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

June 27, 2024

Education

Philly to test leaving 25 schools open all year by adding optional summer programs

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia will allow students at 25 district and charter schools this fall to enroll in optional enrichment programs that take place before and after school, and during the summer as part of an initiative aimed at boosting academic performance and giving parents additional child care options.

June 27, 2024

Books

In 'The God of the Woods,' Philly author Liz Moore explores the 'peril' of nature

by Michaela Althouse

"The God of the Woods," the latest book from Philly author Liz Moore, tells the story of wealthy summer camp owners in the Adirondacks. Her previous book, 'Long Bright River,' is being made into a show starring Amanda Seyfried.

June 26, 2024

Arts & Culture

New 'Matisse & Renoir' exhibition on display next month's Barnes on the Block

by Michaela Althouse

Barnes on the Block, the annual party hosted by the Barnes Foundation off Ben Franklin Parkway, will be July 14 with food trucks, a beer garden, crafting and live performances.

June 26, 2024

Food & Drink

San Lucas Pizzeria in South Philly named among the 22 best pizza places in U.S. by the New York Times

by Michaela Althouse

San Lucas Pizzeria in South Philadelphia was named as one of the 22 best pizza places in the country by the New York Times. The restaurant was praised for its unique toppings and cultural ties to the neighborhood's immigrant population.

June 25, 2024

Courts

Fraud charges filed against 90 by Pa. Inspector General for public benefits misuse

by Michaela Althouse

The Pa. Office of the Inspector General charged 85 with defrauding the government while receiving public benefits like SNAP and cash assistance. Another five people received misdemeanor charges.

June 24, 2024

Investigations

Suspect charged in police officer shooting, hostage incident in Kensington

by Michaela Althouse

Ramon Rodriguez Vázquez faces more than a dozen charges after he shot a Philadelphia police officer while fleeing a traffic stop Saturday evening. Following the shooting, Vázquez allegedly broke into a nearby home and held the homeowner hostage for multiple hours.

June 24, 2024

Odd News

Embarrassing misspelling on I-95 sign in Northeast Philly expected to be corrected by Monday night

by Michaela Althouse

A sign for I-95 South at Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia had the word 'central' misSpelled, but was expected to be fixed by Monday night, PennDOT said. The new sign is related to the repairs following the I-95 bridge collapse on June 11, 2023. By midday Monday, PennDOT had covered up the sign.

June 24, 2024

Investigations

Pa. State Police investigating 30-year-old homicide case after DNA breakthrough

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania State Police are reexamining a cold case of remains found in 1992 along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. New DNA technology helped identify the body as Derek Michael Mason of West Philadelphia.

June 21, 2024

Arts & Culture

Tuft the World is selling rugs designed by TikTok influencer Grey Prnce

by Michaela Althouse

Tuft the World, the South Philly rug tufting company based in the Bok Building, now is selling rugs designed by TikTok influencer Grey Prince. The rug line has three designs, and rugs cost $200 to $2,880, depending on size.

June 21, 2024

Neighborhoods

East Passyunk's Singing Fountain is back on display after being restored

by Michaela Althouse

The Singing Fountain in East Passyunk is on display for the first time in four weeks. It had been fenced up while it received a new drainage system, fresh paint, new tiles and other repairs.