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 14, 2025

Environment

Tree that can grow 40 types of fruit — from cherries to peaches — takes root at Temple's art school

by Michaela Althouse

A Tree of 40 Fruits was planted at Temple University on Friday by artist Sam Van Aken, who created it by grafting various heirloom tree varieties together. The tree eventually will bear 40 types of stone fruit, including cherries, peaches, plums, apricots and nectarines.

March 13, 2025

Government

Mayor Parker's 2026 budget proposal calls for tax cuts, higher parking rates and more housing spending

by Michaela Althouse

Mayor Cherelle Parker's 2026 budget proposal would cut the city's wage tax and its business income and receipts tax while increasing the real estate transfer tax. She also wants to increase street parking rates in Center City, expand the year-round school program and boost funding for housing.

March 13, 2025

Transportation

Mayor Parker proposes boost to Vision Zero funding after cuts to traffic safety program last year drew backlash

by Michaela Althouse

Mayor Cherelle Parker announced a boost to funding for Vision Zero during her budget address Thursday, proposing $5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $30 million through 2031. In Parker's first budget, the traffic safety program received $1 million for 2025.

March 12, 2025

Festivals

Philly St. Patrick's Day parade has a new route. Here are road closures and SEPTA changes for Sunday

by Michaela Althouse

The annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Philadelphia takes place Sunday, March 16. Here's your guide to road closures, parking restrictions, the weather forecast and more.

March 11, 2025

Arts & Culture

Wilma Theater selected for program to expand digital offerings

by Michaela Althouse

The Wilma Theater was selected for Bloomberg Philanthropies' Digital Accelerator Program to improve its digital performances. The Philadelphia venue started putting its shows online during the pandemic, and now streaming makes up 10% of the venue's ticket sales.

March 11, 2025

Government

Eagles to visit White House to celebrate Super Bowl win

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Eagles will visit the White House in honor of winning the Super Bowl earlier this year. The date and time have not yet been determined. When the Eagles won the 2018 Super Bowl, President Donald Trump disinvited the team after most players said they would not attend.

March 10, 2025

Investigations

3 'Big Naddy Gang' members sentenced to prison for fatal shootings in Strawberry Mansion

by Michaela Althouse

Dontae Sutton, Jamir Brunson-Gans and Elijah Soto were sentenced to decades in prison for their respective roles in a string of fatal shootings in Strawberry Mansion in 2021. The three men were members of the former 'Big Naddy Gang' accused of killing five people amid a spate of gun violence in 2021 and 2022.

March 10, 2025

Health News

Crozer Health averts immediate closure after getting last-minute cash infusion

by Michaela Althouse

A last-minute deal was reached Sunday to keep Crozer Health opened in the short-term after six hours of negotiations on Sunday. The health network was supposed to close by the end of the week.

March 7, 2025

Food & Drink

Inaugural Stouts & Snouts event brings dark brews and pork-based bites to Fishtown

by Michaela Althouse

Restaurants will serve pork-based bites alongside Guinnesses during the inaugural Stouts & Snouts event in Fishtown. Diners can choose from plant-based options, bacon oysters or Cubanos, plus whiskey cocktails and local brews on Saturday, March 15, starting at 11 a.m.

March 7, 2025

Healthy Eating

Replacing butter with plant-based oils helps people live longer, study finds

by Michaela Althouse

Replacing butter with canola, soy or olive oil is linked to a lower risk of overall death, and a reduced risk of cancer, new research finds. Butter contains saturated fats linked to higher cholesterol and heart disease. Plant-based oils contain monounsaturated fats, which help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic disease.