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 14, 2025

Adult Health

AI has become ubiquitous in online search results, and Americans are using it to answer their health questions

by Michaela Althouse

Most Americans at least sometimes use AI-generated responses when searching online for health information, a new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center shows. But many don't speak to their doctors about what the information they found. They also want providers to rely on their own experiences over AI.

July 14, 2025

Food & Drink

Federal Donuts, Asher's Chocolates roll out a Phish-inspired doughnut

by Michaela Althouse

Federal Donuts, Asher's Chocolate and Phish teamed up to unveil the My Sweet One doughnut, which is named after one of the rock band's songs. The specialty doughnuts are available at Federal Donuts locations through Wednesday and at Asher's Chocolate's beer garden in Souderton on Saturday. A portion of the proceeds benefits charity.

July 11, 2025

Family-Friendly

Adorable baby parades return to the Jersey Shore this summer

by Michaela Althouse

Baby parades return to Cape May, Wildwood and Ocean City in July and August with the chance to win prizes for the cutest kiddos at the Jersey Shore. The century-old tradition includes costume contests and awards for the best floats.

July 11, 2025

Courts

Bucks County man sentenced to life in prison for shooting, beheading his father

by Michaela Althouse

Justin Mohn, the Levittown man accused of shooting and then beheading his father at their home in January 2024, was found guilty of homicide by a Bucks County judge Friday morning. He was sentenced to life in prison.

July 10, 2025

Opioids

Pennsylvania gets $28 million in settlement with 8 opioid manufacturers

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania will get up to $28 million from a settlement between several states and eight drug manufacturers accused of fueling the opioid crisis. Seven of the companies will be banned from producing drugs with large amounts of oxycodone, a prescription painkiller.

July 10, 2025

Jobs

Why the agreement struck between DC 33 and the city isn't a done deal yet

by Michaela Althouse

Blue-collar municipal employees are back to work after a strike of over a week ended when a tentative agreement was reached on a three-year contract. While a labor professor says it's probably the best deal the union could get at this time, he's not sure a majority of members will vote to ratify it.

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

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

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

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.