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 26, 2025

Investigations

Weitzman Museum vandalized with spray paint for the second straight week

by Michaela Althouse

A banner outside the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History was vandalized with red spray paint early Monday morning – the second such act this month. The banner shows the museum's support for Israel.

August 26, 2025

Food & Drink

Herr's declares Long Hots & Sharp Provolone, an ode to the roast pork sandwich, winner of chips contest

by Michaela Althouse

Long Hots & Sharp Provolone, a flavor inspired by roast pork sandwiches, won the 2025 Herr's Flavored by Philly potato chip contest. The flavor, which won the inaugural competition in 2022, beat out two other past champions.

August 25, 2025

Education

Philadelphia teachers union, school district reach tentative new contract

by Michaela Althouse

The School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers reached a tentative three-year contract agreement Sunday night, avoiding a possible strike. Monday marks the first day of school for students.

August 22, 2025

Odd News

South Jersey town says Walmart isn't maintaining site marking landing spot of first U.S. balloon ride

by Michaela Althouse

Behind a Walmart in Deptford Township, there are three historical markers for a 400-year-old tree and the landing site for the first hot air balloon ride in the United States. But officials say that the retail chain is neglecting the space and making it inaccessible to visitors.

August 22, 2025

Books

Ex-Vice President Kamala Harris is bringing her book tour to Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will speak at the Met Philadelphia on Sept. 25 as part of her book tour for '107 Days.' The book details her abbreviated campaign for president last year.

August 22, 2025

Business

P.J. Clarke's to turn private events space into steakhouse named Rockwell & Rose

by Michaela Althouse

P.J. Clarke's is turning its former events-only space into a new steakhouse called Rockwell & Rose, which will be open in the evenings with a surf-and-turf menu starting Oct. 8.

August 21, 2025

Business

Xfinity Live! is getting a new name as its expansion nears completion

by Michaela Althouse

Xfinity Live!, the sports bar at the South Philly stadium complex, will be renamed Stateside Live! after Kensington distillery Stateside Vodka. The name change coincides with a $20 million expansion and comes as the Wells Fargo Center rebrands as Xfinity Mobile Arena.

August 21, 2025

Weather

New Jersey declares state of emergency as Hurricane Erin approaches

by Michaela Althouse

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon in anticipation of Hurricane Erin, which is moving up the East Coast.

August 20, 2025

Celebrities

Aubrey Plaza wears T-shirt promoting Philly's new WNBA franchise to New York Liberty game

by Michaela Althouse

Actress Aubrey Plaza wore a T-shirt promoting women's sports in Philadelphia to a New York Liberty game Tuesday night. The garment was a gift from Watch Party PHL, a group working to open a women's sports bar in the city.

August 19, 2025

Illness

New Jersey may have its first locally transmitted malaria case since 1991

by Michaela Althouse

A malaria case was reported by Morris County, New Jersey, resident who hadn't left the United States. Health officials are working to determine if it's the first locally transmitted case in New Jersey since 1991.