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

February 14, 2024

Food & Drink

Federal Donuts' new South Philly shop looks to be its biggest yet – by a lot

by Michaela Althouse

Federal Donuts is planning to open a new South Philly store at 22 Wolf St. The shop will be in a warehouse building that once housed a Forman Mills store and is near John's Roast Pork and the Columbus Commons shopping center. The store remains under construction, and details are scant. But the Federal Donuts name and logo have been painted on the building.

February 13, 2024

Lawsuits

Penn asks judge to dismiss lawsuit filed by Jewish students who claim it's an 'incubation lab' for antisemitism

by Michaela Althouse

The University of Pennsylvania has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from two Jewish students who claim it failed to properly respond to antisemitism on campus. The university argues that is working to address the issue and that the lawsuit is not the right vehicle for determining how to move forward.

February 13, 2024

Politics

Johnny Doc's nephew wants to replace Kevin Boyle in the Pennsylvania House

by Michaela Althouse

Sean Dougherty, nephew of convicted union leader John Dougherty, aka Johnny Doc, began collecting signatures to appear on the primary ballot for Pennsylvania's 172nd Legislative District. The seat is held by state Rep. Kevin Boyle, a Democrat who is facing scrutiny for allegedly threatening bar workers during a drunken outburst at a Montgomery County bar.

February 12, 2024

Transportation

I-95 South to close for 36 hours in late February as capping project continues

by Michaela Althouse

The section of I-95 South between Callowhill and Morris streets will be closed from 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 until 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, PennDOT said. A lane of I-95 North also will be closed during that time. Construction crews need to close the highway as work continues on the project to cap I-95 and Columbus Boulevard near Penn's Landing.

February 12, 2024

Food & Drink

Dinner at Academy of Natural Sciences to show how your eating habits can reduce climate change

by Michaela Althouse

Dining for a Greener Future is a carbon-neutral dinner being hosted by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University on Thursday, Feb. 22. The four-course meal from 12th Street Catering includes dishes made of locally-sourced food, which help reduce the carbon footprint of a meal. To offset it completely, Drexel will plant trees through the nonprofit Trees for the Future.

February 12, 2024

Investigations

Explosion in West Philly apartment injures one person, police say

by Michaela Althouse

An explosion in an apartment building at 45th Street and Larchwood Avenue is being investigated by Philadelphia police and ATF. The blast occurred at 12:45 a.m. Monday and left a man hospitalized with a severe hand injury, police said. The cause remains under investigation.

February 9, 2024

Pets

Philly artist's dog drawing spawns coloring book of Fishtown canines

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia author and illustrator Jennifer Scott created her new 'Dogs of Fishtown' coloring book after she posted a drawing of a dog she drew for a friend to Facebook for Fishtown residents. People immediately asked her to draw her dogs. The self-published coloring book is available on Amazon for $19.99.

February 9, 2024

Food & Drink

Little Susie's Coffee & Pie opens new shop in Point Breeze

by Michaela Althouse

Little Susie's Coffee and Pie has opened its third Philadelphia location, at 1754 S. Chadwick St. in Point Breeze. The takeout shop offers hand pies in classic flavors like cherry and apple, and more experimental flavors like cheesesteak, and pork roll and cheese. The business began in 2019 in Port Richmond and grew popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 8, 2024

Holiday

Underground Arts offers an evening of anti-Valentine's Day dating horror stories

by Michaela Althouse

First Person Arts hosts the 14th annual Ex Files StorySlam event at Underground Arts on Feb. 14. Hear eight storytellers tell their anti-Valentine's Day breakup stories and tales of heartbreak.

February 7, 2024

Social Media

Lincoln Financial Field will shine blue Friday in honor of Delco toddler who unexpectedly died

by Michaela Althouse

Lincoln Financial Field will display blue lights on Friday in honor of 2-year-old Benny Petransky, who unexpectedly died of an illness last week, as part of the #BlueforBenny campaign. Broomall residents have been hanging blue lights at their homes and businesses in a show of support for Benny's family.