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 12, 2026

Transportation

SEPTA is running trolleys to Center City again after completing wire repairs in tunnel

by Michaela Althouse

SEPTA reopened its trolley tunnel in Center City on Monday morning, restoring trolley service between 40th and 15th streets. For two months, riders had to take shuttles to and from Center City, because the tunnel was closed for repair work.

January 9, 2026

Transportation

SEPTA's Regional Rail morning express service to be restored Monday

by Michaela Althouse

SEPTA is restoring morning express service on Regional Rail lines starting Monday. Enough Silverliner IV cars have cleared inspections to return to the tracks after electrical fire repairs.

January 9, 2026

Philadelphia 250

Philly invests $11.5 million for graffiti removal, murals and landscaping ahead of 2026 events

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia is investing $11.5 million for beautification efforts to remove graffiti, paint murals and plant flowers along highways and busy roads ahead of the city's busy 2026 slate of high-profile events.

January 7, 2026

History

Continental Army encampment site in Bucks County receives grant for repairs

by Michaela Althouse

A National Park Service grant will be used to renovate Bucks County's Thompson-Neely House, which was used as an encampment site for the Continental Army in December 1776.

January 7, 2026

Government

Delaware County police chief placed on leave over a work schedule dispute, lawyer says

by Michaela Althouse

Shanee Mitchell, a police chief in Collingdale, Delaware County, was placed on administrative leave over a dispute about her work schedule, her lawyer said.

January 7, 2026

Real Estate

The Shops at Liberty Place in Center City are up for sale

by Michaela Althouse

The Shops at Liberty Place, a mall on Chestnut Street in Center City, was listed for sale by its owner, Metropolis. The 147,000-square-foot retail space includes a Puttshack, Bloomingdales and Victoria's Secret.

January 6, 2026

Lawsuits

Four survivors of Bristol nursing home explosion sue facility's operator, PECO for negligence

by Michaela Althouse

Four survivors of the Bristol Health & Rehab Center explosion in December 2025 have filed a lawsuit accusing Saber Health Care Group, which operates the center, and PECO, the facility's energy supplier, of negligence.

January 5, 2026

Food & Drink

At Post Haste in East Kensington, diners can choose what to pay on Sundays

by Michaela Althouse

Post Haste, a bar and restaurant in East Kensington, is testing out a new pay-what-you-can model for dinners on Sundays. Chef Ari Miller says it helps make food more accessible and build connections with the community.

January 5, 2026

Investigations

Racist, antisemitic graffiti spray-painted on Roxborough High School

by Michaela Althouse

A vandal spray-painted racist and antisemitic graffiti, including swastikas, on Roxborough High School on Saturday night, Philadelphia police say. Investigators are searching for the culprit.

January 5, 2026

Entertainment

World Cup tickets are in high demand, but Verizon has a giveaway Friday

by Michaela Althouse

Verizon will release 'hundreds' of free tickets Friday to two World Cup matches in Philadelphia this summer. Fans need to be Verizon customers and a member of its loyalty program to qualify.