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

March 22, 2024

Shopping

Maison Braun, a new luxury clothing store in Rittenhouse, aims to elevate Philly's status in the fashion world

by Michaela Althouse

Maison Braun, the new luxury clothing store from Philadelphia fashion designer Darryl Brown, opens Saturday at 1721 Spruce St. in Rittenhouse. Brown said he envisions Maison Braun as premier luxury shop capable of becoming a Philadelphia fashion house. The store offers custom designs and made-to-order formalwear, including suits.

March 21, 2024

Arts & Culture

The Weitzman Museum, which celebrates Jewish American heritage, may join the Smithsonian

by Michaela Althouse

New legislation in Congress could lead to the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia becoming part of the Smithsonian Institution. A bipartisan act would create a commission to study the possibility of transferring the museum to the Smithsonian, which currently includes 21 museums. The Weitzman would remain in Philly.

March 21, 2024

Neighborhoods

Philly homeowners claim bad actors are abusing the blighted property act

by Michaela Althouse

Councilmembers held a hearing on Act 135, which allows entities to become conservators of abandoned and blighted properties. City homeowners claim the measure is being abused by developers who are looking for properties in prominent neighborhoods.

March 20, 2024

Food & Drink

Mural City Cellars to open new winery in Fishtown

by Michaela Althouse

Mural City Cellars, an urban winery in Philadelphia, is moving to a new spot inside a former auto body shop at 1831 Frankford Ave. in Fishtown. The new space will serve as a wine-making facility, bottle shop and wine bar. People can enjoy local wines, beers and charcuterie. It is open Thursdays through Mondays.

March 20, 2024

Religion

American Bible Society to close its museum on Independence Mall

by Michaela Althouse

The Faith and Liberty Discovery Center will be closing on March 28, 2024. The American Bible Society spent $60 million to build the museum, which opened on Independence Mall in 2021. Since then, the nonprofit has faced leadership changes, donor losses and museum revenue challenges.

March 20, 2024

Food & Drink

Philly has a tool to help you find your farmers market

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia Department of Public Health created a Farmers' Market Finder that helps residents location markets around the city. The tool also provides important info, like a market's schedule, hours and payment options.

March 19, 2024

Investigations

Philly rapper Phat Geez shot and killed in Brewerytown

by Michaela Althouse

Rapper Phat Geez, whose real name is Derrick Gant, was shot and killed on the 1200 block of North Taney Street in Philadelphia on Sunday night, police say. Gant was speaking to a passenger in a car before shots were fired, police say. He had a released a single, 'No Gunzone' in February that decried gun violence. Meek Mill mourned his death on X.

March 18, 2024

Investigations

Montgomery County man killed ex-wife in murder-suicide, police say

by Michaela Althouse

Al Allaberg, 44, fatally shot his ex-wife, Durdona Sultanova, 43, before killing himself Saturday in Huntingdon Valley, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. Their bodies were found inside a walk-in closet at a home on the 400 block of Carson Terrace. Investigators ruled the shootings a murder-suicide after autopsies were performed Sunday.

March 18, 2024

Environment

Sections of Rittenhouse Square will close for a multi-year lawn restoration project

by Michaela Althouse

Sections of Rittenhouse Square will close for 18 months at a time over the next four years as crews work to restore the park's grasses. According to Friends of Rittenhouse leadership, the goal is to build better root systems for future generations.

March 15, 2024

Food & Drink

Cloud Cups to open new gelato shop in Kensington that offers 36 flavors

by Michaela Althouse

Cloud Cups is opening its new flagship store at 3525 I St. in Kensington on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The store will offer 36 gelato and sorbet flavors, owner Galen Thomas says. The store will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 1-8 p.m. Cloud Cups formed in 2018 and opened its first storefront in Fishtown last year.