improve digital equity
City officials announced the launch of the Philly Free Wi-Fi Finder and Philly Free Wi-Fi Dashboard to promote digital equity in Philadelphia. The finder shows nearby locations offering free, public WiFi networks while the dashboard compiles data on areas that need better internet access.April 21, 2025
Education
For the first time in nearly a decade, Philly school district's enrollment was higher than the previous year
For the first time in nearly a decade, enrollment at the School District of Philadelphia was higher than the previous year, Pew's annual state of the city report said. The report also shows a rise in four-year graduation rates and a decline in kids attending preschools.April 21, 2025
Investigations
Temple University police arrest 7 people tied to weekend assaults on campus
Temple University police arrested seven people for assaults committed on campus over the weekend. Two students were assaulted Saturday and a third was pushed to the ground after a large group of youth gathered on campus. On Sunday, another student and two juveniles who are not tied to the university were assaulted.April 18, 2025
Entertainment
House of Magic owner follows lifelong passion in opening venue with a library, museum and 2 theaters for illusions
The House of Magic, a new venue with two theaters, recently opened in Glenside. Owner Marc DeSouza is also building a library and museum on the history of illusions.April 18, 2025
Government
FOX News host Mark Levin picked to join Homeland Security council
Mark Levin, a FOX News correspondent and Philadelphia native, was tapped by President Donald Trump to join the Homeland Security Advisory Council. The panel offers insight into national security. Trump say his 'revamped' version will focus on immigration and drug issues, specifically regarding fentanyl.April 18, 2025
Books
Cupid's Bookshop in Manayunk will be a safe space for romance lovers
Cupid's Bookshop, a store that will only carry romance novels, will open Thursday, April 24, in Manayunk. Owner Tina Long said she wants to make it a safe space for lovers of the genre.April 17, 2025
Neighborhoods
Recycling company to pay Camden neighborhood $6.7 million after fire forced 100 families to evacuate
Recycling company EMR has agreed to pay a Camden waterfront neighborhood $6.7 million after a four-alarm fire at its facility temporarily displaced 100 families in February. The funds will be put toward an emergency text alert for Waterfront South residents, neighborhood cleanups and schools.Just In
- For Tattooed Mom to resume live music performances, L&I says it must obtain permits and a license
- Starting this weekend, $5 shuttle bus rides to the shore are available
- FDA approves pill that lowers cholesterol as effectively as more expensive, injectable forms
- Phillies RP Brad Keller will miss the rest of the season with torn UCL
- Phillies announce 2027 schedule
- Strathmere, one of South Jersey's only free beaches, could soon require tags
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