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 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.

October 2, 2026

Technology

Even Pope Leo now has a stance on artificial intelligence

by Michaela Althouse

Pople Leo XIV, a Villanova grad, made a social media post Friday outlining his stance on AI. The pontiff said algorithms 'lack the spark of humanity' and reaffirmed the church's commitment to human artists and creators.

October 2, 2026

Politics

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta calls on Republican lawmaker to resign for reportedly calling him an anti-gay slur

by Michaela Althouse

State Rep. Malcom Kenyatta, D-181, is urging state Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-8 to resign for reportedly calling Kenyatta an anti-gay slur at a Harrisburg on Tuesday. Bernstine has denied making the remark.

October 1, 2026

Neighborhoods

City recognizes section of University City as Black Bottom, which it was called in early 20th century

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia City Council approved a resolution Thursday which calls for renaming a section of University City as Black Bottom. That neighborhood was largely demolished in the 1960s for an urban renewal project to build up the area around Penn and Drexel.

October 1, 2026

Arts & Culture

History of Lynnewood Hall, the mansion in Elkins Park, includes ties to the Titanic and Philly art museum

by Michaela Althouse

Lynnewood Hall is open to the public this week for a 'Guilded Age'-themed flower show. As guests get a peek inside, here's a look at the home's history, which includes ties to the Titanic and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

September 30, 2026

Real Estate

Clementon Park in South Jersey to be auctioned off in October

by Michaela Althouse

Clementon Park and Splash World in Camden County, New Jersey will be auctioned off on Oct. 19, with bidding starting at $1.5 million. The historic amusement park dates back to 1907.

September 29, 2026

Government

DHS hasn't removed Brian Dawkins video despite the NFL calling for it to be taken down

by Michaela Althouse

The Department of Homeland Security has not removed a video that features a Brian Dawkins montage as a response to a group of migrants approaching the U.S. southern border. The former Eagles star has said he did not give DHS permission to use his likeness, and the NFL has requested the video be taken down.

September 29, 2026

Food & Drink

Brothers behind Adoro to open another Italian BYOB in former Two Robbers taproom in South Philly

by Michaela Althouse

The brothers behind Adoro in Queen Village plans to open another Italian BYOB called Ravello at the former Two Robbers tasting room in South Philly. The restaurant is named after a town on Italy's Amalfi Coast.

September 29, 2026

Politics

These numbers show the Shapiro-Garrity gubernatorial race is lopsided in polling, fundraising and name recognition

by Michaela Althouse

Five weeks before Election Day, the gubernatorial race between incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican challenger Stacy Garrity is lopsided in polling, campaign funding and name recognition with voters.