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 19, 2025

Movies

SS United States documentary to show ship's journey from Philly to sea floor

by Michaela Althouse

A new documentary about the SS United States will include footage of its journey from Philadelphia to Alabama and its upcoming sinking off of the Florida coast. The movie will be released in 2026.

November 18, 2025

Lawsuits

Families of Northeast Philly plane crash victims file wrongful death lawsuit

by Michaela Althouse

The families of Raul Meza Arredondo and Lizeth Murillo Osuna, who were killed in the Northeast Philadelphia plane crash on Jan. 31, 2025, have filed suit against the Mexican aircraft carrier Med Jets. Osuna was traveling with her 11-year-old daughter, who also was killed.

November 18, 2025

Food & Drink

Three Philly restaurants earn stars in Michelin Guide's first review of the city's dining scene

by Michaela Althouse

The Michelin Guide, one of the more prestigious culinary reviews, evaluated Philadelphia's dining scene for the first time and three restaurants — Her Place Supper Club, Friday Saturday Sunday and Provenance — were awarded a star.

November 17, 2025

Shopping

These holiday markets offer an array of art, jewelry, home decor and other handmade items

by Michaela Althouse

Nearly 20 holiday markets featuring art, jewelry, home decor and other handmade goods are taking place in the Philadelphia region this November and December. Here's where to find them.

November 17, 2025

Transportation

SEPTA transit workers union votes to authorize strike amid Regional Rail disruptions

by Michaela Althouse

SEPTA's largest union voted to authorize a strike Sunday, allowing them to walk off the job if contract negotiations break down. TWU Local 234 represents bus, trolley and subway operators. A work stoppage would come on top of ongoing Regional Rail disruptions.

November 17, 2025

Food & Drink

Which Philly restaurants could earn Michelin stars and how did other U.S. cities do in their debuts?

by Michaela Althouse

On Tuesday, officials will unveil the 2025 Northeast Cities edition of the Michelin Guide, which will include Philadelphia restaurants for the first time. Here's how other U.S. cities fared in their first year and some Philly contenders.

November 14, 2025

Government

SNAP benefits resume in full in Pa. following end of government shutdown

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania residents should receive their monthly SNAP benefits in full in the coming days, state officials said Thursday. The benefits program had been paused during the government shutdown.

November 13, 2025

History

Independence Hall to close for two months for renovations to prepare for 2026 festivities

by Michaela Althouse

Independence Hall will be closed to the public from now until Jan. 28 for repairs and upgrades to the building. Changes include adding accessible ramps and restoring some of the original elements in the space.

November 13, 2025

Environment

City Council's bill to charge 10 cents for paper bags to become law despite lack of support from mayor

by Michaela Althouse

A bill passed in City Council that requires stores to charge a 10 cent fee for every paper bag used will become law. However, Mayor Cherelle Parker declined to sign the legislation.

November 12, 2025

Food & Drink

Herr's holds chip contest for America's 250th birthday, featuring flavors that embody freedom, liberty and unity

by Michaela Althouse

Herr's is hosting a chip flavor contest in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Voters can choose from one of three flavors in the liberty, unity and freedom categories.