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 29, 2025

Accidents

Temple student dies after falling from light pole during Eagles' NFC title celebrations

by Michaela Althouse

Tyler Sabapathy, an 18-year-old freshman at Temple University died Tuesday after he fell from a light pole near City Hall during the Eagles' NFC championship celebrations on Sunday night. He was an exercise and sport medicine major who had participated on the university's gymnastics club team.

January 29, 2025

Courts

Former Sen. Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery and corruption

by Michaela Althouse

Bob Menendez, the former U.S. senator from New Jersey, was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for his conviction last year on federal corruption charges. The 71-year-old Democrat was found guilty of 16 felony counts in July for accepting bribes – including gold bars, a Mercedes Benz and cash – in exchange for aiding the governments of Egypt and Qatar. He is the only U.S. senator who has ever been convicted of acting as a foreign agent.

January 28, 2025

Investigations

Shooting in Frankford ballroom leaves 1 man dead, 2 injured

by Michaela Althouse

One man was killed and two others are in critical condition after they were shot inside a ballroom in Frankford on Monday night, Philadelphia police say. Investigators found more than 40 bullet casings at the scene, including 30 from a high-powered rifle.

January 27, 2025

Lifestyle

Eagles fans can leave messages for the team ahead of Super Bowl LIX by calling from these 5 rotary phones in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Five rotary phones have been placed around the city for Eagles fans to leave voicemails for the players ahead of the Super Bowl. The messages will be shared with the players and on social media.

January 27, 2025

Investigations

Driver charged with crashing car into Eagles fans on North Broad, injuring 8 people

by Michaela Althouse

A car crashed into a crowd of Eagles fans celebrating the team's NFC Championship near Broad and Spring Garden streets Sunday night. Eight people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Rebekah DeShields, 26, of Narberth, is charged with aggravated assault, driving without a license, simple assault, reckless driving and related offenses.

January 24, 2025

Lawsuits

Pennsylvania to get $212 million from opioids settlement with Purdue Pharma, Sackler family

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania will receive up to $212 million from Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, for their roles in the opioid crisis, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. Pennsylvania is among 15 states that will receive money from a multi-state, $7.4 billion settlement. Purdue Pharma produces OxyContin, a painkiller that can be addictive.

January 24, 2025

Business

Three years after a fire closed Sonny's Cocktail Joint, the South Street bar is back open

by Michaela Althouse

Sonny's Cocktail Joint, a bar and restaurant at 1508 South St., closed in April 2022 after a fire broke out in the apartment above it. Now, owners Chris Fetfatzes and Heather Annechiarico have reopened the restaurant, adding a pool table and pizza. The drink menu has 13 draft cocktails, beer and wine.

January 24, 2025

Performances

Eagles to host drone show over Art Museum on Saturday night and give away two tickets to NFC title game

by Michaela Althouse

Eagles fans can head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Saturday night for a drone show ahead of the NFC championship game. During the 10-minute event, the aircraft will fly in the shape of the team logo and spell out "Go Birds," and one fan in attendance will win two tickets to Sunday's game.

January 23, 2025

Government

Eight years after implementing soda tax, City Council to hold hearings to look at impact on businesses and consumers

by Michaela Althouse

City Council unanimously approved a resolution from Councilmember Jim Harrity on Thursday calling for hearings on the impact of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax, also called the soda tax. The legislation said the charge has led to a drop in sales and disproportionately impacts low-income consumers.

January 23, 2025

Movies

David Lynch's time living in Philadelphia in the 1960s is remembered as a turning point in his life

by Michaela Althouse

Filmmaker and artist David Lynch, who lived in Philadelphia in the late 1960s, died last week at the age of 78. Friends and family remember his strong ties to the city, and how it influenced his movies throughout his life.