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

April 10, 2026

Pets

PAWS offering name-your-fee adoptions after garage collapse caused evacuation

by Michaela Althouse

Philly animal shelter PAWS is offering pay-what-you-can adoptions at its Old City location this weekend after it had to evacuate animals from its Grays Ferry clinic due to the parking garage collapse.

April 9, 2026

Immigration

Bill about special visas for crime victims is City Council's latest effort to add protections for immigrants

by Michaela Althouse

New legislation in Philadelphia City Council would add requirements to speed up the application process for U and T visas, which protect victims of human trafficking and other crimes.

April 8, 2026

Courts

Bucks County men charged in bombing attempt at New York City protest wanted to 'start terror,' prosecutors say

by Michaela Althouse

Two Bucks County men charged in an attempted bombing at a protest outside the home of the New York City mayor last month wanted to 'start terror,' according to a new indictment.

April 8, 2026

Environment

Fireball seen in the skies Tuesday afternoon was a meteor, NASA says

by Michaela Althouse

A meteor caused the fireball in the skies seen by many people on the East Coast on Tuesday afternoon, NASA says. The meteor traveled from Long Island to Galloway, New Jersey, which is near Atlantic City.

April 7, 2026

Investigations

Ex-Cooper Hospital worker charged with stealing medical supplies valued at $2.5 million

by Michaela Althouse

Marci Staub, 44, allegedly stole more than $2.5 million worth of medical supplies from Cooper University Hospital in Camden, prosecutors said Monday. The former surgical assistant has been charged with theft and related offenses.

April 7, 2026

Education

Community College of Philadelphia has failed to keep promises made to avert a strike last year, union says

by Michaela Althouse

The American Federation of Teachers Local 2026 says the Community College of Philadelphia has not kept promises it made last year to avert a strike. The union says it committed to provide students with free SEPTA passes and to reopen a child care center on campus.

April 6, 2026

Weather

Despite incoming cold front and recent rains, there's an elevated risk of wildfires in Pa. and N.J.

by Michaela Althouse

Parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania are at an elevated risk of wildfire spread despite recent rains and an incoming cold front. A National Weather Service official said April is peak season for forest blazes in the area.

April 6, 2026

Health News

Wawa recalls lemonade, iced tea and fruit punch sold at Philly-area stores

by Michaela Althouse

Wawa has recalled 16-ounce bottles of its fruit punch, diet lemonade, lemon iced tea and diet lemon iced tea sold at stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. The drinks may contain an undeclared milk allergen.

April 3, 2026

Museums

Check out these 14 exhibits at Philly museums that honor America's 250th birthday

by Michaela Althouse

Want to learn more about the American history being celebrated this summer and how the country has developed over 250 years? Check out these exhibits at Philadelphia museums and institutions.

April 3, 2026

Education

Penn community says proposed changes to guidelines on campus demonstrations infringe on free speech

by Michaela Althouse

The University of Pennsylvania released a new proposal for its open expression guidelines this week. But students and staff say it's 'rolling back freedoms when it comes to free speech.'