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 26, 2025

Recreation

By the end of January, over 80% of Philly's libraries will be open on Saturdays

by Michaela Althouse

The Free Library of Philadelphia will resume Saturday hours at the Bushrod, Paschalville and Wyoming libraries by Jan. 24. The Falls of Schuylkill, Torresdale and Wadsworth libraries also recently added weekend operations.

November 25, 2025

Education

School District of Philadelphia reaches new contract with its principals union

by Michaela Althouse

The School District of Philadelphia and its principals union, Teamsters Local 502 Commonwealth Association of School Administrators, reached a four-year contract late Monday night that include wage increases.

November 25, 2025

Music

For Temple's marching band, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' moment

by Michaela Althouse

Temple University's marching band is performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. Band director Matt Brunner and trombone player Hugh Strother are among those who have dreamed of marching in the parade since they were kids.

November 24, 2025

Transportation

More people to travel for Thanksgiving this year than in 2024

by Michaela Althouse

Thanksgiving travel will be busier than last year, with 81.1 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes, AAA says. The Pennsylvania Turnpike expects 3.4 million drivers between Tuesday and Sunday, and the Philadelphia International Airport says 1 million passengers will pass through its gates between Nov. 21 and Dec. 2.

November 21, 2025

Government

Philly adds protections for workers who are menstruating or going through menopause

by Michaela Althouse

City Council unanimously approved extending Philadelphia's discrimination laws to include menstruation, menopause and perimenopause as protected measures in the workplaces. It goes into effect in 2027.

November 21, 2025

Arts & Culture

Former Met CEO named new leader of Philadelphia Art Museum

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Art Museum announced Friday that Daniel Weiss, a former president at Haverford College and president at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, would be its new director and CEO. He replaces Sasha Suda.

November 20, 2025

Government

New legislation targets rising utility bills and inaccurate water meter readings

by Michaela Althouse

A legislative package introduced Thursday in the Philadelphia City Council aims to expand assistance programs for utility bills and address inaccurate water meter readings.

November 19, 2025

Food & Drink

Michelin weighs in on Philly's great cheesesteak debate

by Michaela Althouse

Three Philadelphia spots known for their cheesesteaks, Dalessandro's, Del Rossi's and Angelo's, received Bib Gourmand awards during the 2025 Northeast Cities Michelin Guide ceremony Tuesday.

November 19, 2025

Movies

SS United States documentary to show ship's journey from Philly to sea floor

by Michaela Althouse

A new documentary about the SS United States will include footage of its journey from Philadelphia to Alabama and its upcoming sinking off of the Florida coast. The movie will be released in 2026.

November 18, 2025

Lawsuits

Families of Northeast Philly plane crash victims file wrongful death lawsuit

by Michaela Althouse

The families of Raul Meza Arredondo and Lizeth Murillo Osuna, who were killed in the Northeast Philadelphia plane crash on Jan. 31, 2025, have filed suit against the Mexican aircraft carrier Med Jets. Osuna was traveling with her 11-year-old daughter, who also was killed.