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

May 12, 2025

Food & Drink

Philadelphia restaurants will be featured in Michelin Guide for the first time

by Michaela Althouse

This year's Michelin Guide Northeast Cities edition will include a section on Philadelphia, officials announced Monday. Inspectors are already in the field searching for restaurants to include.

May 12, 2025

Celebrities

Taylor Swift celebrates Mother's Day at Talula's Garden with her mom and the Kelce family

by Michaela Althouse

Pop star Taylor Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, were spotted dining with their mothers at Talula's Garden in Philadelphia on Mother's Day. Jason and Kylie Kelce also at lunch with them.

May 9, 2025

Education

Lawmakers, education leaders condemn Penn for dropping DEI protections in response to executive order

by Michaela Althouse

At a hearing Friday on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Philadelphia universities, local politicians and higher education leaders condemned the University of Pennsylvania's decision to remove DEI language from its policies and websites in response to an executive order from President Donald Trump.

May 8, 2025

Nature

Longwood Gardens' Waterlily Court is back with new plants and other upgrades

by Michaela Althouse

Waterlily Court, the outdoor water garden display at Longwood Gardens, reopens Friday, May 9, after being closed for three years for renovations. It returns with new plants and infrastructure upgrades, including lighting improvements and new heating and plumbing systems.

May 6, 2025

Music

Mt. Joy frontman Matt Quinn says the band's new album is 'the best music we've ever made'

by Michaela Althouse

Mt. Joy frontman Matt Quinn talks about the band's Philly connections, their upcoming album 'Hope We Have Fun,' and ending their tour with two hometown shows at the Mann Center in September.

May 5, 2025

Arts & Culture

Teen's artwork to be sent to the moon as a digital time capsule

by Michaela Althouse

Two hyperrealism works of art by South Jersey teenager Giselle Brown will be inscribed on a small disc that will be taken on a space mission in December as part of the Lunar Codex project.

April 30, 2025

Investigations

Suspect charged with killing man whose body was found in Schuylkill River

by Michaela Althouse

Roger Rosson, 61, was charged with homicide in the death of Joshua Daywalt, 35. Daywalt's body was pulled from the Schuylkill River in East Falls on Feb. 7. He was found with gunshot wounds to the head.

April 30, 2025

Arts & Culture

On Stage in May: 'Some Like it Hot,' 'Rent' and a Founding Father-era remix

by Michaela Althouse

Philly theaters are putting on a number of parodies this month, including Old Academy Players' 'Disenchanted,' Philadelphia Artists' Collective's 'Cato (Remixed)' and 'The 39 Steps' at Lantern Theater Company. Plus, performances of 'Penelope,' a retelling of 'The Odyssey,' and 'Monsieur Chopin.'

April 29, 2025

Festivals

South Street Live! celebrates spring with a mix of family-friendly activities

by Michaela Althouse

South Street Live! takes place May 3 from noon to 8 p.m. along South Street in Philadelphia. Here's a block-by-block guide to all the activities. They include a Kentucky Derby watch party, Renaissance Faire, skateboarding party, Maifest celebration, art market, vinyl record block party and comic book giveaway.

April 28, 2025

Music

'The Twist' singer Chubby Checker to be inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

by Michaela Althouse

Singer Chubby Checker and producer Thom Bell are among 13 artists included in the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class. Checker recorded his famous cover of 'The Twist' while still at South Philadelphia High School. Bell helped craft The Sound of Philadelphia, a style of soul, with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.