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

February 4, 2025

Investigations

Shootout in Fairhill leaves 1 man dead, 2 others injured

by Michaela Althouse

A 26-year-old man was shot and killed in a shootout on the 2800 block of Reese Street in Fairhill on Monday night, police said. An 18-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl were shot when they became caught in the crossfire. They suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

February 3, 2025

Music

Sabrina Carpenter gives nod to Bala Cynwyd in Grammy acceptance speech

by Michaela Althouse

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Sabrina Carpenter, who grew up in Montgomery County, thanked her mom for driving her to vocal lessons in Bala Cynwyd during her acceptance speech for best pop vocal album. She was among a few Philly musicians who took home wins, including Bradley Cooper and the Philadelphia Orchestra's Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

February 3, 2025

Adult Health

Nearly half of adults mistakenly believe benefits of daily aspirin outweigh risks

by Michaela Althouse

A daily aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes is no longer recommended for most people, but nearly half of U.S. adults mistakenly believe the benefits outweigh the risks, a new study from the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center finds. People under 39 are more likely to have a correct perception.

February 3, 2025

Food & Drink

East Passyunk Restaurant Week returns in late February with three-course meals starting at $20

by Michaela Althouse

East Passyunk Avenue's annual restaurant week features three-course meals at acclaimed spots like Gabriella's Vietnam, with prix fixe options from $20-60 at 18 participating restaurants.

January 31, 2025

Arts & Culture

On Stage in February: 'A Raisin in the Sun,' 'Much Ado About Nothing' and a Mae West refresh

by Michaela Althouse

From Broadway hits like 'A Raisin in the Sun' to experimental shows and Shakespeare classics, Philadelphia theaters offer diverse performances in February, with tickets starting as low as $21.

January 31, 2025

Government

After ICE raids this week, city officials take a stand against President Trump's anti-immigration efforts

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia City Council members, state politicians and immigrations experts took part in a news conference Friday to provide an update on the city's efforts and residents' rights in the wake of President Donald Trump's anti-immigration efforts during his first weeks in office.

January 31, 2025

Adult Health

FDA approves non-opioid painkiller, first new class in decades

by Michaela Althouse

The FDA approved the first new class of non-opioid painkillers in more than two decades, the agency said Thursday. Suzetrigine, branded as Journavx, works to block receptors before they reach the brain in patients with surgical or injury pain.

January 30, 2025

Government

To kick off year that's 'all about housing,' City Council introduces legislation to cut upfront fees for new tenants

by Michaela Althouse

Legislative packages introduced Thursday by Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Rue Landau would cut upfront fees for security deposits and make it easier to add affordable housing units in the city.

January 29, 2025

Investigations

Ex-Chester police commissioner charged in hit-and-run crash

by Michaela Althouse

Ex-Chester City Police Commissioner Steven Gretzky is facing five summary charges for an alleged hit-and-run crash that happened Monday. Gretzky retired Tuesday – one day after he was placed on administrative leave while the crash was investigated. Pennsylvania State Police announced the charges Wednesday morning.

January 29, 2025

Courts

Former Sen. Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery and corruption

by Michaela Althouse

Bob Menendez, the former U.S. senator from New Jersey, was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for his conviction last year on federal corruption charges. The 71-year-old Democrat was found guilty of 16 felony counts in July for accepting bribes – including gold bars, a Mercedes Benz and cash – in exchange for aiding the governments of Egypt and Qatar. He is the only U.S. senator who has ever been convicted of acting as a foreign agent.