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 29, 2025

Business

Phoenixville's Bluebird Distilling to add pizzeria and expand its tasting room

by Michaela Althouse

Bluebird Distilling is undergoing a $2 million renovation to add a pizzeria and update its tasting room, coffee shop and bottle shop. The Phoenixville staple will remain open throughout construction. It is expected to be complete by early winter.

May 28, 2025

Investigations

Frozen beef stolen from tractor-trailer truck in Grays Ferry

by Michaela Althouse

Thieves stole $150,000 worth of frozen beef from a tractor-trailer truck that parked overnight on the 1400 block of Warfield Street in Grays Ferry, police said. The drivers woke up at 5:45 a.m. Tuesday to find 10 1/2 pallets of meat missing.

May 28, 2025

Social Media

Josh and Lori Shapiro share 'secret to 28 years of blissful bliss' in anniversary video

by Michaela Althouse

In a video celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary, Josh and Lori Shapiro talked about their early days as high school sweethearts in the 1980s, the secret to a good marriage and their proudest achievement.

May 27, 2025

Investigations

3 shooters involved in Lemon Hill shooting that killed 2, injured 9, police say

by Michaela Althouse

Two people were killed and nine others were injured, including three teenagers in a shooting at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park on Monday night. Police said no arrests have been made, but they believe a glock switch device was used in the incident.

May 27, 2025

Environment

From ant scones to cricket granola, University of Delaware students explore insects as food

by Michaela Althouse

A new course offered at the University of Delaware during the spring semester taught students about the environmental benefits of eating bugs. During the insects as food class, students made recipes such as scones with dried ants and smoothies with mealworm protein powder.

May 26, 2025

Books

Summer reading: Jersey Shore plays a role in these newly released books by local authors

by Michaela Althouse

Four new books by Philadelphia-area authors perfect for Jersey Shore summer reading, including romance novels set in Cape May and short stories exploring life and death.

May 23, 2025

Arts & Culture

UArts 'celebration of life' will be held next month in Hamilton Hall to mark anniversary of closure

by Michaela Althouse

Scout, the new owner of the defunct University of the Arts, will host a four-day 'celebration of life' for the institution from June 4-8 to mark the one-year anniversary of its closure. Musicians, speakers and dancers can sign up for a slot to perform.

May 23, 2025

Adult Health

Billy Joel is getting treated for normal pressure hydrocephalus, a rare brain condition that causes walking difficulties

by Michaela Althouse

Singer Billy Joel canceled his summer tour after being diagnosed with a rare brain issue called normal pressure hydrocephalus. Here's a breakdown of its cause, symptoms and treatment.

May 23, 2025

Recreation

Spruce Street Harbor Park and many spraygrounds open during Memorial Day weekend

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia will kick off Memorial Day by turning on nearly half of the city's spraygrounds throughout the weekend. On Friday night, popular family-friendly attraction Spruce Street Harbor Park will also make its return.

May 22, 2025

Weather

Philly is finally out of a drought after 8 months of abnormally dry conditions

by Michaela Althouse

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, released Thursday, no longer lists Philly in a drought. The city had been in extended drought conditions after an exceptionally dry fall, which included 42 straight days without rain.