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

April 8, 2025

Nature

It's the final day that Philly's cherry blossoms are in peak bloom – here are photos from Fairmount Park

by Michaela Althouse

The cherry blossom trees in Fairmount Park are in peak bloom for the final day in 2025. Here are photos of them at their best, when 70% of their pink and white flowers are open.

April 8, 2025

Cory Booker says his 25-hour Senate speech was a rallying call for Democrats to stand up to President Trump

by Michaela Althouse

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) appeared on 'The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert' on Monday to speak about his record-breaking, 25-hour speech on the Senate floor. Booker said it was an opportunity for Democrats to recognize they have not done enough to stand up to President Donald Trump.

April 7, 2025

Mental Health

Could AI replace your therapist? New research suggests the technology could play a role in mental health care

by Michaela Althouse

An AI-powered mental health chatbot created by Dartmouth University researchers significantly reduced symptoms in people diagnosed with major depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Researchers say the technology must undergo more tests, but say artificial intelligence eventually can help meet demand for mental health services.

April 7, 2025

Investigations

Woman, 21, found stabbed to death and jammed inside futon in Northeast Philly

by Michaela Althouse

A woman, 21, was found stabbed to death inside a home on the 4400 block of Frankford Avenue early Saturday morning. Police said her body was wrapped in a sheet and shower curtain and stuffed inside a futon. Police are searching for a suspect, but no arrests have been made

April 4, 2025

Business

Yemeni coffee shops are gaining popularity, and now there's one in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Haraz Coffee House, a Yemeni coffee shop at 3421 Chestnut St. in University City, offers traditional Middle Eastern drinks and desserts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its owners, Farah Khan and Hamza Shaikh, hope to extend those hours to as late a midnight, envisioning their business as a late-night gathering space for people who don't like bars.

April 4, 2025

Government

Proposed curfew would limit hours for some businesses in Kensington, Fairhill and Germantown

by Michaela Althouse

Councilmember Quetcy Lozada introduced a bill Thursday to expand the boundaries of business curfews in multiple districts in Philly and bump up the fine for violators from $500 to $1,000. The curfew would force more takeout spots and corner stores to be closed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. The restrictions don't include restaurants that have a liquor license, which can remain open until 2 a.m.

April 3, 2025

Government

City Council to investigate state of higher education following string of mergers and closures

by Michaela Althouse

City Council will hold hearings on the state of higher education in the Philadelphia region after recent announcements of closures and mergers because of rising costs and low enrollment. Earlier this week, Rosemont College agreed to merge with Villanova University.

April 3, 2025

Food & Drink

Parks on Tap returns with longer tour of Philly, starting April 9

by Michaela Althouse

Parks on Tap, Philadelphia's traveling beer garden, returns April 9 for its longest season yet. Find the complete 2025 schedule with park locations across the city through October.

April 2, 2025

Celebrities

Jason and Kylie Kelce announce birth of their fourth child, Finnley Anne

by Michaela Althouse

Former Eagles player Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie, announced the birth of their fourth daughter, Finnley Anne. Jason showed off the baby girl, who was born Sunday, on his 'New Heights' podcast Wednesday morning.

April 1, 2025

Investigations

Fifth person charged in 2023 North Philly playground shooting that killed 3

by Michaela Althouse

Authorities say Tyyon Bates, 20, was the final suspect sought in the August 2023 targeted shooting that killed three men playing basketball at 8th and Diamond.