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

August 31, 2026

Investigations

2 women found dead in suspected murder-suicide in Ogontz

by Michaela Althouse

Two women were found dead in a home in Ogontz on Sunday following a barricade situation. Police are investigating their deaths as a murder-suicide.

August 28, 2026

Entertainment

Where are the best places to watch the Philadelphia Cycling Classic as it returns Sunday after a 10-year hiatus?

by Michaela Althouse

After a 10-year hiatus, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic will make its return Sunday. Here are four of the best viewing areas along the 14.4-mile loop that starts and ends on Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

August 28, 2026

Investigations

Police investigating officer who failed to help man moments before he was fatally struck by vehicle

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia police are investigating an officer who left a man lying in a bike lane moments before he was fatally struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run early Thursday morning in Olney.

August 27, 2026

Investigations

Off-duty Philly police officer was killed at illegal 'speakeasy,' DA's office says

by Michaela Althouse

An off-duty Philadelphia police officer who was fatally shot on Aug. 16 was killed outside an illegal speakeasy, the District Attorney's Office said. Investigators have identified the shooter, but no one has been charged.

August 27, 2026

Transportation

SEPTA to close trolley tunnel on these four weekends for repair work

by Michaela Althouse

SEPTA's T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 trolley lines will switch to bus service over the next four weekends, because the trolley tunnel is being closed for repairs. Riders traveling to and from Center City can transfer between the buses and Market-Frankford Line at 40th Street.

August 26, 2026

Investigations

Masked man accused of terrorizing people in Center City is arrested in Las Vegas

by Michaela Althouse

Zymire Hughes, 22, the man accused of harassing people in Center City earlier this month while wearing a Halloween mask, was arrested Tuesday night in Las Vegas by the U.S. Marshals Service.

August 26, 2026

Wildlife

How a megalodon tooth washed ashore in Sea Isle City is a 'human mystery,' paleontologist says

by Michaela Althouse

While finding a megalodon tooth on a U.S. coastline isn't exceptionally rare, the prehistoric shark fossil that washed ashore this month in Sea Isle City is a 'human mystery,' a paleontologist says.

August 26, 2026

Courts

Here are the child safety features Facebook and Instagram must adopt as part of $17.1 billion lawsuit settlement

by Michaela Althouse

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, reached a $17.1 billion agreement to settle a lawsuit with 47 states. The terms require the social media platforms to adopt new child safety standards. Here's what they entail, and the amount of money Pennsylvania and New Jersey are set to receive.

August 25, 2026

Food & Drink

Food Network's Michael Symon says this Philly restaurant is the most 'special' in the U.S. and Michelin is crazy to snub it

by Michaela Althouse

Food Network star Michael Symon sang the praises of Marc Vetri on the 'Put It In My Mouth' podcast, criticizing the Michelin Guide for overlooking Vetri Cucina and calling the Philly chef 'the greatest Italian chef in America.'

August 24, 2026

Food & Drink

Mixteca, an agave bar opening in the former Martha space, to serve up two Philly-inspired drinks

by Michaela Althouse

Mixteca, a new agave bar and Mexican restaurant, will open Friday, Aug. 28, at the former site of Martha in East Kensington. It will be a second location of the concept, which originated in New York City's West Village.