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 17, 2025
Education
Community College of Philadelphia professors, staffers authorize a strike
About 1,200 Community College of Philadelphia faculty, adjunct professors and staffers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. They have been working without contracts since August. They are demanding CCP increase their wages, boost staffing levels and provide free transit passes to students.March 17, 2025
Health Insurance
Jefferson Health is no longer in-network for Cigna after contract expired Saturday
Jefferson Health is now out-of-network for people with employer-based Cigna health insurance, because the two organizations failed to reach a new deal covering reimbursement rates. The old deal expired Saturday. Emergency care at Jefferson's hospitals remains in-network and Medicare Advantage members are not affected.March 14, 2025
Festivals
At the new Philadelphia Cocktail Festival, sip the latest creations from the city's mixologists
The inaugural Philadelphia Cocktail Festival brings together mixologists and distillers to serve their boozy creations Saturday, March 29, at the 23rd Street Armory in Fitler Square. Tickets cost $39 for sessions lasting from 1-3 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.March 14, 2025
Environment
Tree that can grow 40 types of fruit — from cherries to peaches — takes root at Temple's art school
A Tree of 40 Fruits was planted at Temple University on Friday by artist Sam Van Aken, who created it by grafting various heirloom tree varieties together. The tree eventually will bear 40 types of stone fruit, including cherries, peaches, plums, apricots and nectarines.March 13, 2025
Government
Mayor Parker's 2026 budget proposal calls for tax cuts, higher parking rates and more housing spending
Mayor Cherelle Parker's 2026 budget proposal would cut the city's wage tax and its business income and receipts tax while increasing the real estate transfer tax. She also wants to increase street parking rates in Center City, expand the year-round school program and boost funding for housing.March 13, 2025
Transportation
Mayor Parker proposes boost to Vision Zero funding after cuts to traffic safety program last year drew backlash
Mayor Cherelle Parker announced a boost to funding for Vision Zero during her budget address Thursday, proposing $5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $30 million through 2031. In Parker's first budget, the traffic safety program received $1 million for 2025.March 12, 2025
Festivals
Philly St. Patrick's Day parade has a new route. Here are road closures and SEPTA changes for Sunday
The annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Philadelphia takes place Sunday, March 16. Here's your guide to road closures, parking restrictions, the weather forecast and more.March 11, 2025
Arts & Culture
Wilma Theater selected for program to expand digital offerings
The Wilma Theater was selected for Bloomberg Philanthropies' Digital Accelerator Program to improve its digital performances. The Philadelphia venue started putting its shows online during the pandemic, and now streaming makes up 10% of the venue's ticket sales.March 11, 2025
Government
Eagles to visit White House to celebrate Super Bowl win
The Philadelphia Eagles will visit the White House in honor of winning the Super Bowl earlier this year. The date and time have not yet been determined. When the Eagles won the 2018 Super Bowl, President Donald Trump disinvited the team after most players said they would not attend.March 10, 2025
Investigations
3 'Big Naddy Gang' members sentenced to prison for fatal shootings in Strawberry Mansion
Dontae Sutton, Jamir Brunson-Gans and Elijah Soto were sentenced to decades in prison for their respective roles in a string of fatal shootings in Strawberry Mansion in 2021. The three men were members of the former 'Big Naddy Gang' accused of killing five people amid a spate of gun violence in 2021 and 2022.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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