Michaela Althouse

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 13, 2024

Courts

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

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

Government

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

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 10, 2024

Environment

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

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 9, 2024

Real Estate

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

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.

May 7, 2024

Investigations

Boy, 10, fatally hit by motorist while walking home from school in Delaware

A 17-year-old boy driving an SUV struck two boys, ages 10 and 12, as they were walking home from school in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday afternoon, police said. The 10-year-old boy died after being taken to Nemours Children's Hospital.

May 7, 2024

Celebrities

The 2024 Met Gala had no shortage of stars with Philly ties

The 2024 Met Gala brought out several stars with ties to the Philadelphia region, including actor Colman Domingo, actress Da'Vine Joy Randolph, singer Sabrina Carpenter and former 76ers player Ben Simmons.

May 6, 2024

Investigations

New Jersey state trooper dies during training session for elite team

Marcellus Bethea, a New Jersey state trooper, died during a training session to be a member of the TEAMs unit, which carries out underwater searches, rescue operations and counterterrorism responses. Police haven't released a cause of death. An investigation is underway.

May 6, 2024

Food & Drink

Pat's Steaks reopens Wednesday, adding sandwiches that have never been on its menu before

Pat's King of Steaks reopens Wednesday after months of renovations. The South Philly shop at South Ninth Street and Passyunk Avenue, is adding breakfast sandwiches and a chicken cheesesteaks to its menu.

May 3, 2024

Nature

Western lowland gorilla Patty comes to Philly zoo as potential breeding partner

Patty, an 11-year-old female western lowland gorilla, is now on display at the Philadelphia Zoo. She was brought here as a mating partner for 39-year-old Matuba as part of a breeding program to save the critically endangered species.

May 3, 2024

Government

Pennsylvania, New Jersey receive more federal funding to replace lead pipes

The Biden administration allocated another $3 billion to replace lead service lines across the country. Pennsylvania is receiving $152 million and New Jersey is receiving $123 million. The Philadelphia Water Department expects to receive some of Pennsylvania's funding. An estimated 25,000 homes in the city still have lead pipes.

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