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

December 2, 2025

Food & Drink

With Hershey's releasing a Dubai chocolate bar, here are other sweet takes on the trendy treat

by Michaela Althouse

Hershey's is releasing a limited Dubai chocolate bar, but cafes and bakeries in already have the viral pistachio treat. Here's where to find it.

December 1, 2025

Food & Drink

Emmett named to Esquire's best new restaurants list

by Michaela Althouse

Emmett, a Levantine restaurant in Olde Kensington, was named to Esquire's 2025 list of best new restaurants in the United States. It serves a rotating menu of Mediterranean dishes.

December 1, 2025

Investigations

Man arrested for road rage shooting on I-95 in Northeast Philly

by Michaela Althouse

A man was arrested for his role in a road rage shooting on I-95 North in Northeast Philadelphia on Sunday morning, Pennsylvania State Police said. One person was shot after the driver of a Honda Accord opened fire on a Honda CRV near the Cottman Avenue exit, investigators said.

November 28, 2025

Performances

On Stage in December: 'A Christmas Story,' 'Hadestown' and 'Little Women'

by Michaela Althouse

This month, Philadelphia-area theaters are putting on holiday shows including 'A Christmas Story,' 'A Christmas Carol' and 'The Nutcracker.' Plus, find performances of 'Little Women,' 'The Pirates of Penzance' and 'A Wrinkle in Time.'

November 26, 2025

Recreation

By the end of January, over 80% of Philly's libraries will be open on Saturdays

by Michaela Althouse

The Free Library of Philadelphia will resume Saturday hours at the Bushrod, Paschalville and Wyoming libraries by Jan. 24. The Falls of Schuylkill, Torresdale and Wadsworth libraries also recently added weekend operations.

November 26, 2025

LGBTQ

William Way LGBT Community Center is closing Dec. 18, but its programming will continue around the city

by Michaela Althouse

The William Way LGBT Community Center will continue programming in 2026 despite the closure of its longtime headquarters on Spruce Street. Art exhibitions, counseling and other resources will be held around the city.

November 25, 2025

Education

School District of Philadelphia reaches new contract with its principals union

by Michaela Althouse

The School District of Philadelphia and its principals union, Teamsters Local 502 Commonwealth Association of School Administrators, reached a four-year contract late Monday night that include wage increases.

November 25, 2025

Music

For Temple's marching band, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' moment

by Michaela Althouse

Temple University's marching band is performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. Band director Matt Brunner and trombone player Hugh Strother are among those who have dreamed of marching in the parade since they were kids.

November 24, 2025

Transportation

More people to travel for Thanksgiving this year than in 2024

by Michaela Althouse

Thanksgiving travel will be busier than last year, with 81.1 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes, AAA says. The Pennsylvania Turnpike expects 3.4 million drivers between Tuesday and Sunday, and the Philadelphia International Airport says 1 million passengers will pass through its gates between Nov. 21 and Dec. 2.

November 21, 2025

Government

Philly adds protections for workers who are menstruating or going through menopause

by Michaela Althouse

City Council unanimously approved extending Philadelphia's discrimination laws to include menstruation, menopause and perimenopause as protected measures in the workplaces. It goes into effect in 2027.