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

August 7, 2025

Recreation

Watch Party PHL raises nearly $90,000 to open women's sports bar in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Watch Party PHL has raised $87,700 toward its goal of opening a women's sports bar in Philadelphia. The organization, which throws watch parties for sporting events, has gained the support of Sixers broadcaster Kate Scott, rugby player Kristin Aliberto and Alex Sykes, the wife of comedian Wanda Sykes.

August 7, 2025

Business

Amada in Old City has a new look after a month-long renovation project

by Michaela Althouse

Amada in Old City reopened Thursday following a month-long redesign that includes hand-painted murals, Moorish mirrors, a marble bar and plush banquettes. The Jose Garces restaurant also has several new menu items.

August 7, 2025

Recreation

This Bucks County teen began jumping rope in kindergarten and now competes on the world stage

by Michaela Althouse

Zach Peckman, a 16-year-old from New Hope, Bucks County, is a U.S. jump rope champion who holds two national records. He just returned from competing in the 2025 World Jump Rope Championships in Japan.

August 6, 2025

Wildlife

Philadelphia Zoo has a new tiger and leopard on display — and hopes to have cubs in the future

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Zoo has added an Amur tiger and an Amur leopard — both males — as part of a breeding program for endangered species. They can be seen by visitors at the Big Cat Falls exhibit.

August 5, 2025

Transportation

First smokestack from SS United States removed as historic ship is prepared to be sunk later this year

by Michaela Althouse

The first of the SS United States' two smokestacks was removed Monday as the historic ship is being prepared to be sunk off the Florida coast. The ship's funnels will be used in a museum honoring its legacy.

August 5, 2025

History

Kids to interview seniors for time capsule at Smith Memorial Playground

by Michaela Althouse

Smith Memorial Playground is holding an event Friday with summer campers and seniors to start accepting submissions for a time capsule that will be buried next to the giant wooden slide until 2075.

August 4, 2025

Prevention

Mosquito insecticide to be sprayed in Germantown parks to prevent West Nile virus

by Michaela Althouse

Mosquito insecticide will be sprayed in Wister Woods and Wakefield Park in Germantown on Monday evening to prevent West Nile virus, Philadelphia health officials said.

August 4, 2025

Business

Medium Rare – a steakhouse with a one dinner entree on its menu – is opening in Fishtown

by Michaela Althouse

Medium Rare, the steak and frites chain, is opening its first Philadelphia location in Fishtown on Friday. The restaurant only serves one dinner option – steak, fries, salad and bread. Vegetarians can sub in a portobello mushroom dish.

August 4, 2025

Business

Could yaupon tea be a cost-effective replacement for your morning coffee?

by Michaela Althouse

Yaupon tea is gaining some buzz as tariffs could rise the price on Americans' favorite morning beverages. Philly shop owners weighed in on whether the country's only native plant with caffeine could be used as a cost-effective coffee replacement.

August 1, 2025

Performances

On Stage in August: 'Beetlejuice,' 'Guys & Dolls' and space-themed improv

by Michaela Althouse

In August, Philadelphia-area theaters have productions of classics like 'Guys & Dolls' and 'Beetlejuice' alongside a show detailing the scramble to pay rent and a Star Trek-inspired improv. Plus, catch a musical version of the play that inspired the 1990s rom-com 'You've Got Mail.'