Michaela Althouse

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

December 17, 2024

Fitness

At FDR Park, you can take a private sauna this winter outside the American Swedish museum

The American Swedish Historical Museum has outdoor saunas available to rent from Dec. 26 to March 29. Private groups of up to four people can rent them for 45 minutes for $120 to $150. The saunas are tied to the Sauna is Life exhibit on display at the museum in FDR Park.

December 17, 2024

Investigations

Two people shot while sitting in parked car in Northeast Philly

A man and woman who were sitting in a parked car on the 5900 block of Algon Avenue in Crescentville were shot late Monday night, Philadelphia police say. Investigators said 22 shots were fired; the man and woman were hospitalized in stable condition. Police have not released information about any suspects.

December 16, 2024

Arts & Culture

New fashion school in Kensington focuses on the art of selling clothes – not designing them

The Fashion Retail & Style Institute in Kensington begins its first 12-week program on Jan. 20. The school was created by entrepreneur Ebony Pratt, a North Philly native, to emphasize the art of selling clothes — not designing them.

December 16, 2024

Nonprofits

AIDS Fund Philly to close after 35 years spent working to reduce HIV infections

AIDS Fund Philly, which has spent 35 years working to reduce HIV infections and AIDS deaths, is closing on Dec. 31, 2024. The nonprofit has raised money for people with HIV and organizations that serve them through its monthly GayBINGO and annual AIDS Walk Philly events.

December 13, 2024

Investigations

South Street pawn shop owners accused of selling $19 million in stolen goods

The owners of Society Hill Loan, a pawn shop on South Street, are accused of buying and selling nearly $20 million of goods stolen from stores like Home Depot, Target, Walmart, CVS and Safeway. Larry and Nathaniel Leonard, who also own pawn shops in Kensington and Wilmington, Delaware, are facing federal charges.

December 13, 2024

History

Descendant of 17th century colonist helps find ancestor's remains using radar at Gloria Dei Church cemetery

A descendant of Peter Rambo, a 17th century colonist, helped find his ancestor's remains using ground-penetrating radar at Gloria Dei Church cemetery. While the cemetery in Queen Village has been in continuous operation since 1677, documentation with burial locations didn't exist until a tombstone inscription book was made in 1877, leaving a 200-year gap in the records.

December 12, 2024

Government

City Council steps in to halt possible demolition of Joe Frazier's gym

The former gym of Philly boxing legend Joe Frazier at 2917 N. Broad St. has continually failed inspections, and the city said it could demolish the building if deterioration continues despite it having landmark status. City Council passed a resolution Thursday to protect the building and find a new use for it.

December 11, 2024

Business

Atlantic City's first full-service LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant in two decades to open next month

Owner Jason Tell will open the ByrdCage next month at the former Good Dog Bar space in Atlantic City. The restaurant, which will be the city's first full-service LGBTQ+ bar in two decades, will feature a piano lounge and entertainment space for drag events, theme nights and nightlife.

December 11, 2024

Investigations

Jason Kelce won't be charged for smashing man's phone before Penn State football game

Jason Kelce won't be charged for slamming a man's phone into the ground before Penn State's game against Ohio State in State College on Nov. 2, university police say. A video of the incident shows the former Eagles star confronting a man who appears to shout an anti-gay slur in reference to his brother Travis Kelce for dating Taylor Swift.

December 10, 2024

Investigations

Delco man charged in shooting that led to fatal car crash on I-95

Marquice Pierce was charged with murder and related crimes Monday for his alleged involvement in a double homicide on I-95 in September. Marquise is accused of fatally shooting Clinton Martin as he drove on the highway. Martin's car then struck and killed bystander Joshua Waltz, investigators said.

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