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 1, 2025

Recreation

A treasure hunt in South Jersey has a hidden prize worth over $3,000

by Michaela Althouse

Brothers Jeff and Paul DuVilla, who grew up in Hammonton, created the Veil treasure hunt, where participants can receive daily clues in search of a prize worth over $3,000. Their most recent hunt, with five days to go, is located in South Jersey.

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.'

July 30, 2025

Books

Sen. John Fetterman to release memoir detailing his rise in politics and struggles with depression

by Michaela Althouse

Sen. John Fetterman, the Democrat from Pennsylvania, will release a memoir this fall. 'Unfettered,' out Nov. 11, details his rise in politics, stroke on the campaign trail in 2022 and struggles with depression.

July 29, 2025

Food & Drink

Brunch spot Chubby Chicks to close amid public dispute with its Center City neighbors

by Michaela Althouse

Chubby Chicks, a Center City brunch spot that opened on Walnut Street in December, will close by August, owner Shakeira Turner said Monday. Turner says she has experienced racial discrimination and harassment from her upstairs neighbors since opening the restaurant. She is considering a move to Atlanta.

July 29, 2025

Netflix series 'Love is Blind' has a casting call out for singles in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

'Love is Blind,' the Netflix dating show where couples get engaged without knowing what the other person looks like, is now casting for five cities including Philadelphia. The 72-question application includes queries about relationship history, partnership goals, hobbies and why they think they're single.

July 29, 2025

History

Early Declaration of Independence copy to be displayed at Museum of American Revolution

by Michaela Althouse

A broadside of the Declaration of Independence printed by John Dunlap in July 1776 will be on display at the Museum of American Revolution from Oct. 18 to Jan. 3, 2027. The poster-sized document is one of 25 surviving copies printed by Dunlap and was sent in a letter from Philly merchant Jonas Phillips to his cousin in Amsterdam in July 1776.

July 29, 2025

Illness

Library of Congress adds docuseries on Camden health-care workers to records on COVID-19

by Michaela Althouse

'Stories in Care,' an online docuseries chronicling the work of Camden health-care providers, is now part of the Library of Congress' catalogue archiving the COVID-19 pandemic for future generations. The 22 episodes feature interviews with doctors, nurses and staff about their experiences in the early days of the virus.

July 28, 2025

Business

Two-story Taco Bell to open next week on Chestnut Street, but it won't be upscale Cantina model as planned

by Michaela Althouse

A two-story Taco Bell will open its doors at 1614 Chestnut St. next week. But franchise owner Danny Patel said he had to scrap plans for a Cantina model, an upscale offering alcoholic beverages, after failing to get a liquor license.

July 28, 2025

Investigations

Ex-Sixer Marcus Morris Sr. arrested at Florida airport on fraud charge

by Michaela Althouse

Marcus Morris Sr., a North Philadelphia native and former 76ers player, was arrested at a Florida airport on Sunday and charged with fraud for allegedly writing a check with insufficient funds. He is currently being held in custody without bail. His agent says the arrest stems from unpaid credit at a casino.

July 25, 2025

Holiday

Christmas light show, Dickens Village will return to Wanamaker Building

by Michaela Althouse

Officials announced plans Friday to bring back the Christmas light show and Dickens Village to the historic Wanamaker Building in Center City. There was uncertainty around the future of the holiday programming, which began 1956, when Macy's closed earlier this year.