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

July 2, 2024

Business

Howl at the Moon, Down Nightclub in Center City abruptly close

by Michaela Althouse

Nightlife spots Howl at the Moon and Down Nightclub announced their closures Monday, effective immediately. The affiliated entertainment venues, which sit side by side on the 200 block of South 15h Street in Center City, did not give a reason for their closures.

July 2, 2024

Transportation

PennDOT opens Cottman Avenue I-95 ramp, where bridge collapsed and sign was misspelled

by Michaela Althouse

PennDOT opened the southbound ramp to I-95 at Cottman Avenue on Tuesday — a week after it installed a sign above the roadway with a spelling error. The is part of a larger project to widen I-95 in Northeast Philadelphia.

July 1, 2024

Food & Drink

University City Dining Days returns to pre-pandemic numbers, with more than 30 participating restaurants

by Michaela Althouse

University City Dining Days returns July 18, featuring more than 30 West Philly restaurants. The annual event features $20, $30 and $40 menus for a three-course specials for lunch or dinner in the neighborhood.

July 1, 2024

Courts

Family of construction worker killed on the job in Fitler Square awarded $68.5 million

by Michaela Althouse

The family of Siarhei Marhunou, a subcontractor who fell to his death while working on a luxury townhouse project in Fitler Square, was awarded $68.5 million by a jury that determined OCF Construction and others had acted negligently. Marhunou, 38, fell from a fifth-floor balcony in December 2021 while installing siding at 2330 Sansom St.

June 28, 2024

Transportation

Wawa Welcome America: These are the road closures related to the Fourth of July festivities

by Michaela Althouse

Philly's 2024 Wawa Welcome America festival ramps up this weekend ahead of July 4, and all the fun comes a long list of traffic disruptions. Here is the city's list of all road closures beginning Saturday, June 29, through Thursday, July 5.

June 27, 2024

Education

Philly to test leaving 25 schools open all year by adding optional summer programs

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia will allow students at 25 district and charter schools this fall to enroll in optional enrichment programs that take place before and after school, and during the summer as part of an initiative aimed at boosting academic performance and giving parents additional child care options.

June 27, 2024

Books

In 'The God of the Woods,' Philly author Liz Moore explores the 'peril' of nature

by Michaela Althouse

"The God of the Woods," the latest book from Philly author Liz Moore, tells the story of wealthy summer camp owners in the Adirondacks. Her previous book, 'Long Bright River,' is being made into a show starring Amanda Seyfried.

June 26, 2024

Arts & Culture

New 'Matisse & Renoir' exhibition on display next month's Barnes on the Block

by Michaela Althouse

Barnes on the Block, the annual party hosted by the Barnes Foundation off Ben Franklin Parkway, will be July 14 with food trucks, a beer garden, crafting and live performances.

June 26, 2024

Food & Drink

San Lucas Pizzeria in South Philly named among the 22 best pizza places in U.S. by the New York Times

by Michaela Althouse

San Lucas Pizzeria in South Philadelphia was named as one of the 22 best pizza places in the country by the New York Times. The restaurant was praised for its unique toppings and cultural ties to the neighborhood's immigrant population.

June 25, 2024

Courts

Fraud charges filed against 90 by Pa. Inspector General for public benefits misuse

by Michaela Althouse

The Pa. Office of the Inspector General charged 85 with defrauding the government while receiving public benefits like SNAP and cash assistance. Another five people received misdemeanor charges.