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 24, 2025

Business

Three years after a fire closed Sonny's Cocktail Joint, the South Street bar is back open

by Michaela Althouse

Sonny's Cocktail Joint, a bar and restaurant at 1508 South St., closed in April 2022 after a fire broke out in the apartment above it. Now, owners Chris Fetfatzes and Heather Annechiarico have reopened the restaurant, adding a pool table and pizza. The drink menu has 13 draft cocktails, beer and wine.

January 24, 2025

Performances

Eagles to host drone show over Art Museum on Saturday night and give away two tickets to NFC title game

by Michaela Althouse

Eagles fans can head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Saturday night for a drone show ahead of the NFC championship game. During the 10-minute event, the aircraft will fly in the shape of the team logo and spell out "Go Birds," and one fan in attendance will win two tickets to Sunday's game.

January 23, 2025

Podcast

Kylie Kelce shares tips for supporting an Eagles-superfan spouse during the playoffs

by Michaela Althouse

In the latest episode of her podcast, 'Not Gonna Lie,' the wife of former Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce shared some advice for supporting a sports fan spouse or partner during the playoffs. On her list: it is more than just a game, don't question the superstitions and bring a nice snack if you're going to a friend's house to watch the game.

January 23, 2025

Movies

David Lynch's time living in Philadelphia in the 1960s is remembered as a turning point in his life

by Michaela Althouse

Filmmaker and artist David Lynch, who lived in Philadelphia in the late 1960s, died last week at the age of 78. Friends and family remember his strong ties to the city, and how it influenced his movies throughout his life.

January 23, 2025

Government

Eight years after implementing soda tax, City Council to hold hearings to look at impact on businesses and consumers

by Michaela Althouse

City Council unanimously approved a resolution from Councilmember Jim Harrity on Thursday calling for hearings on the impact of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax, also called the soda tax. The legislation said the charge has led to a drop in sales and disproportionately impacts low-income consumers.

January 21, 2025

Government

Ex-Philly Proud Boys leader who stormed U.S. Capitol gets his sentence commuted by President Trump

by Michaela Althouse

Zachary Rehl, the former leader of the Philadelphia Proud Boys, was among 14 people who had their sentences commuted by President Donald Trump. On his first day back in office, Trump also pardoned 1,500 people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

January 21, 2025

Investigations

Driver that struck police cruiser outside Lincoln Financial Field charged with DUI

by Michaela Althouse

Thomas Herrschaft, 45, of Sewell, New Jersey, was charged with driving under the influence after he allegedly struck a police cruiser outside Lincoln Financial Field with his Mercedes near the end of the Eagles' playoff game on Sunday. The injured officer was treated at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and later released.

January 20, 2025

Environment

With a lack of natural soil in Philly, Penn is testing using recycled glass for an alternative mixture

by Michaela Althouse

In the fall, 13 trees were planted on the University of Pennsylvania's campus for a pilot program on a soil mixture that features sand made from recycled glass. Experts said the engineered blend will help prolong the plant's life, reduce compaction and improve drainage.

January 20, 2025

Weather

Philly gets 2-3 inches of snow — and frigid temperatures that will linger until the weekend

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia officials declared a snow emergency Sunday night, restricting parking and discouraging driving, as the region was hit with multiple inches of accumulation. More snow isn't likely, but cold temperatures are expected throughout the week, causing ice.

January 17, 2025

Protests

Philly's Women's March drew 50,000 in 2017. A much smaller protest is planned ahead of Trump's second inauguration.

by Michaela Althouse

In 2017, the Women's March drew 50,000 people in Philly to protest newly elected President Donald Trump. On Saturday, a much smaller demonstration is planned ahead of Trump's second inauguration, and organizers have rebranded it the People's March, hoping it will spark a resurgence in the movement.