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 10, 2025

Arts & Culture

Museums and cultural institutions are offering discounts on tickets and memberships during winter

by Michaela Althouse

In the winter, a number of Philadelphia's museums and cultural centers have discounts on admissions and memberships Here's where to find them.

January 10, 2025

Government

A $13.7 million grant will be used to connect Schuylkill River Trail from Manayunk to Passyunk Avenue

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia received a $13.7 million from the federal grant Friday that will pay for two Schuylkill River Trail connections: the Wissahickon Gateway Trail in Manayunk and the Passyunk Connection in Kingsessing and Elmwood Park.

January 9, 2025

Wildlife

Philly Zoo offers behind-the-scenes tours in January, including a $500 package with artwork by one of the animals

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Zoo is offering new behind-the-scenes tours while it's closed to the public on weekends in January. For $150 to $500 per person, groups can meet an animal, tour the grounds and visit the Solitude House in Fairmount Park.

January 9, 2025

Government

Engine 6 fire company, established in 1871, reopens after 16 years of being inactive

by Michaela Althouse

The Engine 6 fire station, which serves residents in Kensington, Port Richmond and Fishtown, reopened Thursday after 16 years of being inactive. Based at 2601 Belgrade St., the group was founded in 1871 and operated for more than 100 years before it closed in 2009. It's one of three Philadelphia stations that was restored with the help from a $22.4 million federal grant.

January 8, 2025

Festivals

Weekend Book Bash to host 10 fantasy authors in University City next month

by Michaela Althouse

The Weekend Book Bash at the Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast on Feb. 8-9 will bring 10 Northeastern fantasy authors to University City. The event will have panels, readings and one-on-ones with writers.

January 8, 2025

Business

Rivers Casino Philadelphia suffered data breach late last year

by Michaela Althouse

Rivers Casino Philadelphia was hit with a cyberattack in November 2024, potentially compromising customer personal information, including their names, social security numbers and bank account information. The Fishtown casino is mailing letters to impacted customers.

January 7, 2025

Restaurants

Irv's Ice Cream, which has operated out of a Cherry Street Pier trolley, is opening a shop in Bella Vista this spring

by Michaela Althouse

Irv's Ice Cream, which operates out of one of the trolleys at Cherry Street Pier, will open its first storefront this spring at 932 E. Passyunk Ave. in Bella Vista. The shop serves Latin American-inspired flavors like horchata and coquito alongside classics like chocolate peanut butter brownie and brown butter pecan.

January 7, 2025

Business

Federal Donuts to open Willow Grove shop, its second in the Philly suburbs, on Friday

by Michaela Althouse

Federal Donuts & Chicken is opening a Willow Grove store – its second shop in the Philadelphia suburbs – on Friday, Dec. 10, 2025. Another suburban shop is coming to Conshohocken later this year, and other Federal Donut locations are slated to open in South Jersey and at the Philadelphia International Airport.

January 6, 2025

Investigations

Man charged with shooting that killed North Philly couple

by Michaela Althouse

Bilal Simmons was arrested Sunday for allegedly shooting to death Jocelynn Marshall, 35, and Terrell Sanders, 39, on Dec. 19 in North Philadelphia. Simmons has been charged with murder and related offenses.

January 6, 2025

Arts & Culture

Ushers at Ensemble Arts prepare to strike after rejecting latest contract proposal

by Michaela Althouse

Ushers at Ensemble Arts Philadelphia said they could strike as early as Wednesday after rejecting the latest proposal for a new contract. Workers are seeking increased wages and clarification on job duties following last year's merger.