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

June 27, 2025

Performances

On Stage in July: 'Little Shop of Horrors,' 'Life of Pi' and Shakespeare in Clark Park

by Michaela Althouse

In July, Philadelphia theaters are putting on productions of 'Little Shop of Horrors,' 'Life of Pi' and 'The Wizard of Oz.' It's also a time to catch content from new writers, with showcases at PlayPenn and Old Academy Players. And, of course, Shakespeare in Clark Park returns, too.

June 27, 2025

Wildlife

Nearly 30-foot dead humpback whale found beached in Long Beach Township

by Michaela Althouse

A dead, heavily decomposing humpback whale was found Friday morning on the shore in Long Beach Township. Officials from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said it was the same one seen 3.5 miles off the coast of Harvey Cedars on Monday.

June 27, 2025

Investigations

Woman wanted for Northeast Philly homicide arrested in Spain

by Michaela Althouse

Gerelys Sanchez-Reyes, 28, was arrested in Madrid for allegedly stabbing to death Yuleisy Torelles and stuffing her body inside a futon inside an apartment in Northeast Philly earlier this year. Sanchez-Reyes is awaiting extradition, the U.S. Marshals Service said.

June 27, 2025

Transportation

PATCO to reduce overnight weekday service this summer and then temporarily suspend it Sept. 1

by Michaela Althouse

PATCO will reduce overnight weekday service beginning July 14 and then temporarily suspend it for six months beginning Sept. 1. The changes are aimed at providing riders a better experience. PATCO workers will clean stations and trains and perform track and signal maintenance while service is suspended.

June 26, 2025

Business

Marsha's, a women's sports bar named after a Black transgender activist, plans to open this summer

by Michaela Althouse

A women's sports bar named after Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender activist, plans to open this summer at the former home of Woolly Mammoth. Owner Chivonn Anderson hopes the South Street spot will become a community hub that celebrates the legacy of prior generations.

June 25, 2025

Real Estate

Mount Vernon Cemetery sells for $1 to buyer who plans to bring eco-friendly burials to Philly

by Michaela Althouse

The owner of New Jersey-based Steelmantown Cemetery Company plans to purchase Mount Vernon Cemetery in Strawberry Mansion for $1. Once the sale goes through, he plans to clean up the overgrown property, restore the gatehouse and turn it into an eco-friendly burial space.

June 25, 2025

Business

Roy Rogers opens location in Cherry Hill — its first in the Philly area in decades

by Michaela Althouse

Fast food chain Roy Rogers opened a new location at 614 Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill, New Jersey on Wednesday. It's the chain's first location in the Philadelphia area in decades.

June 24, 2025

Podcast

New podcast focuses on Philly businesses that balance profits with greater societal impacts

by Michaela Althouse

The new podcast 'Get Down to Business' features interviews with the founders of B Corp companies. Its first season debuts July 8 and focuses on four Philadelphia companies: Triple Bottom Brewing, Solar States, Re:Vision Architecture and NOOR by Grant Blvd.

June 24, 2025

Transportation

Fourth of July traffic expected to hit record numbers — and airports will be busy, too

by Michaela Althouse

AAA estimates that 61.6 million people will drive at least 50 miles from their homes between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 6. That amount would set a new record and mark a 2% increase over last year. Another 10 million people will take flights.

June 23, 2025

Health Insurance

Health insurers commit to making prior authorizations easier and less common

by Michaela Althouse

Major health insurers have committed to streamlining the prior authorization process and making the requirement less common. The moves are expected to help patients access treatment more quickly and improve efficiency among insurers.