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

January 29, 2024

Food & Drink

Garces Trading Co. closes its Kimmel Center cafe one year after it opened

by Michaela Althouse

Garces Trading Co. closed its cafe at the Kimmel Center last week. The closure will not impact the Cira Center location of the cafe or plans for new locations.

January 29, 2024

Illness

COVID-19, flu activity may have hit its winter peak, hospital trends suggest

by Michaela Althouse

Influenza and COVID-19 illnesses appear to have peaked shortly after the holidays, hospital trends suggest. But respiratory illness activity remains high in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and experts caution that another winter surge is possible.

January 29, 2024

Investigations

Escaped prisoner Shane Pryor apprehended on SEPTA bus in North Philly, police say

by Michaela Althouse

Shane Pryor was arrested by a U.S. Marshals task force Sunday night in North Philadelphia – four days after the accused murderer escaped from authorities at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Pryor, 17, was apprehended on a SEPTA bus at Third Street and Roosevelt Boulevard, investigators said.

January 26, 2024

Illness

Philly health officials warn of hepatitis A exposures at ShopRite in Northeast Philly

by Michaela Althouse

An employee at a Northeast Philly ShopRite (6301 Oxford Ave.) has acute Hepatitis A, health officials confirmed. Exposed customers are being asked to get a preventative vaccine. The Department of Public Health will hold a vaccine clinic Saturday.

January 25, 2024

Festivals

Watch ice sculptors at work at the Founders Philly Freeze-Out in Manayunk

by Michaela Althouse

Manayunk's Founders Philly Freeze-Out, hosted by Founders Brewing Co., returns Feb. 3. Festivalgoers can cool down with ice sculptures and beer and warm up with a chowder crawl and a three-mile run.

January 24, 2024

Government

Philly receives $25 million federal grant for flood prevention, drinking water projects

by Michaela Althouse

Drinking water improvements, flood prevention and a cleaner Delaware River are on the docket with a $25 million federal grant the Philadelphia Water Department received Wednesday. Funds, which come from President Biden's American Rescue Plan, will be put toward projects in Port Richmond, East Falls and Germantown.

January 24, 2024

Books

Philly writer's new book 'Disillusioned' explores changes in America's suburbs

by Michaela Althouse

Benjamin Herold's new book, 'Disillusioned,' released Tuesday, explores suburbia through the stories of five families from across the country, including his hometown of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania.

January 24, 2024

Celebrities

Amanda Seyfried joins Philly police on ride-along to prep for TV series based on Temple professor's book

by Michaela Althouse

Actress Amanda Seyfried and author Liz Moore rode along with Philadelphia police Tuesday in preparation for filming of 'Long Bright River.' The novel, written by Moore, is being adapted into a Peacock miniseries. The story is based in Kensington and follows a police officer and a woman battling addiction. Filming will begin next month in New York City.

January 23, 2024

Transportation

Countdown clocks arrive at more stations along Market-Frankford Line

by Michaela Althouse

Countdown clocks appeared at SEPTA's 30th Street and Girard stations along the Market-Frankford Line. They show riders when the next train is scheduled to arrive. SEPTA said it's testing the devices with no firm date on an official rollout.

January 23, 2024

Investigations

Fight at Robeson High School high school put school on lockdown

by Michaela Althouse

A fight at Paul Robeson High School for Human Services caused an hour-long lockdown Monday. Several students have been suspended, and school officials said family members of students were involved in the fight. A cause for the altercation remains unclear.