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

September 30, 2024

Investigations

Police searching for 3 men who robbed Fairhill business in masks and bulletproof vests

by Michaela Althouse

Police are searching for three men who robbed a Fairhill business in masks and bulletproof vests on Saturday night. One man fled on foot; the other two fled back inside the business and barricaded themselves inside before escaping. The store owner and a woman who were inside the store were each injured.

September 27, 2024

Performances

On stage in October: 'Frankenstein,' 'Jersey Boys' and 'tick, tick ... Boom!'

by Michaela Althouse

'The Book of Mormon,' 'The Rocky Horror Show' and 'tick, tick...Boom!' all will be on stage in the Philadelphia region in October. Plus, 'Jersey Boys' comes to the Walnut Street Theatre and spooky-season productions of 'Frankenstein' and 'Dracula.'

September 26, 2024

Government

City Council explores creating prison oversight office in response to staff shortages and inmate deaths

by Michaela Althouse

Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas and Nicolas O'Rourke co-introduced legislation Thursday to create a Prison Community Oversight Board and Office of Prison Oversight for better accountability in the city's jails. The move comes after two people died this month while in custody.

September 25, 2024

Courts

Man tied to rapper PnB Rock's death sentenced to 31 years to life in prison

by Michaela Althouse

Freddie Trone, the man convicted of orchestrating the robbery that left rapper PnB Rock dead in Los Angeles two years ago, was sentenced to 31 years to life in prison on Monday. Prosecutors say Trone's teenage son was acting on his fathers orders when he robbed and fatally shot the Philadelphia native in Los Angeles on Sept. 12, 2022.

September 25, 2024

Jobs

Penn Medicine residents and fellows become first in Pennsylvania to secure tentative union contract

by Michaela Althouse

Penn Medicine's residents and fellows have secured their first union contract. The tentative agreement includes includes wage increases, expanded parental leave, rideshare reimbursements and other benefits. The residents and fellows, represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents, were the first hospital 'house staff' to unionize in Pennsylvania.

September 24, 2024

Development

Graffiti Pier will be sold to DRWC by the end of the year, Conrail says

by Michaela Althouse

Conrail will sell Graffiti Pier to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation by the end of the year, the railroad said Monday at a meeting with residents of the nearby Northbank Development. The move follows the pier's partial collapse in July, which has done little to deter visitors.

September 23, 2024

Festivals

Fishtown Fall Feastivale returns this weekend with DJs, dunk tanks and games for kids

by Michaela Althouse

The Fishtown Fall Feastivale returns on Frankford Avenue this Saturday, Sept. 28. The event includes more than 50 vendors, tons of local eats and sips, and games for kids.

September 23, 2024

Jobs

Aramark workers at the sports complex go on strike, demanding better health care benefits

by Michaela Althouse

Aramark workers at the Wells Fargo Center, Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field went on strike Monday. The workers, represented Unite Here Local 247, have been working without a contract for months. They are demanding the hours they work at each venue be aggregated so that those who work 40-plus hours a week qualify for full-time health care benefits.

September 23, 2024

Courts

Bam Margera must stay in jail for drug and alcohol evaluation after DUI charge, judge says

by Michaela Althouse

Former 'Jackass' star Bam Margera must remain in custody pending the results of a drug and alcohol evaluation that will be administered Tuesday, a Chester County judge ruled Monday. Margera was arrested last week on a DUI charge — a violation of his probation terms. His attorneys requested that he be released to a rehab facility.

September 20, 2024

Music

After 35 years, Chris' Jazz Cafe keeps evolving to help Philly's music scene continue to grow

by Michaela Althouse

Chris' Jazz Cafe is celebrating its 35th anniversary this month. Over the past few decades, the Sansom Street music club has fostered young musicians, added a livestream for international fans and upgraded its menu.