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

October 8, 2026

Government

Council to explore creating a city-run grocery store to keep food costs down

by Michaela Althouse

A new bill package proposed in City Council on Thursday aims to tackle food insecurity in Philadelphia by creating an Office of Food and Nutrition Security and a city-run grocery store.

October 7, 2026

Neighborhoods

Restoring Black Bottom's name is a step toward justice for the West Philly neighborhood, longtime advocate says

by Michaela Althouse

A block of Market Street is being renamed after activist Walter Palmer, who has spent decades advocating for former resident of Black Bottom, which was razed in the 1960s to build parts of University City.

October 6, 2026

Investigations

Man arrested after barricade situation in North Philly

by Michaela Althouse

A man who was wanted for a robbery was arrested Monday night after he locked himself in a home at Third and Dauphin streets in North Philadelphia during a confrontation with police.

October 5, 2026

Adult Health

Fasting before blood tests might not be necessary, new research shows

by Michaela Althouse

Many healthcare providers request that patients fast before blood tests, but new research shows that might not be necessary. Though eating can impact the results of certain bloodwork, most test results are unaffected.

October 5, 2026

Music

Taylor Swift's 'Life of a Showgirl' again tops the Billboard 200 as she makes 'SNL' cameo

by Michaela Althouse

Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance on 'Saturday Night Live' over the weekend, supporting host Dakota Johnson. The cameo came as 'Life of a Showgirl: The Encore' topped the Billboard 200 albums chart.

October 2, 2026

Technology

Even Pope Leo now has a stance on artificial intelligence

by Michaela Althouse

Pople Leo XIV, a Villanova grad, made a social media post Friday outlining his stance on AI. The pontiff said algorithms 'lack the spark of humanity' and reaffirmed the church's commitment to human artists and creators.

October 2, 2026

Politics

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta calls on Republican lawmaker to resign for reportedly calling him an anti-gay slur

by Michaela Althouse

State Rep. Malcom Kenyatta, D-181, is urging state Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-8 to resign for reportedly calling Kenyatta an anti-gay slur at a Harrisburg on Tuesday. Bernstine has denied making the remark.

October 1, 2026

Neighborhoods

City recognizes section of University City as Black Bottom, which it was called in early 20th century

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia City Council approved a resolution Thursday which calls for renaming a section of University City as Black Bottom. That neighborhood was largely demolished in the 1960s for an urban renewal project to build up the area around Penn and Drexel.

October 1, 2026

Arts & Culture

History of Lynnewood Hall, the mansion in Elkins Park, includes ties to the Titanic and Philly art museum

by Michaela Althouse

Lynnewood Hall is open to the public this week for a 'Guilded Age'-themed flower show. As guests get a peek inside, here's a look at the home's history, which includes ties to the Titanic and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

September 30, 2026

Real Estate

Clementon Park in South Jersey to be auctioned off in October

by Michaela Althouse

Clementon Park and Splash World in Camden County, New Jersey will be auctioned off on Oct. 19, with bidding starting at $1.5 million. The historic amusement park dates back to 1907.