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

May 15, 2025

Government

Slain rapper LGP Qua's family, friends urge City Council to better address Philly's gun violence problem

by Michaela Althouse

Rapper LGP Qua's mother, Tamara Davis, and other loved ones urged City Council to better address Philadelphia's gun violence problem on Thursday. The musician, who had recorded songs with will.i.am and French Montana, was fatally shot in Juniata Park on Sunday.

May 15, 2025

'Task' teaser features possible sneak peek of scenes shot in Wissahickon Valley Park

by Michaela Althouse

The new teaser for HBO Max's 'Task' includes a few shots of what could be Wissahickon Valley Park, where the series shot last summer. The show, created by Berwyn native Brad Ingelsby and set in the Philadelphia suburbs, follows an FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) who forms a task force to investigate violent break-ins led by a local family man (Tom Pelphrey).

May 14, 2025

Transportation

New Schuylkill River trail segment and bridge connecting Grays Ferry to Center City opens Saturday

by Michaela Althouse

The Christian to Crescent trail segment connecting 34th Street in Grays Ferry to Christian Street in Center City is opening Saturday, May 17. The $48 million project includes a bridge over the water and pathways for pedestrians and cyclists.

May 14, 2025

Arts & Culture

At the Arden Theatre, 'Rent' can be watched from a couch

by Michaela Althouse

Starting Thursday, $20 'couch rush' tickets will be available at the TKTS booth at the Independence Visitors Center for the Arden Theatre's production of 'Rent.' The seats, available up to 72 hours in advance, will be for six couches placed at the edge of the stage.

May 13, 2025

Food & Drink

Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean to serve fries at Checkers drive-thru in Northeast Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean will work the Checkers drive-thru at the fast food chain's location at 9173 Roosevelt Blvd. in Northeast Philadelphia on Saturday from 6:30-7 p.m. The restaurant will be donating a portion of every large french fry order to the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia.

May 12, 2025

Food & Drink

Philadelphia restaurants will be featured in Michelin Guide for the first time

by Michaela Althouse

This year's Michelin Guide Northeast Cities edition will include a section on Philadelphia, officials announced Monday. Inspectors are already in the field searching for restaurants to include.

May 12, 2025

Celebrities

Taylor Swift celebrates Mother's Day at Talula's Garden with her mom and the Kelce family

by Michaela Althouse

Pop star Taylor Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, were spotted dining with their mothers at Talula's Garden in Philadelphia on Mother's Day. Jason and Kylie Kelce also at lunch with them.

May 12, 2025

LGBTQ

Record-breaking 600-foot flag to be on display — and on the move — at this year's Pride festival

by Michaela Althouse

A record-breaking 600-foot flag will be carried through the streets during the 2025 Philadelphia Pride weekend, taking place May 30-June 1.

May 9, 2025

Education

Lawmakers, education leaders condemn Penn for dropping DEI protections in response to executive order

by Michaela Althouse

At a hearing Friday on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Philadelphia universities, local politicians and higher education leaders condemned the University of Pennsylvania's decision to remove DEI language from its policies and websites in response to an executive order from President Donald Trump.

May 8, 2025

Nature

Longwood Gardens' Waterlily Court is back with new plants and other upgrades

by Michaela Althouse

Waterlily Court, the outdoor water garden display at Longwood Gardens, reopens Friday, May 9, after being closed for three years for renovations. It returns with new plants and infrastructure upgrades, including lighting improvements and new heating and plumbing systems.