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

July 23, 2025

Investigations

Woman accused of posing as a nurse at Pennsylvania health care facilities

by Michaela Althouse

Shannon Nicole Womack is accused of faking her identity to work as a nurse at rehabilitation and nursing home facilities in Pennsylvania. State police say she used at least 10 names to gain employment. She also is accused of impersonating four nurses in other states.

July 23, 2025

Arts & Culture

Penn Museum to license online tool developed by Barnes Foundation that provides up-close look at artifacts

by Michaela Althouse

The Penn Museum has partnered with the Barnes Foundation to utilize its Visual Experience Platform, which was designed to allow students in virtual classes to take deep dives into displays. The tool provides 360-degree views of galleries and collections, with an option to zoom in during live and recorded programming.

July 22, 2025

Business

Vintage clothing store Snail to open in Old City, giving jeans, T-shirts and leather goods a 'second life'

by Michaela Althouse

Snail, a new vintage clothing store, is gearing up to open at 159 N. 3rd St. on Aug. 1. Owner Lauren Thomas said she stocks a variety of pieces, but tends to gravitate toward Americana styles in jeans, T-shirts and crewnecks.

July 22, 2025

Music

Low Cut Connie says Wilkes-Barre show was canceled over band's political views

by Michaela Althouse

Philly rock band Low Cut Connie says their show in Wilkes-Barre on Friday night was canceled because of their political views. Earlier this year, the group released a track protesting the Trump administration and withdrew from a concert at the Kennedy Center.

July 21, 2025

Education

Temple could have its largest class of incoming freshmen this fall

by Michaela Althouse

Temple University received the largest amount of deposits ever from accepted students, which could indicate its largest freshman class yet. The jump comes despite a hike in tuition.

July 21, 2025

Environment

Wawa in Wildwood reopens after 800-gallon fuel spill is cleaned up

by Michaela Althouse

Approximately 800 gallons of fuel spilled at the Wawa at 418 W. Rio Grande Ave. in Wildwood during a delivery Sunday evening. The store and nearby roadways have reopened, but it's not clear how much, if any, fuel entered storm drains that feed into the backwaters.

July 18, 2025

History

Inaugural North Philadelphia History Festival to honor the area's cultural past

by Michaela Althouse

The first North Philadelphia History Festival will take place July 24-27 at various locations in Strawberry Mansion, Northern Liberties and the area around Temple University. Events include video screenings, photography exhibits and walking tours on African American and Puerto Rican legacies that helped shaped the areas cultural identity.

July 18, 2025

Food & Drink

Mt. Airy's Jansen will switch to 'greatest hits' tasting menu ahead of Sept. 27 closure

by Michaela Althouse

Jansen, a fine-dining restaurant in Mt. Airy, will close its doors on Sept. 27. But before that happens, it will transition to a tasting menu on weekends in August and daily in September with some of its favorite dishes from the past decade.

July 18, 2025

Transportation

Section of Market Street to close to westbound traffic for over 3 months

by Michaela Althouse

Market Street will close to westbound traffic from Aug. 4 to Nov. 17 to undergo roadway and sidewalk improvements. Drivers should expect delays and will be rerouted to Front Street, Arch Street and 6th Street.

July 17, 2025

Courts

Former Philly police officer Mark Dial, who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry, released on parole after sentencing

by Michaela Althouse

Former Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial was granted immediate parole Thursday after being sentenced to 9.5 months to 2 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry during a traffic stop in Kensington in August 2023. Dial, 29, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in May and served 10 months in prison while he awaited sentencing.