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.
December 28, 2023
Illness
With respiratory illnesses on the rise, here's how to keep lungs healthy
To combat a rise in respiratory illnesses and a dip in vaccinations, the American Lung Association offers three tips to keep lungs healthy in 2024, including radon prevention and quitting tobacco.December 28, 2023
Pets
Dog blood bank opens in Center City; pets who donate receive a free exam and treats
A blood bank for dogs is now open at the Philadelphia location of the Veterinarian Emergency Group, an animal hospital network, at 1213 Walnut St. Similar to human blood banks, dogs can make blood donations which will be stored for emergency medical services. Dogs who donate will receive a free exam and treats.December 27, 2023
Transportation
Roosevelt Boulevard's I-76 West ramp closed indefinitely following collision
The Roosevelt Expressway's ramp to I-76 West and City Avenue has been closed indefinitely because it sustained structural damage during a large vehicle crash on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, PennDOT officials said. Drivers are being detoured along I-76 East, Montgomery Avenue and then onto I-76 West.December 27, 2023
Films
A film producer from Chester County hopes to make prescreenings at the Colonial Theatre an annual tradition
Grady Craig, a film producer from Chester Springs, will screen his upcoming film 'Scrambled' at the Colonial Theatre on Wednesday night. The movie stars (and is directed by) Leah McKendrick and is about a woman who decides to freeze her eggs after a breakup. The producer says he hopes to make prescreenings at the Phoenixville theater an annual tradition.December 26, 2023
Music
World Cafe Live ready to start 2024 under leadership of new board chair
At Word Cafe LIve, Paralee Knight takes over for Lori Landew in January. She recently shared her thoughts and expectations for Philadelphia's music scene and the convert venue in 2024..December 26, 2023
Investigations
Man fatally shot during suspected robbery attempt in Pennsport, police say
Philadelphia police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 1400 block of South Front Street in Pennsport early Tuesday morning. A man told police that he opened fire on two masked men who approached him after pulling up in a car, suspecting he was about to be robbed. No arrests have been made.December 26, 2023
Gardening
What Philadelphia's hardiness zone change means for local gardeners
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's updated zone hardiness map shows Philadelphia moved up to Zone 7b, meaning warmer winter temperatures. Andrew Bunting of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society shares what that means for local gardeners.December 22, 2023
Transportation
SEPTA's board approves new 3-year contract with transit police union
SEPTA approved the three-year contract with the Fraternal Order of Transit Police Lodge 109. On Dec 13, officers went on strike after negotiations stalled, but were back on the job on Dec. 16 when a tentative deal was reached.December 22, 2023
Books
The Free Library to resume Saturday hours at 12 more branches
The Free Library of Philadelphia is adding Saturday hours at 12 branches on Jan. 6, 2024. At that point, nearly half of the library's 54 branches will offer weekend service – with more expected to add it as the year progresses. Some branches cut Saturday hours in 2018 due to budget constraints; the remainder never resumed it after the pandemic closures.December 21, 2023
Investigations
Bucks County mother sentenced to life in prison for killing her two sons
Trinh Nguyen, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder on Wednesday for the killing of her two sons. She was sentenced to two life terms without parole and 10-20 years for the attempted killing of her neighbor — the maximum sentence for the latter.Just In
- Eagles-Cowboys Week 7 inactives, with analysis
- Nike releases Philly-inspired Air Force 1 sneakers to welcome LeBron James to Sixers
- Hopeful for a froyo comeback, Bryar's Yogurt Bar owner says the trendy treat needed to 'evolve'
- Why microplastics are so harmful to people? Scientists may have figured out the answer
- Ballot questions: Philly voters to weigh in on bid preferences for city contracts and the arts and culture agency
- 5 Sixers thoughts: From Joel Embiid to his backups, takeaways from first week
- Le Virtù to serve entirely gluten-free Italian menu for one night in South Philly Nov. 5
- Free Delaware Heritage Festival brings a pirate camp, crafts and colonial games to Dover
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