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

October 26, 2024

Transportation

SS United States is destined to become an artificial reef off Florida. Here's a look at that process.

by Michaela Althouse

The SS United States is set to leave Philadelphia and be sunk off the coast of Florida to become an artificial reef, where it will attract scuba divers. An expert from a company that has sunk other ships explains the process for transporting and sinking the historic ocean liner.

October 25, 2024

Music

Temple University students swiped so much on Tinder that they earned a free concert

by Michaela Althouse

Temple University students won Tinder's Swipe Off Challenge for swiping on the dating app more often than their peers at any other college campus. Their reward? A free concert by Gunna and GloRilla at the Liacouras Center on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

October 24, 2024

Transportation

City Council approves bill to raise fines on parking or stopping in bike lanes

by Michaela Althouse

City Council unanimously approved a bill that bans vehicles from stopping in bike lanes. While drivers were previously afforded a 25-minute grace period, this legislation removes that protection and increases fines.

October 23, 2024

Nature

Here's a first look at Longwood Gardens' $250 million renovation project that will open to the public next month

by Michaela Althouse

Longwood Gardens will unveil its nearly decade-long renovation project on Nov. 22, and the Kennett Square horticultural attraction gave media a sneak peek on Tuesday. Longwood Reimagined includes a new conservatory, bonsai home, office building, restaurant and events space, plus a revamped waterlily display and upgraded overlook for its fountain shows.

October 23, 2024

Investigations

Lawndale man charged with running human trafficking ring in Northeast Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Terrance Jones, of Lawndale, allegedly ran a human trafficking ring from his Northeast Philadelphia home for more than a decade, prosectors say. Jones was among 22 people charged in the scheme. He is accused of posing as a woman to lure women in addiction into serving as sex workers.

October 22, 2024

Founder of Topsail Steamer, which sells one-pot seafood meals, to appear on 'Shark Tank'

by Michaela Althouse

Topsail Steamer, which sells one-pot seafood menus to be heated up at home, will be featured on 'Shark Tank' on Friday, Oct. 25. Topsail Steamer founder Danielle Mahon, who grew up in New Jersey, went on the show seeking an investment to help the chain grow. It has 10 locations, including four at the Jersey Shore.

October 21, 2024

Arts & Culture

Spreading vandalism or joy? Shamcow graffiti evokes a range of emotions in Roxborough

by Michaela Althouse

Graffiti featuring a black-and-white cow pattern and the word 'Shamcow' in neon orange letters with blue shadowing has been popping up in Northwest Philly, sparking debate over its connection to the community.

October 21, 2024

Investigations

Multi-car crash on Platt Bridge kills 1 person, injures 2 others

by Michaela Althouse

The George C. Platt Memorial Bridge in South Philadelphia closed for several hours Monday morning due to a fatal multi-car crash. Police said the driver of a BMW lost control of his car, flipped into the opposite lanes and collided with two other cars, killing the driver of a Toyota Camry. The BMW driver was in critical condition.

October 18, 2024

Arts & Culture

Pretzel Theater Company fills a void in the Roxborough, Manyunk communities

by Michaela Althouse

The newly formed Pretzel Theater Company will offer kids and adult performances in musical theater and song showcases in Roxborough and Manayunk. Organizers said they created the group after Ash Theater Company closed.

October 18, 2024

Food & Drink

From sours to ciders, five new beers at local taprooms put a twist on fall flavors

by Michaela Althouse

Sick of Oktoberfest brews, pumpkin ales or spiced stouts? Philly-area breweries are expanding their repertoire on fall beers, and here are some of those limited-edition options that are available this month at Second Sin, Humble Parlor, Victory, Iron Hill, Conshohocken and Liquid Alchemy Beverages.