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 29, 2026

Investigations

Four coaches and six players charged in connection with football hazing incidents at Cheltenham High School

by Michaela Althouse

Six players and four coaches of the Cheltenham High School football team have been charged in connection with two hazing incidents from last year that involved the assault of a 15-year-old sophomore.

July 29, 2026

Netflix docuseries revisits 2022 slayings of four University of Idaho students

by Michaela Althouse

The Netflix series, 'The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare,' revisits the slayings of four University of Idaho students in 2022. The series was released two days after convicted killer Bryan Kohberger filed a petition seeking to rescind his guilty plea.

July 28, 2026

Recreation

Six Flags reveals new roller coaster that it says will break or set six world records

by Michaela Althouse

Six Flags Great Adventure unveiled its new roller coaster, the Bakunawa, on Tuesday. The park says the 382-foot tall attraction will be among the five tallest roller coasters in the world and will hold six world records.

July 28, 2026

Movies

New documentary, '1776 Seconds,' examines Philly life during America's 250th birthday

by Michaela Althouse

A new documentary, '1776 Seconds: Philadelphia Illuminated,' uses footage shot during block parties and community events to capture life in Philly during the United States' 250th birthday celebrations. The film, from Creative Philadelphia, premieres Aug. 4 on the facade of City Hall.

July 28, 2026

Food & Drink

After 5 years as a pop-up, Manna Bakery is opening its first store in Norris Square

by Michaela Althouse

Manna Bakery is opening a storefront at 110 W. Berks St. in Norris Square on Thursday. After years of operating as a pop-up, the Levantine and Palestinian pastry shop plans to offer workshops and classes in addition to selling coffee and sweets.

July 27, 2026

Health News

Red Cross declares national blood crisis, offers incentives for donations

by Michaela Althouse

The American Red Cross declared a national blood crisis Monday due to a sharp drop in donations. The organization is offering gift cards as an incentive to donors, and particularly needs type O blood.

July 24, 2026

Courts

Federal government drops request for names of Penn's Jewish students, staff

by Michaela Althouse

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission agreed to drop its lawsuit asking Penn to turn over the names and contact information of Jewish students and staff. In exchange, the school said it will retract its appeal.

July 24, 2026

Health News

CDC adds Pennsylvania to list of cyclosporiasis outbreak states

by Michaela Althouse

Federal health officials added Pennsylvania to a list of nine states named in the outbreak of cyclosporiasis tied to contaminated lettuce served at Taco Bells. The outbreak has sickened thousands across the country.

July 24, 2026

Investigations

Police searching for potential witness of hit-and-run crash that killed Temple student last month

by Michaela Althouse

Police are asking for the public's help to identify a potential witness to a fatal hit-and-run on Kelly Drive. Temple student Bryce Wolfe, 20, was killed after he was struck by a white SUV and dragged for over a mile on June 24.

July 23, 2026

Health News

Rittenhouse Square dental office that closed due to unsanitary practices is set to reopen

by Michaela Althouse

Smiles at Rittenhouse, now operating at Smiles at the Square, will reopen after dentist Kirti Chopra's license was reinstated this month. In May, patients were asked to get tested for HIV and hepatitis due to unsanitary practices at the office.