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 22, 2026

Arts & Culture

Artist selling 'Bird Gang' T-shirts to raise money to repaint 35-foot pigeon mural

by Michaela Althouse

A 35-foot mural of a pigeon in Fishtown was obstructed by a new apartment building. Now, the artist is selling 'Bird Gang' T-shirts to raise money to repaint it elsewhere in the neighborhood and in Graduate Hospital.

September 21, 2026

Health News

Health officials warn of a measles exposure at the Philly airport

by Michaela Althouse

Health officials reported a possible measles exposure on Sep. 13-14 at the Philadelphia International Airport. A traveler passing through the city stopped in Terminals B and F and passed through Terminals C, D and E.

September 21, 2026

Government

SNAP recipients in Pa. to get small bump in monthly payments and more secure cards in near future

by Michaela Althouse

SNAP recipients will see a small increase in monthly payments starting Oct. 1. The change comes after officials in Pennsylvania announced a plan to invest $7 million to upgrade SNAP card technology to prevent theft.

September 18, 2026

Food & Drink

Chef's Pick: When RJ Smith isn't running Ocho Supper Club, here's where he loves to eat in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

In an interview with PhillyVoice for its Chef's Pick series, Ocho Supper Club founder RJ Smith shares his favorite Philly restaurants and dishes, tips for home cooks and what makes the city's dining scene so special.

September 18, 2026

Business

Both looking to expand in Center City, owners of a bookstore and a coffee shop found a natural partnership

by Michaela Althouse

Owners of a bookstore and a coffee shop who were looking to expand in Center City teamed up. Page Burners, Philly's second romance-only bookstore, and Mad Cat Brewtique will open Saturday at 2036 Sansom St.

September 18, 2026

Former 'Bachelor' Joey Graziadei named to next season of 'The Traitors'

by Michaela Althouse

Joey Graziadei will join 22 other celebrities in Season 6 of 'The Traitors,' Peacock announced Friday. The Collegeville native first rose to fame on 'The Bachelorette' and later won 'Dancing With The Stars.'

September 17, 2026

Politics

City Council to explore options to save Academy of Natural Sciences

by Michaela Althouse

City Council will hold hearings to examine the closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences. Legislation was introduced Thursday to develop alternatives that could keep the institution open and protect its collections.

September 16, 2026

Music

Opening acts drop out of Ed Sheeran's show in Philly in protest of Macklemore being booted from the tour

by Michaela Althouse

Openers Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham have left Ed Sheeran's 'Loop Tour' in protest of Macklemore being removed for sharing a pro-Palestine message on stage. The tour is set to resume at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday following a 10-day break.

September 15, 2026

Adult Health

Most American adults feel fatigued with regularity. Here's how to overcome it

by Michaela Althouse

More than 7 in 10 American adults regularly experience fatigue, a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows. Here's how to increase your energy levels.

September 15, 2026

Tom Pelphrey earns Emmy for 'Task' role and Sabrina Carpenter's 'Muppets' special wins, too

by Michaela Althouse

'Task' actor Tom Pelphrey won the 2026 Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series and Sabrina Carpenter's 'The Muppet Show' special won the award for best prerecorded variety special. 'Abbott Elementary' was nominated for seven awards but did not win any.