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

February 18, 2026

Courts

Trump administration to appeal ruling to restore President's House slavery exhibit

by Michaela Althouse

The Trump administration plans to appeal the court ruling that called for the slavery exhibit at the President's House to be restored. The case will be heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

February 18, 2026

Arts & Culture

AMOR statue near Logan Square temporarily removed for cleaning

by Michaela Althouse

The AMOR statue in Sister Cities Park, next to Logan Square, was temporarily removed Wednesday morning. The piece will be repaired following fading and deterioration from weather and UV exposure. It will return by May 1.

February 17, 2026

Jobs

Penn officials, graduate student workers reach tentative deal after nearly 2 years of negotiations

by Michaela Althouse

University of Pennsylvania graduate student workers and the school reached a tentative contract agreement Tuesday morning to avoid a strike. The deal, which awaits ratification, includes raises and additional worker protections.

February 17, 2026

Food & Drink

Pat's King of Steaks is changing the way it makes some cheesesteaks

by Michaela Althouse

Pat's King of Steaks is serving 'new-school' cheesesteaks in which the meat, cheese and onions are mixed together and served on a seeded roll. That differs from the traditional way the South Philly shop has prepared its cheesesteaks.

February 16, 2026

Courts

Slavery exhibit at President's House must be restored by Trump administration, judge orders

by Michaela Althouse

The President's House in Independence National Historical Park must be restored to include the slavery exhibit that was removed by the Trump administration in January, a federal judge ruled Monday.

February 16, 2026

Prevention

Possible measles exposure reported at Philadelphia International Airport

by Michaela Althouse

A possible measles exposure occurred Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 at the Philadelphia International Airport's Terminal E, city health officials say. People who are protected against the virus should monitor for symptoms until March 5.

February 13, 2026

Music

Jill Scott pays homage to North Philly on new album 'To Whom This May Concern'

by Michaela Althouse

Jill Scott's first album in a decade includes a track honoring North Philly. 'Norf Side,' in collaboration with fellow Philadelphian Tierra Whack, includes multiple shoutouts to the neighborhood.

February 12, 2026

Government

Philly's proposal to ban unlicensed dog breeding sparks debate at City Council

by Michaela Althouse

A proposed moratorium on unlicensed dog breeding and sales is sparking debate in Philadelphia. Supporters say it would reduce overcrowding at the city's animal shelters. Opponents say it lumps responsible and irresponsible breeders together.

February 11, 2026

Celebrities

Travis Kelce recalls the way Kylie Kelce made his brother Jason lovestruck

by Michaela Althouse

On Wednesday's episode of 'New Heights,' Travis Kelce shared his first impressions of his sister-in-law, Kylie Kelce, saying he could tell she was a 'sweetheart' that had an 'underlying toughness.'

February 11, 2026

Nature

Longwood Gardens' new nighttime display bathes its indoor plants in multicolored lights

by Michaela Althouse

'Garden Glow,' a new nighttime display at Longwood Gardens, illuminates the plants within its two conservatories in multicolored lights. It is open from 5-10 p.m. Fridays to Sundays through March 8. Adult tickets cost $45.