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, 2024

Wildlife

Adventure Aquarium's newest baby blue penguin needs a name and it's up to the public to decide

by Michaela Althouse

Three blue penguins hatched earlier this year at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. Two of them have been named Bananas Foster and Kiwi. Aquarium staffers are asking the public to help name the third. People can vote for one of four options – Lovie, Rose, Valentina and Venus – through Tuesday, March 12.

March 5, 2024

Education

Philadelphia school board's vice president announces intention to resign in April

by Michaela Althouse

Mallory Fix-Lopez, vice president of the Philadelphia school district's board of education, will resign her position in April. She has been a board member since 2018. During that time, she was a supporter of trans and nonbinary students and aided the board's transition away from state control.

March 4, 2024

Investigations

Hit-and-run crash in West Philly leaves residents searching for answers

by Michaela Althouse

A hit-and-run crash damaged six parked cars at 44th and Chestnut streets in West Philadelphia on Saturday, March 2, police said. The impact of the crash was so severe that it left one car on top of another. The owners of the damaged vehicles are asking people to provide photos, videos and witness accounts that may help identify the driver.

March 4, 2024

Food & Drink

The Phillies ended Dollar Dog Nights, so a South Philly restaurant is stepping to the plate

by Michaela Althouse

Juana Tamale, the Mexican restaurant at 1941 E. Passyunk Ave., will offer $1 hot dogs during home Phillies games this year. Owner Jennifer Zavala added the deal after the Phillies said they would be ending their Dollar Dog Nights promotion this season. Zavala said fans can buy them at her restaurant and take them into Citizens Bank Park.

March 1, 2024

Illness

People with COVID-19 can stop isolating once they are fever free and feeling better, CDC says

by Michaela Althouse

People with COVID-19 no longer need to isolate once they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and have improving symptoms, according to the CDC's new guidelines for respiratory illnesses. At that point, people can resume normal activities but they are advised to wear a mask and take other precautions for another five days.

March 1, 2024

Social Media

Boathouse Row's new lights debut next week — here's how to win the chance to pick their colors for a night

by Michaela Althouse

Boathouse Row's historic buildings will be illuminated again on March 7 when the Philadelphia landmark's new lighting system is unveiled. In conjunction with the debut, the Fairmount Park Conservancy is holding a contest on Instagram that will choose one winner who will get to pick the colors of the lights for a night.

February 29, 2024

Jobs

Ultimo Coffee workers end strike, reach settlement with owners

by Michaela Althouse

Ultimo Coffee employees at the Newbold and Rittenhouse locations went on strike as union leaders and owners met Thursday to try to finalize a deal.

February 28, 2024

Transportation

I-95 South to close overnight next week for highway capping project

by Michaela Althouse

I-95 South in Philadelphia will close between the I-676 and Callowhill Street exit and the Morris Street on-ramp for four nights beginning Monday, March 4, so work can continue on the $329 million project to expand the highway cap near Penn's Landing.

February 28, 2024

Shopping

Fate of Center City Macy's is unclear with chain planning to close 150 stores

by Michaela Althouse

The retailer announced plans on Tuesday to close 150 stores, about 30% of it's existing location. Macy's declined to share whether or not Philly-area stores would be impacted.

February 28, 2024

Investigations

East Lansdowne shooter 'took the why to his grave,' official says

by Michaela Althouse

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said there was no history of mental illness in the family or an indication of what could have caused the incident, which killed six people.