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 6, 2024

Investigations

Missing boys from Willingboro found safe and returned home, police say

by Michaela Althouse

A pair of brothers, ages 10 and 12, were returned safely to their family in Willingboro Township, New Jersey, police said. They had been reported missing Monday night after they were last seen walking away from their home in the Garfield North section of the township.

February 6, 2024

Mental Health

Eating fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt may help your mental health

by Michaela Althouse

Eating fermented foods like sourdough bread, sauerkraut, miso, yogurt, kombucha and some cheeses, may provide a boost in mental health, a new study shows. Fermented foods boost gut health, which in turn prompts brain activities that impact mood, memory, cognition and behavior, scientists say.

February 6, 2024

Food & Drink

Ready for a break-up? Insomnia Cookies will send a handwritten note to your partner – and a few parting treats

by Michaela Althouse

Insomnia Cookies is offering people a new way to split up with their romantic partners. For $30, people can send a box of 12 cookies with a handwritten break-up note to their soon-to-be ex-partner. The 'It's Not Me, It's You' boxes can be purchased through Feb. 18.

February 5, 2024

Social Media

Shane Gillis, once fired by SNL for making racist jokes, to host the comedy show Feb. 24

by Michaela Althouse

Shane Gillis will host Saturday Night Live on Feb. 24. His appearance comes five years after he was hired as a full-time cast member, but then quickly fired after videos showed him making racist and homophobic jokes. Neither SNL nor Gillis has commented on his upcoming appearance. The musical guest that night will be 21 Savage.

February 3, 2024

Transportation

Philadelphia gets $19.3 million for road safety projects from PennDOT, most directed to Roosevelt Boulevard work

by Michaela Althouse

PennDOT is allotting $19.3 million in funding for traffic safety projects in Philadelphia, with $12 million of that sum to be spent on improvements to Roosevelt Boulevard. The state grants are funded by revenue collected through fines issued to drivers caught speeding by the automated speed-monitoring cameras in Philadelphia.

February 1, 2024

Books

Readers can pick up free banned books from Black authors through the Little Free(dom) Library initiative

by Michaela Althouse

Little Free(dom) Libraries will give away 1,500 banned books by Black authors throughout February in honor of Black History Month. The initiative is a joint effort from the Free Library of Philadelphia, Visit Philly and Little Free Library. All books were purchased from local Black-owned bookstores.

February 1, 2024

Food & Drink

For a Montgomery County domestic violence shelter, 'positives outweigh negatives' in fundraiser with brewery

by Michaela Althouse

Laurel House, Ten7 Brewing and Breweries in PA have teamed up to release a limited-edition beer called Laurel House Lager. A portion of draft pints at Ten7 and cans available at distributors will benefit the domestic violence agency.

January 31, 2024

Food & Drink

Win Win Coffee to reopen in Kensington this summer

by Michaela Althouse

Win Win Coffee will reopen in Kensington with a new space and a roasting plant. Formerly in Callowhill, the shop closed in 2021, after which the owners traveled the world to learn more about the coffee industry. They hope their new shop will give more profits to farmers.

January 31, 2024

Celebrities

Philly Jesus returns to the public eye as a Lyft driver

by Michaela Althouse

Philly Jesus has returned as a Lyft driver after taking a multi-year break from the public eye after the deaths of his father and grandmother and going through a divorce. Philly Jesus, whose real name is Michael Grant, stepped away from the public eye in early 2020.

January 30, 2024

Transportation

Mechanical issue on SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line causes delays

by Michaela Althouse

A mechanical issue on the Market-Frankford Line late Monday night prompted SEPTA to run shuttle buses between the Spring Garden and Allegheny stops. SEPTA officials said the train did not derail, as earlier reports suggested. Delays were expected to continue Tuesday morning.