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

November 22, 2024

Transportation

Gov. Josh Shapiro approves $153 million for SEPTA to prevent massive fare increases, service cuts

by Michaela Althouse

Gov. Josh Shapiro said the state would divert $153 million that was meant for seven highway projects to aid SEPTA's ongoing budget deficit. The move delays massive fare increases and service cuts until at least July.

November 21, 2024

Transportation

Philadelphia Marathon 2024: Road closures, race courses maps and SEPTA detours

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Marathon takes over much of Center City, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Fairmount Park this weekend. Here's everything you need to know, from road closures to SEPTA detours to details on the races themselves.

November 21, 2024

Government

City Council to hold hearings ahead of Trump's inauguration to develop plan to protect marginalized groups

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia will hold hearings in January to develop strategies to protect immigrants and LGBTQ+ residents ahead of the incoming Trump administration. City Council on Thursday unanimously passed Councilmember Rue Landau's resolution calling for the meetings.

November 20, 2024

Transportation

SEPTA and city transit workers agree on 1-year deal with 5% raises to avert strike

by Michaela Althouse

SEPTA and its largest union, Transportation Workers Local 234, reached a tentative deal Wednesday to avert a strike. The one-year contract includes a 5% wage increase, a bump in pension and safety improvements including bulletproof enclosures for bus drivers.

November 19, 2024

Courts

Undated mail-in ballots can't be included in recount for Pa.'s Senate election, state Supreme Court declares

by Michaela Althouse

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Monday that mail-in, absentee and provisional ballots that lack a handwritten date can't be included in the recount of the Senate race between Republican Dave McCormick and incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey. The decision upholds a prior ruling.

November 19, 2024

Shopping

More than 20 holiday markets in the Philly area provide plenty of chances to find homemade gifts

by Michaela Althouse

Vendors will take over parks, breweries and even a hotel in November and December for holiday craft markets across the region. Events include a trans art festival, punk rock flea market and fair for procrastinators. Here's where you can find more than 20 holiday markets.

November 18, 2024

Movies

Boyz II Men movie to tell story of the R&B group's decades-long career

by Michaela Althouse

A movie that chronicles Boyz II Men's decades-long career, including their rise to fame in the 1990s with hits like 'End of the Road' and 'On Bended Knee,' is being developed by Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave. Compelling Pictures also is creating a documentary series on the R&B group, which formed in Philly in the 1980s.

November 15, 2024

Philly company with kid-safe cardboard-cutting saw to appear on 'Shark Tank'

by Michaela Althouse

ChompShop, a Philly-based company that created a kid-safe cardboard-cutting saw, will appear on ABC's "Shark Tank" on Friday at 8 p.m. The tool was created by Penn graduates Kausi Raman and Max Liechty.

November 15, 2024

Government

Stadium workers would get wage increase, health care under new proposal by City Council

by Michaela Althouse

City Council proposed amending Philadelphia's prevailing wage law to include concession employees at all three stadiums Thursday. Workers have been negotiating with Aramark for months for better wages and health care.

November 14, 2024

Government

Could SEPTA be saved from fiscal cliff by federal infrastructure funds? Some City Council members think so.

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania will receive billions from the federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act, and so on Philadelphia City Council believe that money could be used to avoid SEPTA's financial crisis.