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 28, 2025

Business

Two-story Taco Bell to open next week on Chestnut Street, but it won't be upscale Cantina model as planned

by Michaela Althouse

A two-story Taco Bell will open its doors at 1614 Chestnut St. next week. But franchise owner Danny Patel said he had to scrap plans for a Cantina model, an upscale offering alcoholic beverages, after failing to get a liquor license.

July 28, 2025

Investigations

Ex-Sixer Marcus Morris Sr. arrested at Florida airport on fraud charge

by Michaela Althouse

Marcus Morris Sr., a North Philadelphia native and former 76ers player, was arrested at a Florida airport on Sunday and charged with fraud for allegedly writing a check with insufficient funds. He is currently being held in custody without bail. His agent says the arrest stems from unpaid credit at a casino.

July 25, 2025

Holiday

Christmas light show, Dickens Village will return to Wanamaker Building

by Michaela Althouse

Officials announced plans Friday to bring back the Christmas light show and Dickens Village to the historic Wanamaker Building in Center City. There was uncertainty around the future of the holiday programming, which began 1956, when Macy's closed earlier this year.

July 25, 2025

Government

District Council 47, the white-collar city workers union, ratifies new 3-year deal

by Michaela Althouse

Members of AFSCME District Council 47, the city's white-collar workers union, ratified a new three-year contract that includes annual pay increases, a first-year bonus and a new committee to review citywide discipline. It comes on the heels of District Council 33 approving a new contract after a strike that reached its ninth day.

July 25, 2025

Festivals

Philadelphia Film Festival to screen more than 100 movies in October

by Michaela Althouse

The 2025 Philadelphia Film Festival takes place Oct. 16-26 at the Philadelphia Film Center, Philadelphia Film Society East and the Bourse. More than 100 movies will be screened during the 11-day event. Multi-day passes are on sale now; individual tickets become available in October.

July 24, 2025

Nature

The Perseid meteor shower – the best of the year – is back. Here's how to see it

by Michaela Althouse

The Perseid meteor shower is on display through Sept. 1 in the Northern Hemisphere, with its peak expected to hit Aug. 12-13. The shooting stars can be seen with the naked eye, and more visible shortly before dawn. However, visibility during their peak may be partly obscured by the light of the moon.

July 24, 2025

Technology

N.J. to offer digital driver's licenses and ID cards, following national trend

by Michaela Althouse

New Jersey will soon offer a digital option for ID cards and driver's licenses after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law Wednesday that called for the state's Motor Vehicle Commission to create the technology. The legislation includes protections for users.

July 24, 2025

Weekend

Shakespeare at Clark Park, Christmas in July and after-hours dinos: Your weekend guide of things to do

by Michaela Althouse

Things to do in Philadelphia during July's final weekend include Christmas in July celebrations, Rocky bus tours, North Philadelphia History Festival and outdoor Shakespeare in Clark Park.

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.