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 6, 2026

Movies

Philly filmmaker to premiere animated short film at South by Southwest

by Michaela Althouse

Philly filmmaker Tshay Meade will premiere her new short film, 'Tell Me When You Get Home,' at the South by Southwest film festival later this month. The movie follows a 15-year-old girl exploring loss.

March 5, 2026

Government

Council members urge Philly school district to 'go back to the drawing board' on facilities plan

by Michaela Althouse

Members of City Council on Thursday criticized the School District of Philadelphia 's proposal to close 18 schools. One elected official vowed to revisit a measure that would allow City Council to impeach Board of Education members.

March 4, 2026

'Spirit' docuseries on Philly high school cheer team is now streaming

by Michaela Althouse

'Spirit,' a documentary series on the George Washington High School cheer team, is available to stream on Peacock. The four episodes follows the cheerleaders as they become the first Philadelphia school district cheer team to compete in the national championships.

March 4, 2026

Books

Sarah J. Maas announces release dates for next 2 books in 'ACOTAR' series

by Michaela Althouse

Sarah J. Maas, a former resident of Bucks County, shared the release dates for two upcoming books in her popular 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series on Wednesday's episode of Call Her Daddy.

March 3, 2026

Education

Philly students are guaranteed water and bathroom breaks under district's new wellness policy

by Michaela Althouse

The School District of Philadelphia adopted a new wellness policy that guarantees daily recess and bathroom and water breaks. It also mandates movement breaks for elementary students and bans collective punishment.

March 2, 2026

Shopping

Philly's new youth-run thrift store lets teens use clothing to explore their identities

by Michaela Althouse

Fab Youth Philly has opened a teen-run thrift store at 2025 E. Atlantic St. in Harrowgate. Teens ages 15-19 can get workwear, formal pieces and casual clothing for free.

March 2, 2026

Nature

For botanical artist Tu Bloom, 'mistakes make perfection' in floral arrangements

by Michaela Althouse

Tu Bloom, who is hosting potting parties at the Philadelphia Flower Show, is also behind the red carpet florals at the Grammy Awards. He shared his tips on arranging, why he loves plants and the behind-the-scenes of his celebrity gig.

March 2, 2026

Food & Drink

Rita's is selling a Peeps water ice flavor this spring

by Michaela Althouse

Rita's will offer a Peeps-flavored water ice for a limited time beginning March 20. People who guess the mystery ingredient have the chance to win free Italian ice for a year.

February 27, 2026

Arts & Culture

Here are 5 can't-miss exhibits to see at the 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show

by Michaela Althouse

The 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show features historic scenes and gardens created from orchids, dried plant materials, grasses and other florals. It runs from Saturday, Feb. 28, to Sunday, March 8.

February 27, 2026

Performances

On stage in March: A one-woman version of 'Hamlet' and a play on a hallucination of Martha Washington

by Michaela Althouse

In March, catch performances of William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' 'Twelfth Night' and 'Romeo and Juliet,' plus Edward Albee's 'A Delicate Balance' and another James Ijames original.