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

March 28, 2025

Investigations

Masonry company owner becomes fourth official charged in 30th Street Station bribery case

by Michaela Althouse

Mark Snedden, the owner of MARK 1 masonry company in Illinois, became the fourth company official to be indicted in a bribery case involving the 30th Street Station restoration. Employees allegedly paid over $300,000 in gifts to an Amtrak official in exchange for inflated invoices.

March 28, 2025

Nature

Philly horticulturists offer tips for where, when and how to grow plants from seeds

by Michaela Althouse

Experts from Truelove Seeds, the Experimental Farm Network, Burpee and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society shared their advice for planting from seeds. They offered tips on when, where and how to grow the strongest plants possible.

March 27, 2025

Government

Councilmember Kendra Brooks seeks help finding her miniature poodle Buzz, who she says was stolen

by Michaela Althouse

City Councilmember Kendra Brooks is searching for her 5-year-old miniature poodle named Buzz. The dog she said was stolen over the weekend in Nicetown by two women in a gray Nissan.

March 27, 2025

Arts & Culture

On Stage in April: 'Dreamgirls,' 'The Hobbit' and Philadelphia Theater Week

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia Theater Weeks returns in April with pay-what-you-can shows. Plus, Bristol Riverside Theatre is putting on 'In the Heights,' Bucks County Playhouse is staging a dedication to Elizabeth Taylor, and People's Light is playing 'Birthday Candles,' a show that follows a woman as she celebrates more than 80 birthdays.

March 26, 2025

Education

Community College of Philadelphia reaches new contracts with faculty and staff, avoiding strike

by Michaela Althouse

The Community College of Philadelphia and the union representing its faculty and staff reached a tentative agreement on new contracts early Wednesday morning, averting a strike that was set to begin at 7 a.m. Faculty and staff sought pay increases, better benefits and SEPTA passes for students, among other asks.

March 26, 2025

Festivals

Cherry Blossom Festival in Fairmount Park next month aligns with peak bloom

by Michaela Althouse

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

by Michaela Althouse

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

by Michaela Althouse

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

by Michaela Althouse

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

by Michaela Althouse

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.