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

August 26, 2026

Courts

Here are the child safety features Facebook and Instagram must adopt as part of $17.1 billion lawsuit settlement

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, reached a $17.1 billion agreement to settle a lawsuit with 47 states. The terms require the social media platforms to adopt new child safety standards. Here's what they entail, and the amount of money Pennsylvania and New Jersey are set to receive.

August 26, 2026

Wildlife

How a megalodon tooth washed ashore in Sea Isle City is a 'human mystery,' paleontologist says

While finding a megalodon tooth on a U.S. coastline isn't exceptionally rare, the prehistoric shark fossil that washed ashore this month in Sea Isle City is a 'human mystery,' a paleontologist says.

August 26, 2026

Investigations

Masked man accused of terrorizing people in Center City is arrested in Las Vegas

Zymire Hughes, 22, the man accused of harassing people in Center City earlier this month while wearing a Halloween mask, was arrested Tuesday night in Las Vegas by the U.S. Marshals Service.

August 25, 2026

Food & Drink

Food Network's Michael Symon says this Philly restaurant is the most 'special' in the U.S. and Michelin is crazy to snub it

Food Network star Michael Symon sang the praises of Marc Vetri on the 'Put It In My Mouth' podcast, criticizing the Michelin Guide for overlooking Vetri Cucina and calling the Philly chef 'the greatest Italian chef in America.'

August 24, 2026

Celebrities

New Jersey Lottery teams up with Jon Bon Jovi on new scratch-off game

The New Jersey Lottery is rolling out a new, Jon Bon Jovi-themed scratch-off game on Oct. 5. The $5 tickets will offer players the chance to win up to $200,000.

August 24, 2026

Food & Drink

Mixteca, an agave bar opening in the former Martha space, to serve up two Philly-inspired drinks

Mixteca, a new agave bar and Mexican restaurant, will open Friday, Aug. 28, at the former site of Martha in East Kensington. It will be a second location of the concept, which originated in New York City's West Village.

August 24, 2026

Transportation

Market Street Bridge in Center City closes for 14 months due to construction project

The Market Street Bridge in Philadelphia closed to motorists Monday as PennDOT moved on to the next stage of a $149 million revitalization project. Pedestrians may still cross the bridge.

August 21, 2026

Food & Drink

Severe storms wiped out Dîner en Blanc, but some people who purchased tickets can still get a free meal

Dîner en Blanc, the annual outdoor dinner party, was canceled for the first time in 14 years due to severe storms Thursday. Guests who bought tickets can pick up food Friday at the Feast Your Eyes' headquarters.

August 20, 2026

Investigations

Man who allegedly wore Halloween mask to terrorize people near City Hall identified by police

Zymire Hughes, 22, has been identified by Philadelphia police as the man who allegedly harassed people near City Hall last week while wearing a Halloween mask. He is still at large, and investigators believe he might have fled Pennsylvania.

August 20, 2026

Politics

Philly named one of three finalists to host 2028 Democratic National Convention

Philadelphia on Thursday was named one of three finalists to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Denver and Boston are also still in the running. The last time Philadelphia hosted the event was 2016.

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