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

May 16, 2024

Education

Two local educators are in the running for America's Favorite Teacher

by Michaela Althouse

Two Philly-area educators are in the running for America's Favorite Teacher, a Reader's Digest contest. Supporters can vote for Molly Fitzpatrick of Simmons Elementary and Jim Rockenbach of Norwood-Fontbonne Academy until Thursday, May 16.

May 15, 2024

Business

WeWork to keep its Center City locations open as it exits bankruptcy

by Michaela Althouse

WeWork has finalized lease negotiations for its Philadelphia locations at 1100 Ludlow St. and 1900 Market St. The Center City coworking spaces will remain open as the company emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

May 15, 2024

Transportation

Pedestrian fatally struck during multi-car crash on I-676

by Michaela Althouse

A crash involving multiple cars prompted the closure of the westbound lanes of I-676 Wednesday morning between the Broad Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway exits. The highway reopened at 6:30 a.m., but there were residual delays.

May 15, 2024

Festivals

Nearly 200 musicians set to perform from West Philly porches on June 8

by Michaela Althouse

West Philly Porchfest takes place Saturday, June 8 from noon to 6 p.m. More than 200 musicians are set to play shows from porches in Spruce Hill, Cedar Park, Walnut Hill, Squirrel Hill and other West Philly neighborhoods.

May 14, 2024

Food & Drink

Family recipes are heirlooms. Learn ways to preserve them like historical documents at the Free Library.

by Michaela Althouse

The Free Library of Philadelphia on June 15 hosts 'Caring for Family Recipes,' where people can learn how to preserve recipe cards and family cookbooks for future generations to enjoy. The event is hosted by the Rare Book Department and specialists from the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts will provide expertise.

May 14, 2024

Education

Bryn Mawr College moves graduation site due to pro-Palestine encampment

by Michaela Althouse

Bryn Mawr College is moving its graduation ceremonies from Merion Green, where a pro-Palestine encampment has been taking place since April, to Applebee Field, officials said Monday. Commencement ceremonies take place Friday and Saturday.

May 13, 2024

Courts

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, accused of aiding foreign governments, goes on trial

by Michaela Althouse

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez goes on trial Monday on charges of bribery, extortion and obstruction of justice. He and his wife, Nadine, are accused of accepting bribes, including gold bars and cash, to aid the Egyptian and Qatari governments, and three New Jersey businessmen. Nadine goes to trial in July.

May 10, 2024

Environment

An experimental orchard aims to help Philly's urban farms adapt to climate change

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Orchard Project is using two high tunnel greenhouses in The Woodlands Cemetery in West Philly to grow plants that can withstand cold weather and others that more commonly grow in warmer climates. It's aimed at seeing what plants can thrive as Philly's climate changes.

May 10, 2024

Government

Philly's plan to boost urban farming is underway, but challenges lie ahead

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia's urban agriculture plan, released in April 2023, offers a 10-year blueprint for preserving and supporting urban agriculture. On Wednesday, city officials and urban farming advocates detailed the progress that has been made and the challenges that lie ahead.

May 9, 2024

Real Estate

Mike Schmidt's former Delco home is on the market for $3.8 million

by Michaela Althouse

Mike Schmidt, the former Phillies third baseman, bought the home for $490,00 in 1979, the year before he lead the team to the World Series. The 12,000-square foot home in Upper Province Township is now being sold for $3.975 million.