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

April 1, 2025

Investigations

Fifth person charged in 2023 North Philly playground shooting that killed 3

by Michaela Althouse

Authorities say Tyyon Bates, 20, was the final suspect sought in the August 2023 targeted shooting that killed three men playing basketball at 8th and Diamond.

April 1, 2025

Music

Kevin Hart returns as Chocolate Droppa in Tiny Desk Concert for April Fools' Day

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia comedian Kevin Hart was featured in an NPR Tiny Desk Concert video as his rapper alter ego, Chocolate Droppa, for April Fools' Day. In it, which he claimed was entirely freestyle, he said he planned to drop a new album.

March 31, 2025

Investigations

Teenager injured in shooting near Temple University during Eid al-Fitr event

by Michaela Althouse

A boy, 15, was shot in the arm and taken to Temple University Hospital following a shooting near Temple University's campus during an Eid al-Fitr celebration.

March 31, 2025

Government

City reopens program to repair broken concrete, potholes on shared driveways

by Michaela Althouse

Homeowners with a shared driveway can again apply for a city-run program for pavement repairs. Officials expect to fix about 50-60 driveways by the end of this year through the Neighborhood Infrastructure Driveway Repair initiative.

March 28, 2025

Investigations

Masonry company owner becomes fourth official charged in 30th Street Station bribery case

by Michaela Althouse

Mark Snedden, the owner of MARK 1 masonry company in Illinois, became the fourth company official to be indicted in a bribery case involving the 30th Street Station restoration. Employees allegedly paid over $300,000 in gifts to an Amtrak official in exchange for inflated invoices.

March 28, 2025

Nature

Philly horticulturists offer tips for where, when and how to grow plants from seeds

by Michaela Althouse

Experts from Truelove Seeds, the Experimental Farm Network, Burpee and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society shared their advice for planting from seeds. They offered tips on when, where and how to grow the strongest plants possible.

March 27, 2025

Government

Councilmember Kendra Brooks seeks help finding her miniature poodle Buzz, who she says was stolen

by Michaela Althouse

City Councilmember Kendra Brooks is searching for her 5-year-old miniature poodle named Buzz. The dog she said was stolen over the weekend in Nicetown by two women in a gray Nissan.

March 27, 2025

Arts & Culture

On Stage in April: 'Dreamgirls,' 'The Hobbit' and Philadelphia Theater Week

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia Theater Weeks returns in April with pay-what-you-can shows. Plus, Bristol Riverside Theatre is putting on 'In the Heights,' Bucks County Playhouse is staging a dedication to Elizabeth Taylor, and People's Light is playing 'Birthday Candles,' a show that follows a woman as she celebrates more than 80 birthdays.

March 26, 2025

Education

Community College of Philadelphia reaches new contracts with faculty and staff, avoiding strike

by Michaela Althouse

The Community College of Philadelphia and the union representing its faculty and staff reached a tentative agreement on new contracts early Wednesday morning, averting a strike that was set to begin at 7 a.m. Faculty and staff sought pay increases, better benefits and SEPTA passes for students, among other asks.

March 26, 2025

Festivals

Cherry Blossom Festival in Fairmount Park next month aligns with peak bloom

by Michaela Althouse

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Fairmount Park on April 5-6. The event, which coincides with peak bloom this year, celebrates spring and Japanese culture. It will have sushi-making classes, origami and a cosplaying contest.