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

October 13, 2026

Education

Joe Biden pens op-ed in University of Delaware student paper, calling democracy a 'gift you'll inherit'

by Michaela Althouse

Former President Joe Biden published an op-ed in the University of Delaware student newspaper Tuesday. He urged students to protect democracy through political debate and voting.

October 12, 2026

Investigations

Barricade situation in Fox Chase may be tied to deaths of 2 in Mount Airy, police say

by Michaela Althouse

An armed man barricaded himself inside a SEPTA bus in Fox Chase at 5 a.m. Monday morning. Police said the situation could be connected to a shooting at a home in Mount Airy, where two women were found dead.

October 12, 2026

History

The timeline to sink the SS United States is finally taking shape

by Michaela Althouse

The historic SS United States will be sunk off the Florida coast during the second week of November 2026, according to officials in Okaloosa County, Florida. The ship spent decades docked in Philadelphia.

October 9, 2026

Nature

When will fall foliage hit peak? Here's the projections for Philly, the Poconos and South Jersey

by Michaela Althouse

A wet summer, coupled with cooler nights and sunny days, is expected to make the fall foliage particularly vibrant in Philadelphia, the Poconos and South Jersey this year. Here's when it will peak.

October 9, 2026

Investigations

Anthropic AI model submitted false tip about a homicide case to Philly police

by Michaela Althouse

An artificial intelligence model developed by Anthropic submitted false information about a homicide to Philadelphia police, the department says. Police cautioned about its potential harm and said Anthropic's delay in notifying the city was "unacceptable."

October 8, 2026

Government

Council to explore creating a city-run grocery store to keep food costs down

by Michaela Althouse

A new bill package proposed in City Council on Thursday aims to tackle food insecurity in Philadelphia by creating an Office of Food and Nutrition Security and a city-run grocery store.

October 7, 2026

Neighborhoods

Restoring Black Bottom's name is a step toward justice for the West Philly neighborhood, longtime advocate says

by Michaela Althouse

A block of Market Street is being renamed after activist Walter Palmer, who has spent decades advocating for former resident of Black Bottom, which was razed in the 1960s to build parts of University City.

October 6, 2026

Investigations

Man arrested after barricade situation in North Philly

by Michaela Althouse

A man who was wanted for a robbery was arrested Monday night after he locked himself in a home at Third and Dauphin streets in North Philadelphia during a confrontation with police.

October 5, 2026

Music

Taylor Swift's 'Life of a Showgirl' again tops the Billboard 200 as she makes 'SNL' cameo

by Michaela Althouse

Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance on 'Saturday Night Live' over the weekend, supporting host Dakota Johnson. The cameo came as 'Life of a Showgirl: The Encore' topped the Billboard 200 albums chart.

October 5, 2026

Adult Health

Fasting before blood tests might not be necessary, new research shows

by Michaela Althouse

Many healthcare providers request that patients fast before blood tests, but new research shows that might not be necessary. Though eating can impact the results of certain bloodwork, most test results are unaffected.