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

August 5, 2025

Transportation

First smokestack from SS United States removed as historic ship is prepared to be sunk later this year

by Michaela Althouse

The first of the SS United States' two smokestacks was removed Monday as the historic ship is being prepared to be sunk off the Florida coast. The ship's funnels will be used in a museum honoring its legacy.

August 5, 2025

History

Kids to interview seniors for time capsule at Smith Memorial Playground

by Michaela Althouse

Smith Memorial Playground is holding an event Friday with summer campers and seniors to start accepting submissions for a time capsule that will be buried next to the giant wooden slide until 2075.

August 4, 2025

Prevention

Mosquito insecticide to be sprayed in Germantown parks to prevent West Nile virus

by Michaela Althouse

Mosquito insecticide will be sprayed in Wister Woods and Wakefield Park in Germantown on Monday evening to prevent West Nile virus, Philadelphia health officials said.

August 4, 2025

Business

Could yaupon tea be a cost-effective replacement for your morning coffee?

by Michaela Althouse

Yaupon tea is gaining some buzz as tariffs could rise the price on Americans' favorite morning beverages. Philly shop owners weighed in on whether the country's only native plant with caffeine could be used as a cost-effective coffee replacement.

August 4, 2025

Business

Medium Rare – a steakhouse with a one dinner entree on its menu – is opening in Fishtown

by Michaela Althouse

Medium Rare, the steak and frites chain, is opening its first Philadelphia location in Fishtown on Friday. The restaurant only serves one dinner option – steak, fries, salad and bread. Vegetarians can sub in a portobello mushroom dish.

August 1, 2025

Demonstrations

Rally on Saturday aims to save Independence National Park exhibit threatened by Trump

by Michaela Althouse

A rally is planned for Saturday to defend slavery exhibits at Independence National Park's President's House Site amid Trump administration threats to remove 'disparaging' displays.

August 1, 2025

Performances

On Stage in August: 'Beetlejuice,' 'Guys & Dolls' and space-themed improv

by Michaela Althouse

In August, Philadelphia-area theaters have productions of classics like 'Guys & Dolls' and 'Beetlejuice' alongside a show detailing the scramble to pay rent and a Star Trek-inspired improv. Plus, catch a musical version of the play that inspired the 1990s rom-com 'You've Got Mail.'

August 1, 2025

Recreation

A treasure hunt in South Jersey has a hidden prize worth over $3,000

by Michaela Althouse

Brothers Jeff and Paul DuVilla, who grew up in Hammonton, created the Veil treasure hunt, where participants can receive daily clues in search of a prize worth over $3,000. Their most recent hunt, with five days to go, is located in South Jersey.

July 30, 2025

Books

Sen. John Fetterman to release memoir detailing his rise in politics and struggles with depression

by Michaela Althouse

Sen. John Fetterman, the Democrat from Pennsylvania, will release a memoir this fall. 'Unfettered,' out Nov. 11, details his rise in politics, stroke on the campaign trail in 2022 and struggles with depression.

July 29, 2025

Netflix series 'Love is Blind' has a casting call out for singles in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

'Love is Blind,' the Netflix dating show where couples get engaged without knowing what the other person looks like, is now casting for five cities including Philadelphia. The 72-question application includes queries about relationship history, partnership goals, hobbies and why they think they're single.