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 1, 2026

Investigations

Police arrest 25 people after breaking up live cockfight in Delaware County

by Michaela Althouse

Police arrested 25 people over the weekend after they broke up a live cockfight in Chester, Delaware County. The PSPCA said it recovered 52 live chickens and 3 dead roosters from the scene, and they are receiving medical attention.

May 29, 2026

Recreation

South Jersey carnival canceled after fights broke out on opening night

by Michaela Althouse

The remainder of the Roebling Carnival in Florence Township, Burlington County, was canceled after multiple fights broke out on Wednesday night. Five people, including four teenagers, were arrested for disorderly conduct.

May 29, 2026

Food & Drink

Philly Beer Week is finding its way after the death of its longtime organizer, but bar owners say it's still 'like a holiday'

by Michaela Althouse

Philly Beer Week has returned on a larger scale in 2026, with specials and events at more than two dozen establishments between May 29 and June 7. Last year's event was scaled down following the death of longtime organizer Rich Colli.

May 29, 2026

History

Philly's 1976 bicentennial was a 'super-sized Welcome America' in the middle of a 'bleak decade'

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia's 1976 bicentennial was a 'super-sized Welcome America,' one historian said. But it was set against a backdrop of much political unrest across the country, and a nation that was hesitant to celebrate.

May 28, 2026

History

Philly's 1926 world's fair for America's 150th anniversary was the 'flop heard 'round the world'

by Michaela Althouse

In 1926, Philadelphia hosted a world's fair in honor of the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But the event proved to be a massive financial and cultural failure.

May 28, 2026

Government

City Council urges state to let voters rank candidates instead of picking just one

by Michaela Althouse

City Council approved a resolution Thursday calling for the state to approve a bill to allow ranked-choice voting in local elections. Here's what that would mean for voters.

May 27, 2026

Nature

Philadelphia Zoo's bear exhibit to reopen after $25 million renovation project

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Zoo is reopening its bear exhibit on June 4 following the completion of a two-year, $25 million renovation project. The exhibit includes upgraded habitats for the zoo's Andean and sloth bears and new viewing areas for visitors.

May 27, 2026

History

For the centennial in 1876, Philly hosted a world's fair that was a showcase of American innovation

by Michaela Althouse

In 1876, Philadelphia officials organized a world's fair to honor the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The result was a showcase of American innovation, and the spark that revived celebrating July 4.

May 27, 2026

Podcasts

Tina Fey says on 'New Heights' she still occasionally falls into her Delco accent

by Michaela Althouse

During an appearance on the 'New Heights' podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, Upper Darby native Tina Fey said she still occasionally falls into her Delco accent and revealed that she thinks some of the funniest people are from the area.

May 26, 2026

History

For America's 50th birthday, Philly began appreciating its revolutionary roots

by Michaela Althouse

In the lead up to the 1826 jubilee, honoring the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia began to appreciate its significance in the Revolutionary War and the country's founding.