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

November 13, 2025

Environment

City Council's bill to charge 10 cents for paper bags to become law despite lack of support from mayor

by Michaela Althouse

A bill passed in City Council that requires stores to charge a 10 cent fee for every paper bag used will become law. However, Mayor Cherelle Parker declined to sign the legislation.

November 12, 2025

CBS Philadelphia anchor Jim Donovan to retire after 2 decades at station

by Michaela Althouse

CBS Philadelphia anchor Jim Donovan is retiring after a 39-year broadcasting career. His final broadcast is slated for Friday, Dec. 19. The 15-time Emmy winner joined CBS Philly in 2004 as a consumer reporter after stints at several other stations.

November 12, 2025

Books

New book unpacks legacy of Black-owned bookstores, including Hakim's in West Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Author Char Adams' new book 'Black-Owned' chronicles the history of Black bookstores in America, including Hakim's Bookstore on 52nd Street in West Philly.

November 12, 2025

Food & Drink

Herr's holds chip contest for America's 250th birthday, featuring flavors that embody freedom, liberty and unity

by Michaela Althouse

Herr's is hosting a chip flavor contest in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Voters can choose from one of three flavors in the liberty, unity and freedom categories.

November 12, 2025

Government

City Council calls for Mayor Parker's H.O.M.E. plan to prioritize Philly's poorest residents

by Michaela Althouse

At a hearing to help get Mayor Cherelle Parker's Housing Opportunities Made Easy initiative over the finish line, City Council members questioned if the program is doing enough to prioritize Philly's poorest residents.

November 11, 2025

Transportation

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission stiffens penalties for drivers who rack up 'egregious' unpaid tolls

by Michaela Althouse

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is now referring certain toll violation cases over to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office for legal action. Motorist who rack up $12,000 or more in unpaid bills and fees will face civil collection charges for debt repayment.

November 10, 2025

Transportation

SEPTA's Regional Rail cancellations to hamper Monday afternoon rush, too

by Michaela Althouse

SEPTA canceled six trains on three Regional Rail lines — Fox Chase, Airport and Chestnut Hill West — on Monday morning and is cancelling 16 other trains later in the day. SEPTA says safety inspections on its Silverliner IV cars have left it operating with limited vehicles, prompting the cancellations.

November 10, 2025

Food & Drink

Chef who won Michelin star for seafood restaurant in New York to try his hand at pizza in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Scusi Pizza, a wood-fired pizzeria from chef Laurent Tourondel, opens Nov. 21 in Northern Liberties. Tourondel earned a Michelin star at BLT Fish, a former seafood restaurant in New York City.

November 6, 2025

Transportation

Rocky Run, Veterans Parade and Marine Corps birthday to close roads in Philly

by Michaela Althouse

The Rocky Run, Philadelphia Veterans Parade and the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary celebration will cause road closures in Center City and along Kelly and MLK drives through Monday. Here's how to get around.

November 6, 2025

Government

Philly food banks report long lines, meal shortages and a spike in donations amid SNAP 'crisis'

by Michaela Althouse

With SNAP benefits not being distributed, Philly food pantries say they've seen at least twice as many people using their resources as they struggle to keep up with demand.