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 10, 2024

Government

Mayor Cherelle Parker stands firm on return-to-office policy as union's lawsuit to block it heads to court

by Michaela Althouse

All Philadelphia municipal employees will be required to return to in-person work five days a week starting Monday, July 15, if Mayor Cherelle Parker's new policy withstands a lawsuit to stop it filed by the city's white-collar workers union. The lawsuit will be heard in Common Pleas Court on Thursday, July 11.

July 5, 2024

Performances

A circus performance of 'Hamlet' to open at FringeArts this month

by Michaela Althouse

The New York Circus Project's tour stops in Philadelphia July 24 through 28 for a circus performance of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Acrobats will bring a new interpretation to the classic tragedy, which will be at FringeArts.

July 5, 2024

Food & Drink

Diggs Boys Bourbon, a spirits company born of the COVID lockdowns, to begin selling bottles in Pa. state stores

by Michaela Althouse

Diggs Boys Bourbon, a Black-owned spirits company started during the COVID-19 pandemic by three friends from the Philadelphia region, plans to open a distillery and taproom in the city in 2025. Its high-rye bourbon is available online and at stores in 12 states, and Pennsylvania state stores soon will sell it, too.

July 3, 2024

Holiday

Not interested in Welcome America? Consider these other July Fourth events

by Michaela Althouse

Attending Welcome America isn't the only way to celebrate July Fourth in the Philadelphia region. Peddler's Village, Penn Woods Winery and Styer Orchard all have events planned. Parks on Tap and the Philadelphia Horticultural Society's pop up gardens will be open, too.

July 3, 2024

Jobs

Union sues over Mayor Cherelle Parker's return-to-office policy for city workers

by Michaela Althouse

Mayor Cherelle Parker is requiring all city workers to work on site five days a week beginning July 15, 2024. A lawsuit filed by a union representing 6,000 employees claims the policy violates their contract and is asking a judge to block the requirement. The Parker administration contends collective bargaining was not necessary.

July 3, 2024

Transportation

Ben Franklin Bridge to show off its new lights with a July Fourth-themed display

by Michaela Althouse

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge's new lighting system is fully complete. To showcase it, a five-minute, patriotic-themed light display will debut Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. and continue running through Saturday night, the Delaware River Port Authority said.

July 3, 2024

Music

Summer road trip guide: Music, podcast and audiobook recommendations to get through those long drives

by Michaela Althouse

PhillyVoice's staff picked their favorite songs, albums, podcasts and audiobooks to listen to on your next long road trip ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.

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 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 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.