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

January 13, 2025

Adult Health

Insomnia drugs improve sleep, but they also may stop a process that helps prevent dementia

by Michaela Althouse

The sleep drug zolpidem, which is found in Ambien and other insomnia medications, may prevent a brain function that clears the brain of tau and amyloid – proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to a new animal study. A Temple Health expert says more research is needed, because this is the first study to observe this.

January 13, 2025

Festivals

Founders Philly Freeze-Out returns to Manayunk on Feb. 1 with a run, chowder crawl and live ice carvings

by Michaela Althouse

The Founders Philly Freeze-Out returns to Main Street in Manayunk on Feb. 1 with ice sculpture carving demonstrations, chowder samples, a free run and winter market. Plus, local bars and restaurants will have specials.

January 13, 2025

Investigations

125-year-old crown stolen from St. John the Evangelist church in Center City

by Michaela Althouse

A 125-year-old crown was stolen from a statue of the Virgin Mary at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Center City early Saturday morning, Philadelphia police say. Surveillance video shows the thief breaking into the building. The man broke a stained glass window to enter, investigators say. Police are looking for the man.

January 10, 2025

Government

A $13.7 million grant will be used to connect Schuylkill River Trail from Manayunk to Passyunk Avenue

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia received a $13.7 million from the federal grant Friday that will pay for two Schuylkill River Trail connections: the Wissahickon Gateway Trail in Manayunk and the Passyunk Connection in Kingsessing and Elmwood Park.

January 10, 2025

Arts & Culture

Museums and cultural institutions are offering discounts on tickets and memberships during winter

by Michaela Althouse

In the winter, a number of Philadelphia's museums and cultural centers have discounts on admissions and memberships Here's where to find them.

January 10, 2025

Weather

The world just had its hottest year on record. Was 2024 Philly's warmest, too?

by Michaela Althouse

Last year was the hottest on record in the world, according to NASA data released Friday. In Philadelphia, temperatures averaged 58.8 degrees, tying 2012 as the warmest year since the National Weather Service started keeping records in 1874.

January 9, 2025

Wildlife

Philly Zoo offers behind-the-scenes tours in January, including a $500 package with artwork by one of the animals

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Zoo is offering new behind-the-scenes tours while it's closed to the public on weekends in January. For $150 to $500 per person, groups can meet an animal, tour the grounds and visit the Solitude House in Fairmount Park.

January 9, 2025

Government

Engine 6 fire company, established in 1871, reopens after 16 years of being inactive

by Michaela Althouse

The Engine 6 fire station, which serves residents in Kensington, Port Richmond and Fishtown, reopened Thursday after 16 years of being inactive. Based at 2601 Belgrade St., the group was founded in 1871 and operated for more than 100 years before it closed in 2009. It's one of three Philadelphia stations that was restored with the help from a $22.4 million federal grant.

January 8, 2025

Festivals

Weekend Book Bash to host 10 fantasy authors in University City next month

by Michaela Althouse

The Weekend Book Bash at the Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast on Feb. 8-9 will bring 10 Northeastern fantasy authors to University City. The event will have panels, readings and one-on-ones with writers.

January 8, 2025

Business

Rivers Casino Philadelphia suffered data breach late last year

by Michaela Althouse

Rivers Casino Philadelphia was hit with a cyberattack in November 2024, potentially compromising customer personal information, including their names, social security numbers and bank account information. The Fishtown casino is mailing letters to impacted customers.