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 17, 2024

Investigations

Northampton police investigating death discovered during wellness check

by Michaela Althouse

Northampton police and the Bucks County District Attorney's Office are investigating a death discovered during a wellness check conducted Sunday at an apartment complex on Beacon Hill Drive.

June 14, 2024

Social Justice

Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger announces it will close June 28

by Michaela Althouse

The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, which helps residents with food and SNAP benefits, will close June 28. The organization, which opened in 1996, offers a hotline on government assistance and connects Philly residence to food pantries.

June 14, 2024

Investigations

Pickup truck driver killed in crash with Pa. state troopers on Columbus Boulevard

by Michaela Althouse

A pickup truck driver was killed in a crash with Pennsylvania state troopers on Columbus Boulevard at 1:30 a.m. Friday, state police say. The troopers were on their way to assist with another incident when they crashed into the truck as it attempted to make an illegal U-turn, state police say. The troopers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

June 14, 2024

Recreation

Philadelphia set to open 25 public pools next week, just in time for the first heat wave of the season

by Michaela Althouse

Twenty-five of Philadelphia's public swimming pools will open next week, beginning with four on Monday. This article lists each pool, its address and when it will open between Jen 17-23. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation expects to open 60 public pools this summer.

June 13, 2024

Government

City Council unanimously approves Mayor Cherelle Parker's first budget

by Michaela Althouse

Councilmembers unanimously approved Mayor Cherelle Parker's first budget, which includes funding for 400 new police officers, additional sanitation and cleaning, and $100 million for a drug rehabilitation center in Northeast Philly.

June 13, 2024

Government

Curtis Jones exits Thursday's City Council meeting after resident's statement about Gaza is interrupted

by Michaela Althouse

Councilmember Curtis Jones abruptly left Thursday's City Council in a brief show of support for a resident who had been cut off while speaking about the war Gaza. Kate Perez speaks on the topic of the regularly during the public comment portion of council's weekly meetings, and she was at the microphone Thursday when Jones walked out.

June 12, 2024

Education

Frankford High School to fully reopen in 2025 after asbestos abatement

by Michaela Althouse

The School District of Philadelphia plans to fully reopen Frankford High School for the 2025-2026 school year following a nearly $20 million asbestos abatement project. The school closed in April 2023, but some students have been attending classes in a wing of the building that is sealed off from the rest of the building.

June 12, 2024

Government

Philly distributes $3.1 million from opioid settlement to 43 community programs

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia distributed another $3.1 million from the opioid settlement funds to community groups. Grants of $20,000 or $100,000 were given to 16 organizations in the North Philly, 13 in Kensington and 14 citywide.

June 11, 2024

Courts

Man who fatally shot journalist Josh Kruger sentenced 15 to 30 years in prison

by Michaela Althouse

Robert Davis, 20, was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for the death of Philly journalist Josh Kruger, who was fatally shot at his Point Breeze home in October 2023. Davis pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and related charges as part of a plea agreement. His family claims Kruger was providing him with drugs and threatened to post sexually explicit videos of Davis online.

June 11, 2024

Jobs

OCF Coffee House abruptly closes, with CEO citing costs of unionization push

by Michaela Althouse

OCF Coffee House permanently closed its three locations Monday, one week after employees announced their plans to join Philly Workers United Local 80. CEO Ori Feibush says the coffee shops have never made money, and that legal expenses tied to the unionization push make business unsustainable. Employees say he's pulling the rug out from underneath them.