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

January 21, 2025

Government

Ex-Philly Proud Boys leader who stormed U.S. Capitol gets his sentence commuted by President Trump

by Michaela Althouse

Zachary Rehl, the former leader of the Philadelphia Proud Boys, was among 14 people who had their sentences commuted by President Donald Trump. On his first day back in office, Trump also pardoned 1,500 people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

January 21, 2025

Investigations

Driver that struck police cruiser outside Lincoln Financial Field charged with DUI

by Michaela Althouse

Thomas Herrschaft, 45, of Sewell, New Jersey, was charged with driving under the influence after he allegedly struck a police cruiser outside Lincoln Financial Field with his Mercedes near the end of the Eagles' playoff game on Sunday. The injured officer was treated at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and later released.

January 20, 2025

Weather

Philly gets 2-3 inches of snow — and frigid temperatures that will linger until the weekend

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia officials declared a snow emergency Sunday night, restricting parking and discouraging driving, as the region was hit with multiple inches of accumulation. More snow isn't likely, but cold temperatures are expected throughout the week, causing ice.

January 20, 2025

Environment

With a lack of natural soil in Philly, Penn is testing using recycled glass for an alternative mixture

by Michaela Althouse

In the fall, 13 trees were planted on the University of Pennsylvania's campus for a pilot program on a soil mixture that features sand made from recycled glass. Experts said the engineered blend will help prolong the plant's life, reduce compaction and improve drainage.

January 17, 2025

Protests

Philly's Women's March drew 50,000 in 2017. A much smaller protest is planned ahead of Trump's second inauguration.

by Michaela Althouse

In 2017, the Women's March drew 50,000 people in Philly to protest newly elected President Donald Trump. On Saturday, a much smaller demonstration is planned ahead of Trump's second inauguration, and organizers have rebranded it the People's March, hoping it will spark a resurgence in the movement.

January 16, 2025

Family-Friendly

Philadelphia Flower Show embraces 'Gardens of Tomorrow' theme with futuristic exhibits

by Michaela Althouse

The 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show, which will be March 1-9, embraces the 'Gardens of Tomorrow' theme with exhibits that explore the future of flowers. There will also be a group of wellness vendors with botanical beauty and skin care products at the event this year.

January 15, 2025

Investigations

Samuel Fels High School student fatally shot in Feltonville

by Michaela Althouse

Noah Scurry, a 17-year-old basketball player at Samuel Fels High School, was shot and killed outside his home in Feltonville on Tuesday morning, police said. Investigators are on the hunt for a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, but have not made any arrests. Scurry recently achieved the top SAT score in his class.

January 15, 2025

Jobs

Jefferson resident physicians vote to unionize, joining national trend

by Michaela Althouse

Resident physicians and fellows at Jefferson University Hospitals voted to join the Committee of Interns and Residents, which is part of the Service Employees International Union. The decision follows unionization votes at Temple University Hospital and Einstein Healthcare Network last week.

January 14, 2025

Arts & Culture

Mütter Museum taps former Temple Health president as its new leader

by Michaela Althouse

Larry Kaiser, a former thoracic surgeon and Temple Health president, was named the president and CEO of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The medical society oversees the Mütter Museum, which has faced controversy over the way it acquired and displayed some of its collections, including human remains.

January 14, 2025

Investigations

Philly man convicted for kidnapping and demanding ransom from hostage's wife in 2021

by Michaela Althouse

Eric Alamo, 48, was convicted for kidnapping a man, demanding ransom from his wife and transporting both of them to a hotel in Feasterville-Trevose, Bucks County, in 2021, the district attorney's office said Tuesday. Alamo awaits sentencing.