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

February 5, 2026

Government

Exemption to overnight curfew would allow gyms and fitness centers to open before 6 a.m.

by Michaela Althouse

Councilmember Cindy Bass proposed an amendment to the overnight curfew law that would allow gyms and fitness centers in Philadelphia's 7th and 8th districts to open before 6 a.m.

February 4, 2026

Investigations

Ex-Eagle Kevin Johnson's death may be linked to 3 other homicides

by Michaela Althouse

Los Angeles County investigators say the death of former Eagle Kevin Johnson may be linked to three other homicides involving people living in the same homeless encampment. Johnson was found dead in Jan. 21 with blunt force head trauma and stab wounds.

February 4, 2026

History

City accepting submissions for original quote to etch into Harriet Tubman statue

by Michaela Althouse

Creative Philadelphia, the city's office of arts and culture, is holding an open call for an original quote that will appear on the back of the Harriet Tubman statue, which will soon be placed outside City Hall.

February 3, 2026

Transportation

PPA resumes ticketing cars for parking infractions as Philly continues snow removal efforts

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Parking Authority has resumed enforcing parking violations for the first time since the Jan. 25 snowstorm. Violators face fines and some cars may be towed or impounded.

February 3, 2026

LGBTQ

After tumultuous year for William Way, the LGBTQ+ center's new director looks to focus on community outreach

by Michaela Althouse

William Way LGBT Community Center appointed Darius McLean, its acting leader, as its new executive director. He hopes to expand the organization's community outreach as he oversee operations through a building renovation.

February 2, 2026

Music

Philly had three winners at the Grammy Awards — Will Yip, Andre Harris and Christian McBride

by Michaela Althouse

At the Grammy Awards, three Philly artists — producer Will Yip, jazz bassist Christian McBride and songwriter Andre Harris — each won Grammys. Pop star Sabrina Carpenter was nominated in six categories, but did not win.

January 30, 2026

Performances

On Stage in February: 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Caesar' and 'The Sex Lives of Puppets'

by Michaela Althouse

Shows featured in Philly-area theaters in February include retellings of Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' and 'Henry IV,' a play inspired by the Sixers arena saga and the Broadway tour of 'Beauty and the Beast.'

January 30, 2026

Courts

Abrupt removal of President's House slavery exhibits was pulling 'pages out of a history book with a razor'

by Michaela Althouse

A federal judge made no official decision Friday on whether the recently removed President's House slavery exhibits will be able to be displayed again, but she said nothing more can be taken from the site on Independence Mall.

January 29, 2026

Government

Proposed ICE restrictions appear to have enough City Council support to become law without mayor's signature

by Michaela Althouse

A legislative package that would put new restrictions on federal immigration agents has the support of 15 City Council members — enough to become law without Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's signature, council members say.

January 28, 2026

Lifestyle

For many couples, McGillin's is 'more than just a bar.' It's where their love stories began

by Michaela Althouse

Hundreds of couples have met McGillan's Olde Ale House in Philadelphia over the decades. The Center City bar documents their love stories in its books, and is hosting a couples reunion on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.