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

April 4, 2025

Government

Proposed curfew would limit hours for some businesses in Kensington, Fairhill and Germantown

by Michaela Althouse

Councilmember Quetcy Lozada introduced a bill Thursday to expand the boundaries of business curfews in multiple districts in Philly and bump up the fine for violators from $500 to $1,000. The curfew would force more takeout spots and corner stores to be closed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. The restrictions don't include restaurants that have a liquor license, which can remain open until 2 a.m.

April 4, 2025

Business

Yemeni coffee shops are gaining popularity, and now there's one in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Haraz Coffee House, a Yemeni coffee shop at 3421 Chestnut St. in University City, offers traditional Middle Eastern drinks and desserts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its owners, Farah Khan and Hamza Shaikh, hope to extend those hours to as late a midnight, envisioning their business as a late-night gathering space for people who don't like bars.

April 3, 2025

Government

City Council to investigate state of higher education following string of mergers and closures

by Michaela Althouse

City Council will hold hearings on the state of higher education in the Philadelphia region after recent announcements of closures and mergers because of rising costs and low enrollment. Earlier this week, Rosemont College agreed to merge with Villanova University.

April 3, 2025

Food & Drink

Parks on Tap returns with longer tour of Philly, starting April 9

by Michaela Althouse

Parks on Tap, Philadelphia's traveling beer garden, returns April 9 for its longest season yet. Find the complete 2025 schedule with park locations across the city through October.

April 2, 2025

Celebrities

Jason and Kylie Kelce announce birth of their fourth child, Finnley Anne

by Michaela Althouse

Former Eagles player Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie, announced the birth of their fourth daughter, Finnley Anne. Jason showed off the baby girl, who was born Sunday, on his 'New Heights' podcast Wednesday morning.

April 1, 2025

Investigations

Fifth person charged in 2023 North Philly playground shooting that killed 3

by Michaela Althouse

Authorities say Tyyon Bates, 20, was the final suspect sought in the August 2023 targeted shooting that killed three men playing basketball at 8th and Diamond.

April 1, 2025

Music

Kevin Hart returns as Chocolate Droppa in Tiny Desk Concert for April Fools' Day

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia comedian Kevin Hart was featured in an NPR Tiny Desk Concert video as his rapper alter ego, Chocolate Droppa, for April Fools' Day. In it, which he claimed was entirely freestyle, he said he planned to drop a new album.

March 31, 2025

Investigations

Teenager injured in shooting near Temple University during Eid al-Fitr event

by Michaela Althouse

A boy, 15, was shot in the arm and taken to Temple University Hospital following a shooting near Temple University's campus during an Eid al-Fitr celebration.

March 31, 2025

Government

City reopens program to repair broken concrete, potholes on shared driveways

by Michaela Althouse

Homeowners with a shared driveway can again apply for a city-run program for pavement repairs. Officials expect to fix about 50-60 driveways by the end of this year through the Neighborhood Infrastructure Driveway Repair initiative.

March 28, 2025

Investigations

Masonry company owner becomes fourth official charged in 30th Street Station bribery case

by Michaela Althouse

Mark Snedden, the owner of MARK 1 masonry company in Illinois, became the fourth company official to be indicted in a bribery case involving the 30th Street Station restoration. Employees allegedly paid over $300,000 in gifts to an Amtrak official in exchange for inflated invoices.