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.
April 28, 2025
Healthy Eating
Eating ultra-processed foods may lead to an early death; here's how to reduce them in your diet
Eating greater amounts of ultra-processed foods, like processed meats, sugary drinks and instant meals, is linked to a higher risk of premature death, new research shows. But there are ways to reduce the amount of ultra-processed foods in your diet. Here are some tips.April 25, 2025
Transportation
Proposed Transit Access Fund would protect Zero Fare program for low-income SEPTA riders
A bill package introduced Thursday by Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke calls for setting aside 0.5% of the city's general fund into a Transit Access Fund to pay for SEPTA's Zero Fare program for low-income riders. The legislation needs approval from councilmembers and voters in a ballot question in the November election.April 25, 2025
Courts
Mistrial declared in sexual assault case against former Flyers goalie Carter Hart; new jury being selected
A mistrial was declared Friday in the ongoing trial against former Flyers goalie Carter Hart. The hockey player was accused alongside four other former members of Canada's world junior team of sexually assaulting a woman in a London, Ontario, hotel room in 2018.April 24, 2025
Government
Committee will investigate claims that blighted property law is being used in predatory manner
City Council approved a resolution Thursday calling for a committee to investigate Act 135, the state's abandoned and blighted property law. Critics say it is misused by developers and other bad actors to target homes in popular areas.April 24, 2025
Investigations
Ocean County man charged with arson for allegedly starting New Jersey wildfire
Joseph Kling, 19, of Ocean Township, has been charged with arson for allegedly starting the Jones Road Wildfire in the New Jersey Pinelands on Tuesday morning. The blaze has burned 15,000 acres in Ocean, Barnegat and Lacey townships.April 23, 2025
Environment
Garden State Parkway reopens, but massive wildfire still rages in New Jersey Pinelands
The Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey began Tuesday morning in Barnegat Township and quickly spread to Lacey and Ocean townships, officials said. As of Wednesday morning, it encompassed 8,500 acres and 25,000 people were without power. Evacuation orders had been lifted and major roadways were reopened.April 22, 2025
Health News
Crozer Health to close Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital
Crozer Health plans to close Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital – the health systems two remaining hospitals in Delaware County. Its parent company, Prospect Holdings, said Crozer's four outpatient facilities will remain open until they are sold.April 22, 2025
Technology
New tools show free WiFi locations as Philly aims to improve digital equity
City officials announced the launch of the Philly Free Wi-Fi Finder and Philly Free Wi-Fi Dashboard to promote digital equity in Philadelphia. The finder shows nearby locations offering free, public WiFi networks while the dashboard compiles data on areas that need better internet access.April 21, 2025
Investigations
Temple University police arrest 7 people tied to weekend assaults on campus
Temple University police arrested seven people for assaults committed on campus over the weekend. Two students were assaulted Saturday and a third was pushed to the ground after a large group of youth gathered on campus. On Sunday, another student and two juveniles who are not tied to the university were assaulted.April 21, 2025
Education
For the first time in nearly a decade, Philly school district's enrollment was higher than the previous year
For the first time in nearly a decade, enrollment at the School District of Philadelphia was higher than the previous year, Pew's annual state of the city report said. The report also shows a rise in four-year graduation rates and a decline in kids attending preschools.Just In
- Phillies news: Jhoan Duran latest reliever to be placed on IL
- Pa. Attorney General Dave Sunday signs letter supporting federal PBM transparency rule
- Full injury reports for Sixers-Celtics Game 1 on Sunday
- New boozy ice cream shop that's coming to Rittenhouse to offer a spiked water ice sundae
- State awards $2.3 million grant to restore West Fairmount Park's 19th century fountain
- Montgomery County realtor charged with possessing child pornography
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