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 13, 2025

New docuseries on 2022 Idaho murders details social media frenzy that followed the stabbings

by Michaela Althouse

The first trailer was released for 'One Night in Idaho: The College Murders,' which tells the story of four University of Idaho students who were murdered in 2022. Interviews of the victims' family and friends are shown the clip. The four-part docuseries will premier July 11 on Prime Video.

June 12, 2025

Government

City Council approves Mayor Parker's $6.8 billion 2026 budget. See what's in it for businesses, public safety and SEPTA

by Michaela Althouse

City Council approved Mayor Cherelle Parker's $6.8 billion budget for 2026 during Thursday's meeting. The final plan wasn't drastically different from the $6.7 billion proposal made in March, with both including gradual tax cuts for businesses and funding for public safety efforts.

June 12, 2025

Entertainment

'Small Ball,' the musical produced by 76ers exec Daryl Morey, mixes basketball with 'Gulliver's Travels'

by Michaela Althouse

'Small Ball,' the musical produced by 76ers team president Daryl Morey, is running through June 29 at Philadelphia Theatre Co. The show follows an American basketball player who joins a team on Lilliput, the island of 6-inch residents from 'Gulliver's Travels.'

June 12, 2025

Government

Mayor Parker's H.O.M.E. initiative and renter protections approved in final council session before summer recess

by Michaela Althouse

City Council approved Mayor Cherelle Parker's H.O.M.E. plan for affordable housing, with additional oversight stipulations. The governing body also voted in favor of bills calling for a renter displacement fund and allowing renters to pay security deposits in installments if they're larger than one month's rent.

June 11, 2025

Food & Drink

Evil Genius Brewing Co. combines books and brews in pop-up fair Saturday

by Michaela Althouse

Evil Genius Beer Co. will host a Pints & Pages boozy book fair on Saturday featuring new reads, comics, vinyls, VHS tapes and more.

June 10, 2025

'Call Her Daddy' host Alex Cooper accuses former coach of sexual harassment in new documentary

by Michaela Althouse

In her new documentary, 'Call Her Alex,' podcast host Alex Cooper said she was sexually harassed by her soccer coach at Boston University. The two-episode series premiered Tuesday on Hulu.

June 10, 2025

Courts

Pennsylvania joins multi-state lawsuit to prevent sale of 23andMe's personal genetic data

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania is one of 27 states suing to block the sale of DNA testing company 23andMe to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. The states argue that consumer privacy is at stake, given the highly sensitive nature of the company's data.

June 10, 2025

Investigations

Atlantic City police recover stolen guitar from rock band Heart

by Michaela Althouse

A guitar stolen from rock band Heart before their show in Atlantic City has been recovered, police said Tuesday. Detectives used surveillance footage to track the alleged thief, who sold it to an unnamed woman. A mandolin taken at the same time is still missing.

June 9, 2025

Arts & Culture

Leslie Odom Jr., Jonathan Groff reprise 'Hamilton' roles for original cast's reunion at Tony Awards

by Michaela Althouse

The original 'Hamilton' cast, including Philadelphia native Leslie Odom Jr. and Lancaster County's Jonathon Groff, reprised their roles at the Tony Awards on Sunday night to perform a medley in celebration of the Broadway show's 10th anniversary.

June 9, 2025

Environment

What should you do if you encounter a coyote in Wissahickon Valley Park?

by Michaela Althouse

The Friends of the Wissahickon said people with dogs have reported two recent close encounters with coyotes. Wildlife experts say coyotes are typically harmless, so the sightings in Wissahickon Valley Park aren't a reason to panic. But they advised hikers to avoid the Devil's Pool area where they were spotted.