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

January 28, 2026

Investigations

Bucks County man allegedly killed his parents and sister before standoff with police

by Michaela Althouse

Kevin Castiglia, 55, of Bucks County, was charged with three counts of homicide for allegedly killing his parents and sister at a home in Northampton Township, police said. He was taken into custody Monday after a five-hour standoff with police.

January 27, 2026

Government

City Council members lay out 'ICE Out' legislation that includes ban on agents wearing masks

by Michaela Althouse

City Council members will introduce an 'ICE Out' legislative package that would prohibit agents in Philly from using face masks, unmarked vehicles and city-owned property for raids. It also bans city agencies from collaborating with ICE.

January 27, 2026

Weather

Philly lifts snow emergency, but frigid temperatures may make cleanup efforts more difficult

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia ended its snow emergency at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Crews are still trying to clear 9.3 inches from the city's streets, but their efforts may be hampered by frigid weather. The forecast calls for low temperatures near 1 degree later this week.

January 26, 2026

Weather

Photos: Here's how people in the Philly area spent their snow day

by Michaela Althouse

More than 9 inches of snow fell in Philadelphia on Sunday, the most the city has seen in a decade. Here are photos from around the area showing how people spent their snow day sledding, shoveling and walking their dogs.

January 26, 2026

Gov. Shapiro on ICE operations in Minneapolis: 'It is time to terminate this mission'

by Michaela Althouse

During an appearance on 'Good Morning America,' Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called for 'terminating' the Immigration and Customs Enforcement mission in Minneapolis following the death of two people.

January 23, 2026

Food & Drink

Local brewery will discount its beer based on how much snow falls. They're predicting drafts will sell for 25 cents

by Michaela Althouse

For every inch of snow that Philadelphia receives, Human Robot is offering $1 off its TMAVY 13° lager on Sunday. With the city expected to see 12-18 inches, beers at Human Robot's five taprooms could be selling for as little as 25 cents.

January 23, 2026

Weather

State and local officials issue emergency orders ahead of weekend snowstorm

by Michaela Althouse

Mayor Cherelle Parker on Friday declared a snow emergency, which will go into effect at 9 p.m. Saturday. The city's Streets Department plans to use 1,000 workers, 600 pieces of equipment and 30,000 tons of salt during the storm.

January 22, 2026

Weather

Philly may get pounded with snow this weekend. Here's a look back at the biggest snowfalls of the last 30 years

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia could get over 6 inches of snow this weekend, the National Weather Service predicts. But that's still well-below the biggest snowstorms of the last 30 years.

January 22, 2026

Government

Divisive bill to ban city from burning its trash put on hold before a vote

by Michaela Althouse

Dozens of people at Thursday's City Council meeting commented on a bill to ban the city from burning its trash, but the legislation was pulled before a vote. The proposal would impact the largest U.S. incinerator, which is in Chester.

January 21, 2026

Weather

With a major snowstorm on the horizon, Philly opens warming centers

by Michaela Althouse

Temperatures in Philadelphia are expected to drop into the low teens later this week, and a major snowstorm is likely for this weekend, the National Weather System forecasts. The city has issued an enhanced code blue and opened warming centers.