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

June 12, 2025

Government

City Council approves Mayor Parker's $6.8 billion 2026 budget. See what's in it for businesses, public safety and SEPTA

by Michaela Althouse

City Council approved Mayor Cherelle Parker's $6.8 billion budget for 2026 during Thursday's meeting. The final plan wasn't drastically different from the $6.7 billion proposal made in March, with both including gradual tax cuts for businesses and funding for public safety efforts.

June 12, 2025

Government

Mayor Parker's H.O.M.E. initiative and renter protections approved in final council session before summer recess

by Michaela Althouse

City Council approved Mayor Cherelle Parker's H.O.M.E. plan for affordable housing, with additional oversight stipulations. The governing body also voted in favor of bills calling for a renter displacement fund and allowing renters to pay security deposits in installments if they're larger than one month's rent.

June 11, 2025

Food & Drink

Evil Genius Brewing Co. combines books and brews in pop-up fair Saturday

by Michaela Althouse

Evil Genius Beer Co. will host a Pints & Pages boozy book fair on Saturday featuring new reads, comics, vinyls, VHS tapes and more.

June 10, 2025

Investigations

Atlantic City police recover stolen guitar from rock band Heart

by Michaela Althouse

A guitar stolen from rock band Heart before their show in Atlantic City has been recovered, police said Tuesday. Detectives used surveillance footage to track the alleged thief, who sold it to an unnamed woman. A mandolin taken at the same time is still missing.

June 10, 2025

Courts

Pennsylvania joins multi-state lawsuit to prevent sale of 23andMe's personal genetic data

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania is one of 27 states suing to block the sale of DNA testing company 23andMe to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. The states argue that consumer privacy is at stake, given the highly sensitive nature of the company's data.

June 10, 2025

'Call Her Daddy' host Alex Cooper accuses former coach of sexual harassment in new documentary

by Michaela Althouse

In her new documentary, 'Call Her Alex,' podcast host Alex Cooper said she was sexually harassed by her soccer coach at Boston University. The two-episode series premiered Tuesday on Hulu.

June 9, 2025

Arts & Culture

Leslie Odom Jr., Jonathan Groff reprise 'Hamilton' roles for original cast's reunion at Tony Awards

by Michaela Althouse

The original 'Hamilton' cast, including Philadelphia native Leslie Odom Jr. and Lancaster County's Jonathon Groff, reprised their roles at the Tony Awards on Sunday night to perform a medley in celebration of the Broadway show's 10th anniversary.

June 9, 2025

Books

Juliana Pache's latest 'Black Crossword' book ups the difficulty level of her puzzles on the African diaspora

by Michaela Althouse

Temple University graduate Juliana Pache has released her second 'Black Crossword' book with puzzles about the African diaspora. This one includes midi puzzles that are larger than the mini puzzles she previously has released, but still smaller than the standard crosswords.

June 9, 2025

Environment

What should you do if you encounter a coyote in Wissahickon Valley Park?

by Michaela Althouse

The Friends of the Wissahickon said people with dogs have reported two recent close encounters with coyotes. Wildlife experts say coyotes are typically harmless, so the sightings in Wissahickon Valley Park aren't a reason to panic. But they advised hikers to avoid the Devil's Pool area where they were spotted.

June 6, 2025

Transportation

Struggling to find parking near the Ocean City boardwalk? This app can help

by Michaela Althouse

With the newly launched Ocean City Parking Spot app, drivers can see in real time where there are available spaces at the shore town's municipal lots.