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

February 26, 2025

Recreation

Franklin Square's playground is getting a climbing tower, rope swing and zip line

by Michaela Althouse

Franklin Square is upgrading its playground to include a climbing tower, new swing sets, a zip line and climbing boulders. The historic park also is renovating its bathrooms, adding an amphitheater with outdoor musical instruments and installing a misting area. The work is expected to be finalized by summer 2026.

February 26, 2025

Transportation

Sinkhole in Port Richmond swallows vehicle, shuts down road

by Michaela Althouse

A sinkhole opened up on the 2700 block of Birch Street in Port Richmond on Tuesday afternoon, swallowing a vehicle and leaving another hanging over the edge. The Philadelphia Water Department temporarily shut off water for about 30 homes to fix a 6-inch main break caused by the hole.

February 25, 2025

Real Estate

University of the Arts' Hamilton Hall sold to Scout, the design firm that redid the Bok building

by Michaela Althouse

Scout, the design firm that transformed the Bok building in South Philly, bought Hamilton Hall and Furness Hall during a bankruptcy auction Monday. The building formerly were part of the University of the Arts. Scout says it plans to keep the buildings as spaces for the arts community.

February 24, 2025

Investigations

Camden police officer in critical condition after being stabbed during 'business check'

by Michaela Althouse

A Camden County police officer was stabbed Sunday night while he was stopped at Duran Grocery at Broadway and Chestnut streets in South Camden. He remains in critical but stable condition. The suspect, Richard Dennis of Lindenwold, is in custody.

February 24, 2025

Mental Health

Limiting internet use on smartphones can help boost mental health, attention spans

by Michaela Althouse

Blocking internet access on smartphones leads to improvements in mental health, well-being and attention spans, according to a new study of 467 adults. Researchers say the restrictions encourage people to focus on healthier activities, like spending time in nature and pursuing hobbies.

February 21, 2025

Adult Health

Why athletes like Victor Wembanyama sometimes get blood clots — a condition most common in older adults

by Michaela Althouse

San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama was likely benched for the rest of the season after developing deep vein thrombosis. Also known as blood clots, experts at Penn Medicine and Temple Health said they're rare among young people, but can occur in extreme cases from repetitive motion or after injuries.

February 21, 2025

Books

Black Thought's memoir, 'The Upcycled Self,' is this year's One Book, One Philadelphia pick

by Michaela Althouse

'The Upcycled Self,' a memoir from Tariq Trotter, aka Black Thought, is this year's One Book, One Philadelphia selection, the Free Library revealed Friday. The book chronicles Trotter's life growing up in Philadelphia and his work as a cofounder of The Roots.

February 20, 2025

Shopping

Luxury fashion company Aritzia opens first Philadelphia store in Center City

by Michaela Althouse

Luxury clothing retailer Aritzia opened its first Philly store Thursday. The chain moves in to 1725 Walnut St. after recent closures of retailers Macy's, Vans and the North Face in the area.

February 20, 2025

Nature

A blue penguin was born on Super Bowl Sunday. Adventure Aquarium named him Saquon

by Michaela Althouse

Adventure Aquarium named a baby blue penguin after Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. The penguin was born on Feb. 9 — the same day the Birds won the Super Bowl. It also happens to be Barkley's birthday, too.

February 19, 2025

Transportation

Enthusiasts and passersby share stories about the SS United States as the ship leaves its longtime home in South Philly

by Michaela Althouse

The historic SS United States left South Philadelphia on Wednesday after spending nearly 30 years docked at a pier in the city. Onlookers shared memories of the ship as it moved down the Delaware River.