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

November 1, 2024

Music

Family of late director agrees to allow orchestra to use Philly Pops name again

by Michaela Althouse

The No Name Pops orchestra can once again go by the Philly Pops after the family of its late longtime director Peter Nero granted the group the naming rights.

November 1, 2024

Weather

As Pa. declares drought watch for Philly, here are tips on how to conserve water

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania declared a drought watch for Philadelphia and its surrounding counties Friday, asking residents to reduce nonessential water use. Here are some easy ways to conserve water.

October 31, 2024

Government

Some City Council members say the process is moving too fast on the proposed 76ers arena

by Michaela Althouse

Two pieces of legislation on scheduling public hearings in November for the proposed 76ers arena on Market Street faced opposition by five City Council members who said the process is moving too fast, but the resolution ultimately passed.

October 30, 2024

Investigations

Philly police shoot man wanted for killing bystander in Kensington

by Michaela Althouse

Philly police officers shot Spencer Majett, 29, during a foot chase in Kensington on Tuesday night, investigators say. Majett was wanted for allegedly shooting to death Felicity Vanatta in Kensington on Oct. 8. Vanatta was a bystander who was shot as an argument played out near the Steak N Beer deli on Kensington Avenue.

October 30, 2024

Food & Drink

Kalaya chef's new cookbook is filled with her favorite home recipes – including her mom's curry paste

by Michaela Althouse

Nok Suntaranon, the chef behind Kalaya in Fishtown, has a new cookbook coming out on Tuesday, Nov. 5. 'Kalaya's Southern Thai Kitchen' features the James Beard Award winner's home recipes, plus instructions to make several of the dishes served at her restaurant.

October 29, 2024

Obituaries

Phoenixville police officer killed in car crash in Warminster

by Michaela Althouse

Phoenixville Police Officer Arthur Scena IV was killed Sunday in a car crash in Warminster Township, Bucks County, as he reportedly was returning home from a funeral for another police officer. He previously worked as a correctional officer for the Montgomery County Prison and as a police officer for Chester and the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

October 29, 2024

Food & Drink

Philadelphia Street Food Festival will serve up $5-or-less bites at Xfinity Live! on Nov. 9

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Street Food Festival, taking place Saturday, Nov. 9, at Xfinity Live!, will feature over 30 food trucks and vendors. All food items will be $5 or less at the family-friendly event.

October 28, 2024

Arts & Culture

See where Billie Holiday and Jackie Robinson stayed in Philly on this Green Book walking tour

by Michaela Althouse

The Green Book Walking Tour on Saturday, Nov. 9, stops at about 15 sites once listed in the 'Negro Motorists Green Book,' a publication Black Americans used to find safe places to eat and stay in the early 20th century. The tour includes stops at places where jazz legend Billie Holiday and baseball star Jackie Robinson once stayed.

October 28, 2024

Arts & Culture

On stage in November: 'Hamilton,' 'Peter Panto' and an unsanctioned Obama musical

by Michaela Althouse

Rock out to multiple political musicals this month when "Hamilton" and "44 — The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL" come to town. Multiple theaters are also embracing the holidays with "The Thanksgiving Play" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

October 28, 2024

Investigations

Body of missing woman found wrapped in towel and blanket inside Lawncrest home

by Michaela Althouse

The body of Ivelisse Lugo, who was reported missing Saturday, was found wrapped in a towel and a blanket Sunday in the garage of a home on the the 5900 block of Elsinore Street in Lawncrest, Philadelphia police said.