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

February 12, 2024

Investigations

Explosion in West Philly apartment injures one person, police say

by Michaela Althouse

An explosion in an apartment building at 45th Street and Larchwood Avenue is being investigated by Philadelphia police and ATF. The blast occurred at 12:45 a.m. Monday and left a man hospitalized with a severe hand injury, police said. The cause remains under investigation.

February 12, 2024

Food & Drink

Dinner at Academy of Natural Sciences to show how your eating habits can reduce climate change

by Michaela Althouse

Dining for a Greener Future is a carbon-neutral dinner being hosted by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University on Thursday, Feb. 22. The four-course meal from 12th Street Catering includes dishes made of locally-sourced food, which help reduce the carbon footprint of a meal. To offset it completely, Drexel will plant trees through the nonprofit Trees for the Future.

February 9, 2024

Pets

Philly artist's dog drawing spawns coloring book of Fishtown canines

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia author and illustrator Jennifer Scott created her new 'Dogs of Fishtown' coloring book after she posted a drawing of a dog she drew for a friend to Facebook for Fishtown residents. People immediately asked her to draw her dogs. The self-published coloring book is available on Amazon for $19.99.

February 9, 2024

Food & Drink

Little Susie's Coffee & Pie opens new shop in Point Breeze

by Michaela Althouse

Little Susie's Coffee and Pie has opened its third Philadelphia location, at 1754 S. Chadwick St. in Point Breeze. The takeout shop offers hand pies in classic flavors like cherry and apple, and more experimental flavors like cheesesteak, and pork roll and cheese. The business began in 2019 in Port Richmond and grew popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 8, 2024

Holiday

Underground Arts offers an evening of anti-Valentine's Day dating horror stories

by Michaela Althouse

First Person Arts hosts the 14th annual Ex Files StorySlam event at Underground Arts on Feb. 14. Hear eight storytellers tell their anti-Valentine's Day breakup stories and tales of heartbreak.

February 7, 2024

Social Media

Lincoln Financial Field will shine blue Friday in honor of Delco toddler who unexpectedly died

by Michaela Althouse

Lincoln Financial Field will display blue lights on Friday in honor of 2-year-old Benny Petransky, who unexpectedly died of an illness last week, as part of the #BlueforBenny campaign. Broomall residents have been hanging blue lights at their homes and businesses in a show of support for Benny's family.

February 6, 2024

Food & Drink

Ready for a break-up? Insomnia Cookies will send a handwritten note to your partner – and a few parting treats

by Michaela Althouse

Insomnia Cookies is offering people a new way to split up with their romantic partners. For $30, people can send a box of 12 cookies with a handwritten break-up note to their soon-to-be ex-partner. The 'It's Not Me, It's You' boxes can be purchased through Feb. 18.

February 6, 2024

Investigations

Missing boys from Willingboro found safe and returned home, police say

by Michaela Althouse

A pair of brothers, ages 10 and 12, were returned safely to their family in Willingboro Township, New Jersey, police said. They had been reported missing Monday night after they were last seen walking away from their home in the Garfield North section of the township.

February 6, 2024

Mental Health

Eating fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt may help your mental health

by Michaela Althouse

Eating fermented foods like sourdough bread, sauerkraut, miso, yogurt, kombucha and some cheeses, may provide a boost in mental health, a new study shows. Fermented foods boost gut health, which in turn prompts brain activities that impact mood, memory, cognition and behavior, scientists say.

February 5, 2024

Social Media

Shane Gillis, once fired by SNL for making racist jokes, to host the comedy show Feb. 24

by Michaela Althouse

Shane Gillis will host Saturday Night Live on Feb. 24. His appearance comes five years after he was hired as a full-time cast member, but then quickly fired after videos showed him making racist and homophobic jokes. Neither SNL nor Gillis has commented on his upcoming appearance. The musical guest that night will be 21 Savage.