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 15, 2025

Government

New Philly police contract includes pay increases and a path for civilians to hold some department jobs

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5 agreed to a new two-year contract that includes 3% pay increases each year and a one-time bonus. It also includes funding that will allow civilians to perform certainly jobs currently done by uniformed officers.

August 15, 2025

Books

In 'Mounted,' author Bitter Kalli explores the connection between Blackness and horses

by Michaela Althouse

In 'Mounted,' a new book from West Philly author Bitter Kalli, readers can learn about the historical and modern connection between horses and marginalized communities.

August 15, 2025

Transportation

SEPTA to cut service, increase fares after lawmakers fail to reach state funding deal

by Michaela Althouse

SEPTA will eliminate 32 bus routes and reduce bus and train service by 20% on Aug. 24, and then increase fares in early September, because lawmakers didn't meet its deadline for providing additional state funds.

August 14, 2025

Investigations

45 chickens seized from Kensington home that showed 'clear signs of cockfighting'

by Michaela Althouse

Forty-five chickens — 23 hens and 22 roosters — were rescued from a Kensington rowhome that showed clear signs of cockfighting, ACCT Philly says. The hens and three roosters will be sent to the Last Chance Ranch in Quaktertown. The others will be euthanized.

August 13, 2025

Transportation

GOP passes transit plan in Pa. Senate, but it faces Democratic opposition ahead

by Michaela Althouse

The Pennsylvania Senate approved a GOP-backed two-year, $1.2 billion transit plan, which called for using $292 million of the Public Transportation Trust Fund. Democrats say this would take away from critical repairs and safety projects.

August 12, 2025

Business

Another dog-friendly bar is coming to Manayunk in the former Bark Social spot

by Michaela Althouse

Fetch Park, a membership-based dog-friendly bar, will open in the former Bark Social space in Manayunk. The Atlanta-based chain offers drinks, coffee and food, plus space for pups to roam around.

August 12, 2025

Widows of Gaudreau brothers to appear on 'Good Morning America' a year after hockey players died in crash

by Michaela Althouse

Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau, the widows of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, will appear on 'Good Morning America' on Wednesday nearly a year after the crash that killed their hockey-playing husbands.

August 12, 2025

Celebrities

Taylor Swift announces new album in teaser for appearance on 'New Heights'

by Michaela Althouse

Singer Taylor Swift announced her 12th studio album in a clip teasing her appearance on 'New Heights,' the podcast co-hosted by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and his brother, Jason Kelce, a former Eagles center.

August 11, 2025

New documentary filmed over 4 years details Longwood Gardens' renovation

by Michaela Althouse

'Longwood Reimagined,' airing 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on WHYY, gives a behind-the-scenes look at the massive renovations done at the Kennett Square attraction. The film includes interviews with architects, landscape designers and more.

August 11, 2025

Pets

Comedian Nate Bargatze adopts pup from PSPCA and names her Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Comedian Nate Bargatze adopted a second dog from a Pennsylvania SPCA location last week. He brought the pooch out during his show at the Wells Fargo Center on Friday to share the story and introduce her to the audience.