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 7, 2026

Education

Cheltenham School District superintendent resigns in fallout from football team's hazing scandal

by Michaela Althouse

Cheltenham School District Superintendent Brian Scriven has resigned after 10 coaches and players on the Cheltenham High School football team were charged in a hazing scandal last week.

August 6, 2026

Food & Drink

Philadelphia Cycling Classic's return leads to a new beer from Mainstay Brewing Co.

by Michaela Althouse

Mainstay Independent Brewing is releasing a new beer to celebrate the return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic. The Vienna-style lager will be sold in cans at beer distributors and on draft at Parks on Tap and at the race's fan festival in Center City.

August 6, 2026

Prevention

First mRNA-based flu vaccine approved by the FDA for older adults

by Michaela Althouse

Moderna's mRNA-based flu shot, which relies on the same technology used in many COVID-19 shots, has been approved by Food and Drug Administration for adults 50 and older.

August 5, 2026

Investigations

Human remains found in wooded area of Northeast Philly, police say

by Michaela Althouse

Human remains were found Tuesday night in a wooded area of Northeast Philadelphia, not far from Franklin Mall, police say. The person's identity and cause of death have not been determined.

August 5, 2026

Celebrities

To Colman Domingo, playing historic figures like Joe Jackson and Nat King Cole is 'soul work'

by Michaela Althouse

Colman Domingo explained how prepares to play historic figures like Joe Jackson and Nat King Cole during an appearance Tuesday on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.' He also talked about his role in 'The Four Seasons.'

August 4, 2026

Mental Health

AI chatbot companions could be making adults more lonely, new study finds

by Michaela Althouse

Stanford University researchers found that many people use AI companions to reduce loneliness, but without a strong in-person social network, using the tools actually might contribute to people feeling even more isolated.

August 4, 2026

Investigations

Quakertown police chief created 'fog of war' in clash between anti-ICE student protesters and police

by Michaela Althouse

Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree's use of force during an anti-ICE protest held by teenagers in February 2026 was lawful, a report from the Bucks County District Attorney's Office says. But it criticized McElree's conduct, saying he made a 'calamitous' that escalated tensions into violent clash between teens and police.

August 3, 2026

Investigations

Assisted living facility in South Jersey evacuated after van crash sparks fire

by Michaela Althouse

Nearly 110 residents of the Ridgewood Senior Living at Historic Smithville complex in Galloway Township were forced to temporarily relocate Sunday night after a van crashed, caught fire and settled near the building, authorities say.

August 3, 2026

History

While Philly's marquee events are over, some improvements the city made for 2026 are here to stay

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia officials invested in a number of improvements as the city prepared to host the MLB All-Star Game, World Cup and semiquincentennial celebrations. Here are some changes that are staying beyond 2026.

August 3, 2026

Food & Drink

Two Robbers to close the Lodge, its South Philly bar and restaurant

by Michaela Althouse

Two Robbers, the canned cocktail company, is closing its South Philadelphia bar and restaurant on Aug. 9. The company's Fishtown tasting room will remain open, with the company shifting greater focus to its wholesale operations.