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.
March 26, 2025
Festivals
Cherry Blossom Festival in Fairmount Park next month aligns with peak bloom
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Fairmount Park on April 5-6. The event, which coincides with peak bloom this year, celebrates spring and Japanese culture. It will have sushi-making classes, origami and a cosplaying contest.March 25, 2025
Government
Mayor Parker proposes $2 billion investment to make Philadelphia housing more accessible
Philadelphia's $2 billion housing initiative aims to create 30,000 units through new mortgage programs, rental assistance and streamlined Land Bank processes.March 25, 2025
Investigations
4 suspects wanted for fatal shooting of Upper Darby High School student on SEPTA bus
Philadelphia Police released surveillance video of suspects involved in the fatal shooting of Zahkir Whitfield, 15. The Upper Darby High School student was fatally shot Saturday while he was on a SEPTA bus at 40th Street and Girard Avenue in West Philadelphia.March 24, 2025
Environment
Wildfire in New Jersey's Wharton State Forest completely contained, officials say
the 2,300-acre California Branch Wildfire that broke out Saturday in New Jersey's Wharton State Forest is 100% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Monday morning. The cause has not been determined. Two campsites were evacuated, but no structures are threatened and no injuries have been reported.March 21, 2025
Recreation
Organization looks to open Philly's first bar that shows only women's sports
Watch Party PHL, a community of women's sports fans, plans to open its own bar in Philly in 2026 that would only show women's sports on its TVs. Group leaders launched a GoFundMe on Thursday with the goal to raise $50,000 to get the project started.March 21, 2025
Government
Philly's new director of LGBTQ+ Affairs is Tyrell Brown, who has helped shape the city's Pride events
Tyrell Brown, who served as executive director of Galaei, a social services organization serving queer and trans people of color, has been named Philadelphia's new director of LGBTQ+ Affairs by Mayor Cherelle Parker. Brown replaces former director Celena Morrison-McLean.March 20, 2025
Government
Process begins to repeal legislation to build 76ers arena in Center City months after team scrapped plans
Mayor Cherelle Parker and Councilmember Mark Squilla began the process of repealing the legislation package for the scrapped 76ers arena in Center City. After the controversial project was approved in December, Comcast Spectacor and the team reached a deal for a new structure at the South Philly sports complex.March 19, 2025
Education
Trump administration plans to freeze $175 million in federal funding to Penn over trans athlete policy
President Donald Trump has signaled he will freeze $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania over trans athlete policies. A senior Trump administration official told Fox Business about the planned cuts Wednesday morning. Penn, however, said it hasn't received an official notification.March 19, 2025
Investigations
Pedestrian fatally struck by U-Haul truck in Kensington
A U-Haul driver who fatally struck a woman walking on the sidewalk in Kensington on Tuesday afternoon and then fled the scene was taken into custody, police say. The driver lost control of the truck after leaving the scene of another nearby crash, investigators say.March 18, 2025
Business
Tequilas Restaurant reopens two-years after kitchen fire
Tequilas Restaurant in Rittenhouse is reopening Tuesday after two years of repair work prompted by a kitchen fire in February 2023. The blaze caused significant damage to the building. Dinner reservations are now available on Mondays through Saturdays from 5-9 p.m.Just In
- For Tattooed Mom to resume live music performances, L&I says it must obtain permits and a license
- Starting this weekend, $5 shuttle bus rides to the shore are available
- FDA approves pill that lowers cholesterol as effectively as more expensive, injectable forms
- Phillies RP Brad Keller will miss the rest of the season with torn UCL
- Phillies announce 2027 schedule
- Strathmere, one of South Jersey's only free beaches, could soon require tags
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