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

July 16, 2025

Government

District Council 47's new contract includes salary increases, new health care benefits

by Michaela Althouse

District Council 47 reached a tentative deal early Tuesday morning on a three-year contract that will increases the pay for white-collar city workers. The increases the workers' pay by 2.5% in its first year. Additional 3% raises follow in the second and third years. It also includes new health care benefits.

July 15, 2025

History

18th-century tavern in Camden begins inside restorations to turn into American Revolution museum

by Michaela Althouse

The Benjamin Cooper House in Camden is undergoing a $4 million renovation and will reopen as a museum honoring South Jersey's Revolutionary War history. The first floor is set to open to visitors by next summer, when America will be celebrating its 250th birthday.

July 15, 2025

Government

AFCSME District Council 47 reaches tentative deal with Parker administration

by Michaela Althouse

Mayor Cherelle Parker and AFSCME District 47 reached a tentative contract agreement early Tuesday morning, averting a possible work stoppage for the city's white-collar workers union. The deal, coupled with the one-year extension to their prior contract, will increase the workers' pay by 13.5% over four years, Parker said.

July 14, 2025

Food & Drink

Federal Donuts, Asher's Chocolates roll out a Phish-inspired doughnut

by Michaela Althouse

Federal Donuts, Asher's Chocolate and Phish teamed up to unveil the My Sweet One doughnut, which is named after one of the rock band's songs. The specialty doughnuts are available at Federal Donuts locations through Wednesday and at Asher's Chocolate's beer garden in Souderton on Saturday. A portion of the proceeds benefits charity.

July 14, 2025

Adult Health

AI has become ubiquitous in online search results, and Americans are using it to answer their health questions

by Michaela Althouse

Most Americans at least sometimes use AI-generated responses when searching online for health information, a new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center shows. But many don't speak to their doctors about what the information they found. They also want providers to rely on their own experiences over AI.

July 11, 2025

Family-Friendly

Adorable baby parades return to the Jersey Shore this summer

by Michaela Althouse

Baby parades return to Cape May, Wildwood and Ocean City in July and August with the chance to win prizes for the cutest kiddos at the Jersey Shore. The century-old tradition includes costume contests and awards for the best floats.

July 11, 2025

Courts

Bucks County man sentenced to life in prison for shooting, beheading his father

by Michaela Althouse

Justin Mohn, the Levittown man accused of shooting and then beheading his father at their home in January 2024, was found guilty of homicide by a Bucks County judge Friday morning. He was sentenced to life in prison.

July 10, 2025

Opioids

Pennsylvania gets $28 million in settlement with 8 opioid manufacturers

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania will get up to $28 million from a settlement between several states and eight drug manufacturers accused of fueling the opioid crisis. Seven of the companies will be banned from producing drugs with large amounts of oxycodone, a prescription painkiller.

July 10, 2025

Jobs

Why the agreement struck between DC 33 and the city isn't a done deal yet

by Michaela Althouse

Blue-collar municipal employees are back to work after a strike of over a week ended when a tentative agreement was reached on a three-year contract. While a labor professor says it's probably the best deal the union could get at this time, he's not sure a majority of members will vote to ratify it.

July 9, 2025

Media

Two decades ago, Rob McElhenney envisioned 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' as a reverse 'Friends'

by Michaela Althouse

In the New York Times, 'It's Always Sunny' creator Rob McElhenney says he envisioned the show as the opposite of 'Friends.' He sought to explore a group of friends that would never be there for one another. It's 17th season begins Wednesday.