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 4, 2024

Investigations

Human bones found along Delaware River bank at Penn Treaty Park

by Michaela Althouse

Two human bones, a femur and a tibia, were found along the Delaware River shore in Penn Treaty Park on Sunday. Police said they the bones are from an adult but they have not determined the person's age, race or sex.

November 4, 2024

Adult Health

Philly's soda tax may improve the city's obesity rate – in time, Penn study says

by Michaela Althouse

There's 'limited evidence' that Philadelphia's soda tax is slowing the city's obesity rate, a new Penn Medicine study shows. The average BMI of city residents grew more slowly than those in neighboring communities in the three years after the tax took effect in 2017.

November 1, 2024

Arts & Culture

First Black woman to graduate from Penn's law school to get statue in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia announced plans to hold an art contest to make a sculpture of Sadie T.M. Alexander, the first Black woman to graduate from Penn's law school. The installation will appear outside the Municipal Services Building in Center City.

November 1, 2024

Music

Family of late director agrees to allow orchestra to use Philly Pops name again

by Michaela Althouse

The No Name Pops orchestra can once again go by the Philly Pops after the family of its late longtime director Peter Nero granted the group the naming rights.

November 1, 2024

Weather

As Pa. declares drought watch for Philly, here are tips on how to conserve water

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania declared a drought watch for Philadelphia and its surrounding counties Friday, asking residents to reduce nonessential water use. Here are some easy ways to conserve water.

October 31, 2024

Government

Some City Council members say the process is moving too fast on the proposed 76ers arena

by Michaela Althouse

Two pieces of legislation on scheduling public hearings in November for the proposed 76ers arena on Market Street faced opposition by five City Council members who said the process is moving too fast, but the resolution ultimately passed.

October 30, 2024

Investigations

Philly police shoot man wanted for killing bystander in Kensington

by Michaela Althouse

Philly police officers shot Spencer Majett, 29, during a foot chase in Kensington on Tuesday night, investigators say. Majett was wanted for allegedly shooting to death Felicity Vanatta in Kensington on Oct. 8. Vanatta was a bystander who was shot as an argument played out near the Steak N Beer deli on Kensington Avenue.

October 30, 2024

Food & Drink

Kalaya chef's new cookbook is filled with her favorite home recipes – including her mom's curry paste

by Michaela Althouse

Nok Suntaranon, the chef behind Kalaya in Fishtown, has a new cookbook coming out on Tuesday, Nov. 5. 'Kalaya's Southern Thai Kitchen' features the James Beard Award winner's home recipes, plus instructions to make several of the dishes served at her restaurant.

October 29, 2024

Obituaries

Phoenixville police officer killed in car crash in Warminster

by Michaela Althouse

Phoenixville Police Officer Arthur Scena IV was killed Sunday in a car crash in Warminster Township, Bucks County, as he reportedly was returning home from a funeral for another police officer. He previously worked as a correctional officer for the Montgomery County Prison and as a police officer for Chester and the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

October 29, 2024

Food & Drink

Philadelphia Street Food Festival will serve up $5-or-less bites at Xfinity Live! on Nov. 9

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Street Food Festival, taking place Saturday, Nov. 9, at Xfinity Live!, will feature over 30 food trucks and vendors. All food items will be $5 or less at the family-friendly event.