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 9, 2025

Media

Two decades ago, Rob McElhenney envisioned 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' as a reverse 'Friends'

by Michaela Althouse

In the New York Times, 'It's Always Sunny' creator Rob McElhenney says he envisioned the show as the opposite of 'Friends.' He sought to explore a group of friends that would never be there for one another. It's 17th season begins Wednesday.

July 8, 2025

Jobs

As negotiations resume on Day 8 of city workers strike, union plans picket line around City Hall on Wednesday

by Michaela Althouse

Negotiations between city and union leaders resumed Tuesday — the eighth day since approximately 9,000 municipal workers in sanitation, streets and maintenance went on strike. The union posted on social media that it's planning to form a picket line around City Hall on Wednesday afternoon.

July 8, 2025

Investigations

Man suspected of shooting Philly school safety officer arrested in North Jersey

by Michaela Althouse

Ariza Giansteban, 28, was arrested Saturday in Paramus, New Jersey, for allegedly shooting a School District of Philadelphia safety officer during a road rage incident near Penn's Landing on June 29, 2025. He is awaiting extradition to Philadelphia, where he is expected to be charged with attempted murder and related offenses.

July 8, 2025

Business

Pa. wineries, stuck between two renowned grape-growing regions, are finally getting their due

by Michaela Althouse

While Pennsylvania winemakers and growers used to be known for sweet, fruit wines, they are rising above climate challenges and starting to get recognized for their unique bottles of whites, rosés and sparking wines. In June, wineries from seven U.S. states won 294 awards at the annual Decanter World Wine Awards, and Pennsylvania producers claimed five prizes.

July 7, 2025

Courts

Trial begins for Bucks County man accused of shooting and beheading his father

by Michaela Althouse

The trial for Justin Mohn, 33, began Monday in Bucks County. The Levittown resident has been accused of shooting his father and beheading his corpse.

July 7, 2025

Arts & Culture

Magic Gardens Studio to hold joint tour with art spaces of Dina and John Wind

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens and the Dina Wind Foundation are teaming up for joint tours of the Magic Gardens Studio on Watkins Street and the workspaces of Dina Wind and her son, John. Tours take on the second Tuesday of each month this summer.

July 7, 2025

Actor John Leguizamo hits the boxing ring and makes tortillas in Philly in new episode of his travel show

by Michaela Althouse

Comedian John Leguizamo highlights Philadelphia's Latino culture in Season 2 of his travel show 'Leguizamo Does America' by interviewing South Philly Barbacoa's Cristina Martinez, Phillies broadcaster Rubén Amaro Jr., Kensington clay artist Roberto Lugo and former City Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, among others.

July 4, 2025

Recreation

Philly Neurodivergent Meetup provides a judgment-free space to make friends

by Michaela Althouse

On the second Sunday of every month, neurodivergent Philadelphians hold a monthly meetup group in Norris Square. Participants say they feel like they can be themselves and its helped them make friends.

July 3, 2025

Movies

A look at the Milton Hershey biopic, which just finished filming in Pa.

by Michaela Althouse

Filming for the Milton Hershey biopic, 'Hershey,' just wrapped in a number of Pennsylvania towns. Creators released the first images for the movie, which is set to be released in 2026.

July 2, 2025

Courts

Bryan Kohberger, the Pa. man charged in University of Idaho stabbings, pleads guilty

by Michaela Althouse

Bryan Kohberger, 30, the Pennsylvania native accused of stabbing to death four University of Idaho students in November 2022, accepted a deal to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty. Kohberger instead will spend his life in prison.