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 29, 2025

Government

Pa. lawmakers propose using 'rainy day funds' to support food banks when SNAP benefits freeze

by Michaela Althouse

Pennsylvania lawmakers proposed legislation this week calling for the state to use its 'rainy day fund' to support food banks and Meals on Wheels when SNAP benefits pause on Nov. 1.

October 28, 2025

Environment

Philly's waterways are polluted by billions of gallons of sewage each year, report finds

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia's sewage system releases 12.7 billion gallons of raw sewage and stormwater runoff into the Delaware River and other waterways each year, a new report from Penn Environment finds. This limits the recreational use of the region's waterway because they often are unsafe for boating, fishing and swimming.

October 28, 2025

Performances

On Stage in November: 'Macbeth,' 'The Snow Queen' and a reimagined story of Martin Luther King Jr.'s last night

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia theaters are exploring classic tales and modern history this month, with productions of 'Macbeth' and 'Spring Awakening,' plus shows exploring the racial and political turmoil of the 1960s.

October 27, 2025

Investigations

Multiple shooters suspected in fatal Lincoln University shooting, Chester County D.A. says

by Michaela Althouse

Multiple shooters likely were involved in the Lincoln University shooting that killed a 25-year-old Delaware man and wounded six other people on Saturday, Chester County investigators say.

October 27, 2025

History

250 years ago, Ben Franklin met with a French spy in Old City to urge support for American independence

by Michaela Althouse

In December 1775, Benjamin Franklin held several meetings with a French spy at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia. The Founding Father pitched the spy on the American colonists' need for French support in their push for independence.

October 24, 2025

Holiday

In West Philly, there's a 'Fright Registry' for homes that decorated for Halloween

by Michaela Althouse

The West Philly 'Fright Registry,' created by resident Dyresha Harris, is a map and list of locations that have elaborate decorations, will be handing out candy or hosting spooky events. It includes nearly 100 homes and businesses so far.

October 24, 2025

History

Sinking of SS United States to be livestreamed using drones and underwater cameras

by Michaela Althouse

The sinking of the SS United States will be livestreamed by a film crew that will capture its journey from Mobile, Alabama to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. The historic ocean liner was docked in Philadelphia for three decades until earlier this year. It will be sunk off the Florida panhandle.

October 23, 2025

Politics

City Council calls for examining policies for domestic violence cases following Kada Scott's death

by Michaela Althouse

City Council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday that called for a hearing to examine Philadelphia's policies when incidents of domestic violence are reported.

October 22, 2025

Government

Pause on SNAP benefits would put 'massive strain' on Philly food banks

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia food banks say they will not be able to meet the needs of people facing food insecurity if the federal government shutdown stretches into November and results in a pause on SNAP benefits.

October 22, 2025

Crime

Three people sentenced to life in prison for 2023 fatal shooting at North Philly basketball court

by Michaela Althouse

Three men have been sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in a 2023 shooting at a North Philly basketball court that killed three people, the District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.