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

December 22, 2025

Holiday

Philly expands New Year's Eve firework shows so there are more places to 'enjoy the magic'

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia's New Year's Eve firework shows to include two additional launching points so more people will be able to catch the illuminations from their neighborhoods, officials said Monday. There will also be a free concert on Dec. 31.

December 22, 2025

Wildlife

Two African penguins, a critically endangered species, born at Adventure Aquarium

by Michaela Althouse

Two African penguins, a critically endangered species, were born at Adventure Aquarium in Camden in early November. Oscar and Duffy are the 51st and 52nd chicks to hatch at the aquarium.

December 22, 2025

Business

McMillan's Bakery in South Jersey will not reopen, family says

by Michaela Althouse

McMillan's Bakery, a South Jersey staple in Haddon Township, will not reopen, the family said Monday. Previous news reports said it would return under new ownership with the help of a family member.

December 18, 2025

History

After 15 years, the President's House Site continues to tell the story of slavery in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

The President's House Site at Independence National Historical Park will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Sunday. Founder Michael Coard spoke about establishing the exhibit and its lasting legacy.

December 17, 2025

Food & Drink

New hot sauce from HotBox Philly to raise money for Ya Fav Trashman's neighborhood cleanups

by Michaela Althouse

Terrill Haigler, better known as Ya Fav Trashman, and HotBox Philly have created a new hot sauce, called Street Heat, in an effort to raise money for Haigler's organization Trash 2 Treasure, which conducts neighborhood cleanups.

December 17, 2025

Investigations

Man accused of hit-and-run crash that killed an Uber rider surrenders to police

by Michaela Althouse

Joseph Cini, who allegedly crashed his car into a Jeep Patriot, killing an Uber rider and injuring the driver, turned himself in to Philadelphia police on Tuesday night. He was fleeing arrest when the crash occurred Monday morning.

December 16, 2025

Courts

Bucks County man, 51, pleads guilty to killing mother and covering her body with a pile of furniture and linens

by Michaela Althouse

William Ingram, 51, pleaded guilty Monday to killing his mother, Dolores Ingram, 82, and covering her body in a pile of furniture, clothes and towels at their Holland, Bucks County, home in June 2024. He will be sentenced to 26 to 54 years in prison.

December 15, 2025

Transportation

SEPTA's upgraded Wissahickon Transit Center opens in Northwest Philly

by Michaela Althouse

SEPTA opened its upgraded Wissahickon Transit Center on Sunday after two years of construction. The $50 million project includes new ADA accessibility, a bus-only turning lane and a facility six times the size of the previous one.

December 15, 2025

Investigations

93-year-old man found stabbed to death in his North Philly home allegedly was killed by his ex-neighbor

by Michaela Althouse

Lafayette Dailey, 93, allegedly was stabbed to death by Coy Thomas, 53, on Dec. 3 at his home in North Philadelphia, investigators say. Thomas also is accused of stealing Dailey's wallet and car following the homicide. He has been charged with murder and related charges.

December 12, 2025

Holiday

LL Cool J, who dropped out of Welcome America, to perform free New Year's Eve concert on the Parkway

by Michaela Althouse

Rapper LL Cool J will headline a New Year's Eve concert that will be followed by fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The musician is returning to the city after dropping out of the Wawa Welcome America concert in July.