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

March 6, 2025

Transportation

New bike lanes approved on Temple University campus, in Spring Garden area and near Logan Square

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia will get new bike lanes near Logan Square, on Temple University campus and in the Spring Garden area. City Council approved three bills from Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. on Thursday calling for the separate paths in District 5, which he represents.

March 6, 2025

Government

Looking ahead to Philly's busy 2026, leaders allocate $45 million for planning, beautification and security projects

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia City Council approved a $91 million budget transfer Thursday, and almost half of the money will be spent on beautification, security and other preparedness projects for 2026 events. Next year, the city hosts World Cup matches and the U.S. semiquincentennial celebration, among other events.

March 5, 2025

Amanda Seyfried talks Sabrina Carpenter, 'Long Bright River' on 'The Tonight Show'

by Michaela Althouse

Amanda Seyfried stopped by 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' on Tuesday to discuss her upcoming series 'Long Bright River,' based on a book by Philadelphia author Liz moore. She also spoke about adding Sabrina Carpenter to the 'Mamma Mia' cast and gave a performance on the dulcimer.

March 5, 2025

Food & Drink

South Philly Barbacoa chef Cristina Martínez to host dinner and dance party at the Mann

by Michaela Althouse

Chef Cristina Martínez, the owner of South Philly Barbacoa and Casa México, will host an event June 4 at the Mann Center. The audience will get to hear her story, eat her food and participate in a fandango dance party.

March 4, 2025

Neighborhoods

Hartranft Community Center, a hub in North Philly before it closed in 2009, reopens after $11.5 million renovation

by Michaela Althouse

The Hartranft Community Center, which closed in 2009, reopened Tuesday after 16 year. The facility features a playground, classrooms and an indoor pool. The $11.5 million renovation was part of a larger project from the Philadelphia Housing Authority, which is also building affordable homes nearby.

March 4, 2025

Investigations

Teenager fatally shot at Southwest Philadelphia playground, police say

by Michaela Althouse

A young male, likely in his late teens, was fatally shot Monday night while he was sitting at a the Russell DeRitis Playground in Kingsessing, police say. Police said the shooter snuck up and fired at least nine shots before fleeing. Investigators are still determining the identities of the shooter and the teen.

March 3, 2025

Movies

'The Brutalist,' set in Doylestown, takes home 3 Oscars, including best actor

by Michaela Althouse

At the 2025 Academy Awards, 'The Brutalist' won Oscars for best actor, best original score and best cinematography. The movie, set in Doylestown, stars Adrien Brody as a Holocaust survivor who seeks to build a community center. 'Anora' won best picture. 'Sing Sing' and 'A Complete Unknown' left empty-handed.

March 3, 2025

Technology

New online tool provides public data on demographics of drivers getting pulled over in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

A new online tool was introduced Monday that provides public data on traffic stops in Philadelphia. The Driving Equality Dashboard shows how many people are being stopped, where those stops are happening and the demographics of the drivers.

February 28, 2025

Women's Health

Menopause symptoms begin for most women in their 30s, study shows

by Michaela Althouse

Most women begin experiencing menopause symptoms in their early 30s, new research shows. Psychological symptoms like anxiety and irritability generally come before physical symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes. But many don't seek treatment until their 50s, according to the study from the University of Virginia.

February 28, 2025

Arts & Culture

On Stage in March: 'King Hedley II,' Philly GRIT and 'Romeo and Juliet' reimagined

by Michaela Althouse

Philly theaters have three Shakespearian performances: '& Juliet,' 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' and 'Anthony & Cleopatra.' Plus, the Arden puts on August Wilson's 'King Hedley II,' and Bucks County Playhouse has a new, country-themed musical.