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

January 17, 2024

Books

Free Library community cookbook shares recipes from River Wards residents

by Michaela Althouse

In December, the Free Library released a community cookbook featuring over 80 recipes from residents of Kensington, Fairhill and the River Wards. Librarians who worked on the book say it documents what people were eating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 17, 2024

Crime

Police standoff on Roosevelt Boulevard leaves 1 dead, closes lanes

by Michaela Althouse

A SWAT team responded to a man shooting at police early Wednesday morning on Roosevelt Boulevard, police said. A standoff with police resulted in the man being pronounced dead, according to authorities. Multiple lanes of the roadway were closed due to the incident.

January 17, 2024

Arts & Culture

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site to host after-hours tours in honor of the writer's 215th birthday

by Michaela Althouse

The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and Yards Brewing Co. will host the Poe After Hours event this Thursday, Jan. 18, in honor of the writer's 215th birthday, which is Friday, Jan. 19. Tickets include an after-hours tour of the Poe House, a drink ticket for Yards' taproom and a discount on Yards' food.

January 16, 2024

Weather

Philly's first snowfall in 2 years causes Regional Rail delays, slushy roads

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia received 1 1/2 inches of snow from Monday, Jan. 15 into Tuesday, Jan. 16, ending the city's record-long snow drought. The winter storm led to SEPTA delays, commuting issues and some school delays and closures throughout the region. More snow is forecast to hit the region Friday.

January 15, 2024

Investigations

Police search for SUV involved in deadly hit-and-run that occurred near The Met

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia police are seeking to identify the black SUV involved in the deadly hit-and-run that occurred at 6 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at Broad and Poplar streets, near The Met. Brian Howard Lloyd, 55, was killed as he was using a walker to cross the intersection, investigators said. They have released surveillance video from the hit-and-run.

January 12, 2024

Parenting

Screen time for babies, toddlers may harm their abilities to process the world around them, Drexel researchers say

by Michaela Althouse

Early exposure to TV and other forms of screen time can lead to sensory issues like feeling overwhelmed by noises and bright lights, being disinterested in activities and seeking more intense stimulation, a new study by Drexel University researchers found. The AAP recommends children under 18 months not have any screen time.

January 12, 2024

Neighborhoods

Spruce Hill residents seek to add pedestrian plaza to slow traffic near Penn Alexander School

by Michaela Althouse

Spruce Hill residents have proposed adding a pedestrian plaza at 43rd and Spruce streets to slow traffic. The proposal would add planters and street murals to shorten the distance that pedestrians must travel to cross the intersection, which is near Penn Alexander School.

January 10, 2024

Government

Could 2024 be the year Pennsylvania raises its minimum wage?

by Michaela Althouse

It's been almost 15 years since Pennsylvania saw an upgrade to its minimum wage, while five neighboring states saw their minimum wages increase in the new year. The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia's executive director says change is unlikely without help from unions and employers.

January 10, 2024

Women's Health

To improve maternal health in Philly, a Penn Medicine program has homed in on food insecurity

by Michaela Althouse

Food for Health, a new Penn Medicine programs, aims to improve maternal health outcomes in Philadelphia by helping pregnant women experiencing food insecurity gain access to the food they need. The program, which received an IBX clinical care innovation grant, pairs nursing school students with community health workers to assess patients for food insecurity and connect them to programs that provide healthy foods.

January 10, 2024

Education

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts to end its college degree programs

by Michaela Althouse

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is eliminating its bachelor's and master's degree programs due to increased costs and dwindling enrollment, President Eric Pryor said Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. PAFA will continue operating its museum, which opened in 1805, and its certificate programs.