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 4, 2025

Technology

Penn data breach included info about Joe Biden and ex-university president Liz Magill, hackers claim

by Michaela Althouse

The hackers behind the University of Pennsylvania data breach reportedly claim to have personal information about former President Joe Biden and ex-Penn President Liz Magill. Penn has alerted the FBI about the data breach.

November 4, 2025

Jobs

Hampton Inn staffers ratify new union contract; employees at 7 Center City hotels are working on expired deals

by Michaela Althouse

Employees at the Hampton Inn in Center City ratified a new contract Friday. In mid-October, they went on a four-day strike alongside workers at the Sheraton. Workers at seven other Center City hotels are working on expired deals.

November 3, 2025

Weather

The moon will be at its biggest and brightest of the year on Wednesday night

by Michaela Althouse

A supermoon will be on display Wednesday night, and this one will appear as the biggest and brightest of the year. Unlike last year's November supermoon, a local meteorologist said there's a low risk for flooding.

November 3, 2025

Transportation

Red, bus-only lanes to be added to 3 streets in Center City, South Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Red, bus-only lanes are being added on three Philadelphia streets: Chestnut Street from Broad to 21st streets, Walnut Street from Broad to 19th streets, and Oregon Avenue from Fifth to Front streets. They are intended to deter double parking.

October 31, 2025

Government

City Council moves to establish a board to oversee proposed retirement program for non-city workers

by Michaela Althouse

A bill introduced Thursday by City Council calls for a ballot question in May about establishing a board to oversee PhillySaves, a proposed retirement program for non-city workers.

October 31, 2025

Education

Disparaging email sent to Penn students, alumni is fake, university says

by Michaela Althouse

University of Pennsylvania students and alumni received a fraudulent email Friday that criticized the Ivy League school as 'elite' and urged people against donating to it. Penn says it is working to address the issue.

October 31, 2025

Business

Disney-owned channels, including 6ABC, go dark on YouTube TV as negotiations on new deal continue

by Michaela Althouse

YouTube TV's approximately 10 million subscribers no longer have access to Disney-owned stations, including ABC and ESPN, after their carrier deal expired at midnight Thursday and the two sides failed to reach a new agreement.

October 30, 2025

Government

City Council approves 10-cent fee on paper bags, but mayor could still veto bill

by Michaela Althouse

City Council approved a bill Thursday that would require grocery stores and other retailers to charge 10 cents for every paper bag. However, with only 10 yes votes, the legislation lacked a supermajority and could be vetoed by the mayor.

October 29, 2025

Government

Philly will use a record budget surplus to face funding uncertainties, Mayor Parker says

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia ended fiscal year 2025 with a $1.19 billion fund balance — the city's largest budget surplus, Mayor Cherelle Parker says. The surplus will be used to safeguard against state and federal funding uncertainties.

October 29, 2025

Government

Pa. lawmakers propose using 'rainy day funds' to support food banks when SNAP benefits freeze

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania lawmakers proposed legislation this week calling for the state to use its 'rainy day fund' to support food banks and Meals on Wheels when SNAP benefits pause on Nov. 1.