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

June 11, 2024

Courts

Man who fatally shot journalist Josh Kruger sentenced 15 to 30 years in prison

by Michaela Althouse

Robert Davis, 20, was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for the death of Philly journalist Josh Kruger, who was fatally shot at his Point Breeze home in October 2023. Davis pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and related charges as part of a plea agreement. His family claims Kruger was providing him with drugs and threatened to post sexually explicit videos of Davis online.

June 11, 2024

Jobs

OCF Coffee House abruptly closes, with CEO citing costs of unionization push

by Michaela Althouse

OCF Coffee House permanently closed its three locations Monday, one week after employees announced their plans to join Philly Workers United Local 80. CEO Ori Feibush says the coffee shops have never made money, and that legal expenses tied to the unionization push make business unsustainable. Employees say he's pulling the rug out from underneath them.

June 10, 2024

Entertainment

'The Chi' actor Brett Gray recounts his path from Mt. Airy to the small screen

by Michaela Althouse

Actor Brett Gray, who grew up in Mt. Airy, discusses his new role on 'The Chi,' his upcoming R&B album and his favorite places in his hometown. The Philly native also has starred in 'I'm A Virgo,' 'Star Trek: Prodigy' and 'On My Block.'

June 10, 2024

Pets

ACCT Philly lowers adoption fee to $10 for dogs, cats to relieve overcrowding

by Michaela Althouse

The Animal Care and Control Team Philly (ACCT) has lowered adoption fees to $10 this week as it attempts to address overcrowding. The shelter has over 250 pets at the shelter and another 300 in foster care that are available for adoption.

June 10, 2024

Investigations

9-year-old boy dies after being pulled from Tacony Creek

by Michaela Althouse

A 9-year-old boy died Sunday night after he was pulled from Tacony Creek near the 1100 block of East Wyoming Avenue in Philadelphia shortly after 6 p.m., police said. He was taken to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in critical condition and pronounced dead there at 7:18 p.m.

June 7, 2024

Food & Drink

Iron Hill Brewing brings back its Dad's Got Jokes beer for Father's Day

by Michaela Althouse

Iron Hill Brewing is again selling its Dad's Got Jokes beer on tap and in cans at its taprooms. As part of the brewing process, brewers spelled out dad jokes in hops and then dumped them into the tanks. The limited-edition beer is a 5% ABV India pale lager with tropical fruit notes, flaked oats and malt.

June 6, 2024

Government

City Council backs low-income real estate tax relief, Mayor Cherelle Parker's budget

by Michaela Althouse

A bill backed by City Council would offer property tax relief for homeowners making under $33,000 annually as a single person or $41,5000 as a married couple. The effort gained support in Mayor Cherelle Parker's 2025 budget, which was approved by the Committee of the Whole early Thursday morning.

May 31, 2024

Transportation

With Pride, Roots Picnic and bike rides, here are this weekend's road closures

by Michaela Althouse

The Roots Picnic, Philly Pride, Independence Dragon Boat Regatta and the American Cancer Society Bike-a-Thon are all scheduled for this weekend. Here's how that will impact roadways for drivers.

May 31, 2024

Government

Philadelphia poised to make eviction diversion program permanent

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia is set to make the city's eviction diversion program permanent On Thursday, City Council passed legislation to extend the program and it is expected to be signed by Mayor Cherelle Parker. The program requires mediation sessions between tenants and their landlords before the situation proceeds to landlord-tenant court.

May 31, 2024

Books

Philly author explores life, art and a queer group house in new novel

by Michaela Althouse

Philly author Emma Copley Eisenberg's new book 'Housemates' explores queer life, love and art through the lens of West Philly roommates Bernie and Leah. They embark on a road trip through rural Pennsylvania, taking photos along the way.