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

September 30, 2025

Arts & Culture

Academy of Natural Sciences cuts hours due to low visitation, revenue challenges

by Michaela Althouse

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is cutting its operating hours from five days per week to three. Beginning in October, the museum only will be open Fridays through Sundays due to uncertain federal funding and low visitation.

September 30, 2025

Recreation

With new theater company Relic, acting couple makes Philly part of the show

by Michaela Althouse

After nearly quitting acting during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kendyll Young and Grant Struber are opening Relic Theatre Co., which will put on its inaugural show 'Spring Awakening' at Christ Church Neighborhood House from Oct. 9-26.

September 29, 2025

Jobs

Starbucks workers rally after coffee chain closes 6 Philly stores

by Michaela Althouse

Unionized Starbucks workers rallied Sunday in response to the coffee chain's decision to close nearly 400 stores nationwide, including six in Philadelphia. The workers are seeking their first collective bargaining agreement since unionizing in 2021.

September 26, 2025

Food & Drink

Meet the company that recycled 150,000 pounds of cooking oil from Lincoln Financial Field last year

by Michaela Althouse

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions works with some of the biggest venues around Philadelphia to process cooking oil so it can be used more than once. In 2024, the company recycled 150,000 pounds from Lincoln Financial Field.

September 26, 2025

Government

President's House display on George Washington's slaves remains despite White House scrutiny – for now

by Michaela Althouse

The President's House site at Independence National Historical Park, which tells the story of nine people enslaved by George Washington, remains in place despite efforts from the Trump administration to potentially change or remove its display.

September 26, 2025

Education

Penn students are randomly being slapped while walking near the college

by Michaela Althouse

University of Pennsylvania said students and community members are getting randomly slapped on the head while walking in the area around 38th and 40th streets, according to an alert issued Friday.

September 25, 2025

Government

Kimmel saga is just latest development in 'ongoing struggle' between Trump and the media

by Michaela Althouse

The conflict between Jimmy Kimmel and the Trump administration is just the symptom of a larger problem in the media landscape, Penn professor Victor Pickard said. He broke down what he believes is at the root of this conflict.

September 25, 2025

Government

City Council approves additional hiring protections for jobseekers with criminal records

by Michaela Althouse

Newly passed amendments to the city's Fair Hiring Law extend protections for jobseekers with criminal records. The legislation says employers must provide applicants a written explanation for rejecting them over a conviction.

September 25, 2025

Business

Iron Hill Brewery abruptly closes all 16 of its brewpubs

by Michaela Althouse

Iron Hill Brewery announced Thursday morning that it was abruptly closing all 16 of its locations. 'We sincerely hope to return in the future, and when we do, we promise to welcome you with open arms,' the company said.

September 24, 2025

Jimmy Kimmel returns to late night and calls Trump administration's threats against his show 'un-American'

by Michaela Althouse

'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' returned to ABC on Tuesday night, although it was not broadcast by about 70 affiliate stations. In his monologue, Jimmy Kimmel addressed his suspension, the killing of Charlie Kirk and his free speech rights.