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

November 18, 2024

Movies

Boyz II Men movie to tell story of the R&B group's decades-long career

by Michaela Althouse

A movie that chronicles Boyz II Men's decades-long career, including their rise to fame in the 1990s with hits like 'End of the Road' and 'On Bended Knee,' is being developed by Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave. Compelling Pictures also is creating a documentary series on the R&B group, which formed in Philly in the 1980s.

November 15, 2024

Government

Stadium workers would get wage increase, health care under new proposal by City Council

by Michaela Althouse

City Council proposed amending Philadelphia's prevailing wage law to include concession employees at all three stadiums Thursday. Workers have been negotiating with Aramark for months for better wages and health care.

November 15, 2024

Philly company with kid-safe cardboard-cutting saw to appear on 'Shark Tank'

by Michaela Althouse

ChompShop, a Philly-based company that created a kid-safe cardboard-cutting saw, will appear on ABC's "Shark Tank" on Friday at 8 p.m. The tool was created by Penn graduates Kausi Raman and Max Liechty.

November 14, 2024

Government

Taney Street will be renamed LeCount Terrace after Philly civil rights activist

by Michaela Althouse

City Council unanimously voted in favor of renaming Taney Street as LeCount Terrace after Philly civil rights leader Caroline LeCount. The roadway was originally named after Roger Taney, the Supreme Court justice who in 1857 authored the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision, which said enslaved African Americans could not become U.S. citizens.

November 14, 2024

Government

Could SEPTA be saved from fiscal cliff by federal infrastructure funds? Some City Council members think so.

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania will receive billions from the federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act, and so on Philadelphia City Council believe that money could be used to avoid SEPTA's financial crisis.

November 13, 2024

Shopping

Lego is selling a 791-piece set to build a 10-inch tall replica of the LOVE sculpture

by Michaela Althouse

Lego is selling a 791-piece set of Robert Indiana's famous LOVE sculpture. It is now available for preorder for $79.99, and it hits stores Jan. 1. The 10-inch tall replica is designed for adults.

November 13, 2024

Transportation

Departure of SS United States from South Philly postponed to ensure 'ideal conditions'

by Michaela Althouse

The SS United States won't leave Pier 82 in South Philly on Friday as scheduled. A tropical disturbance has caused a delay in its departure to Alabama. A new date has not been set.

November 12, 2024

Environment

PECO is adding more solar power to its mix of energy sources

by Michaela Althouse

PECO is adding 25 megawatts of solar power to the mix of energy sources it uses to provide electricity to 1.7 million customers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The addition is PECO's largest solar energy project and will provide enough energy to power 3,000 homes. Currently, just 0.5% of PECO's energy comes from solar power.

November 12, 2024

Wildlife

Axolotls are everywhere, including now at the Philadelphia Zoo

by Michaela Althouse

An axolotl, a type of salamander that's become a pop culture phenomenon, is now on display at the Philadelphia Zoo. The creatures are a favorite among kids after they were introduced in the video game Minecraft.

November 11, 2024

Investigations

Police fatally shot armed man after domestic dispute in West Philly, investigators say

by Michaela Althouse

An armed man was fatally shot by police after he carjacked a pickup truck and led officers on a 2-mile chase in West Philly following a domestic incident, investigators said. Officers opened fire on the man, 47, during the carjacking and again at the end of the pursuit. He was pronounced dead at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.