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.
July 2, 2025
Courts
Bryan Kohberger, the Pa. man charged in University of Idaho stabbings, pleads guilty
Bryan Kohberger, 30, the Pennsylvania native accused of stabbing to death four University of Idaho students in November 2022, accepted a deal to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty. Kohberger instead will spend his life in prison.July 1, 2025
Government
Thousands of Philly workers are on strike, disrupting trash collection and other city services
AFSCME District Council 33, Philadelphia's largest union of blue-collar workers, went on strike Tuesday, disrupting trash collection and other city services. Residents are being asked to haul their trash to drop-off sites. Rec centers are closing early and some pools have shut down. Some city health services are impacted, as are 911 dispatch times.July 1, 2025
Transportation
5 SEPTA trolley lines to halt Center City service for a month due to tunnel work
SEPTA trolley routes T1 to T5 will not offer service to and from Center City from July 11 to Aug. 11 to allow crews to conduct tunnel work. The transit authority's annual Trolley Tunnel Blitz is lasting for a month this year because it plans to skip it next year, when Philly hosts the FIFA World Cup and other big events.June 30, 2025
Jobs
Potential city workers strike could disrupt services ahead of Philly's Fourth of July festivities
Some 9,000 city workers are threatening to strike Tuesday — three days before Philadelphia's Fourth of July celebrations. A work stoppage by AFSCME District 33 would curtail trash collection, shut down city health centers and impact the airport, among other disruptions.June 30, 2025
Investigations
Philadelphia school district safety officer injured in road rage shooting on Columbus Boulevard
A safety officer for the School District of Philadelphia is in critical but stable condition after he was shot during a road rage incident early Sunday morning. The man was shot multiple times on Columbus Boulevard after a driver flagged him down to report a road rage incident on Interstate 95 and someone in a third vehicle opened fire.June 27, 2025
Performances
On Stage in July: 'Little Shop of Horrors,' 'Life of Pi' and Shakespeare in Clark Park
In July, Philadelphia theaters are putting on productions of 'Little Shop of Horrors,' 'Life of Pi' and 'The Wizard of Oz.' It's also a time to catch content from new writers, with showcases at PlayPenn and Old Academy Players. And, of course, Shakespeare in Clark Park returns, too.June 27, 2025
Transportation
PATCO to reduce overnight weekday service this summer and then temporarily suspend it Sept. 1
PATCO will reduce overnight weekday service beginning July 14 and then temporarily suspend it for six months beginning Sept. 1. The changes are aimed at providing riders a better experience. PATCO workers will clean stations and trains and perform track and signal maintenance while service is suspended.June 27, 2025
Investigations
Woman wanted for Northeast Philly homicide arrested in Spain
Gerelys Sanchez-Reyes, 28, was arrested in Madrid for allegedly stabbing to death Yuleisy Torelles and stuffing her body inside a futon inside an apartment in Northeast Philly earlier this year. Sanchez-Reyes is awaiting extradition, the U.S. Marshals Service said.June 27, 2025
Wildlife
Nearly 30-foot dead humpback whale found beached in Long Beach Township
A dead, heavily decomposing humpback whale was found Friday morning on the shore in Long Beach Township. Officials from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said it was the same one seen 3.5 miles off the coast of Harvey Cedars on Monday.June 26, 2025
Business
Marsha's, a women's sports bar named after a Black transgender activist, plans to open this summer
A women's sports bar named after Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender activist, plans to open this summer at the former home of Woolly Mammoth. Owner Chivonn Anderson hopes the South Street spot will become a community hub that celebrates the legacy of prior generations.Just In
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