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

June 29, 2026

Business

Comcast to split NBCUniversal, which includes Peacock and theme parks, into separate company

by Michaela Althouse

Philly-based media giant Comcast announced plans Monday to split NBCUniversal — which includes streaming service Peacock, the Universal movie studio and theme parks — and European media company Sky into a separate company.

June 29, 2026

Arts & Culture

Joe Frazier sculpture installed at base of art museum steps where Rocky statue used to stand

by Michaela Althouse

A sculpture of boxer Joe Frazier has a new home at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art's steps. It replaces the Rocky statue, which was moved inside as part of a special exhibition and will later be installed at the top of the steps.

June 26, 2026

Courts

City officials defend 'ICE Out' law singled out in federal lawsuit, saying it limits 'confusion and fear' around agents

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia officials responded to a lawsuit from the federal government that claims a law in the city's recently approved 'ICE Out' package that bans agents from wearing masks and using unmarked cars is unconstitutional.

June 26, 2026

Courts

Philly photographer sued for allegedly failing to show up to weddings

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday filed a lawsuit Friday against a Philadelphia wedding photographer. Christina Hernandez allegedly took payments from couples but failed to show up on their dates or send the pictures.

June 24, 2026

Arts & Culture

New Gayborhood mural honors five of Philly's LGBTQ+ trailblazers

by Michaela Althouse

A new mural on the side of the Voyeur nightclub in Philly depicts five LGBTQ+ trailblazers: Gloria Casarez, Michael S. Hinson Jr., Tyrone Smith, Nizah Morris and Dawn Munro.

June 24, 2026

Investigations

Woman with ties to Zizians, a cultlike extremist group, charged with killing her parents in Delaware County in 2022

by Michaela Althouse

Michelle Zajko, 33, was charged with first-degree murder Wednesday for the fatal 2022 shooting of her parents, Richard and Rita Zajko. Michelle Zajko is thought to be affiliated with a cultlike extremist group known as the Zizians.

June 23, 2026

Investigations

Three women killed in apparent double murder, suicide in South Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Three women were found dead inside a home at 10th and Johnson streets in South Philadelphia on Monday evening. Police are investigating their deaths as a double murder and suicide.

June 23, 2026

Courts

Bucks County couple files lawsuit against formula company after baby hospitalized with infant botulism

by Michaela Althouse

A Yardley couple filed a lawsuit against infant formula company Nara Organics on Monday after their baby was one of three recently diagnosed with infant botulism. The company recalled its products earlier this month.

June 22, 2026

Weather

FIFA defers to local protocols to decide when to delay a World Cup match for weather-related issues

by Michaela Althouse

Severe storms in the forecast could impact Monday evening's World Cup match in Philadelphia. FIFA defers to local protocols to decide when to delay a World Cup match for weather-related issues. Here are the NOAA guidelines.

June 22, 2026

History

The First Bank of the United States is reopening as a museum. Here's a look back at its history

by Michaela Althouse

The First Bank of the United States is reopening as a museum on July 1. Here's how the bank was established, and how its building in Old City has been used since the bank shuttered 200 years ago.