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.
October 31, 2025
Business
Disney-owned channels, including 6ABC, go dark on YouTube TV as negotiations on new deal continue
YouTube TV's approximately 10 million subscribers no longer have access to Disney-owned stations, including ABC and ESPN, after their carrier deal expired at midnight Thursday and the two sides failed to reach a new agreement.October 30, 2025
Government
City Council approves 10-cent fee on paper bags, but mayor could still veto bill
City Council approved a bill Thursday that would require grocery stores and other retailers to charge 10 cents for every paper bag. However, with only 10 yes votes, the legislation lacked a supermajority and could be vetoed by the mayor.October 29, 2025
Government
Philly will use a record budget surplus to face funding uncertainties, Mayor Parker says
Philadelphia ended fiscal year 2025 with a $1.19 billion fund balance — the city's largest budget surplus, Mayor Cherelle Parker says. The surplus will be used to safeguard against state and federal funding uncertainties.October 29, 2025
Government
Pa. lawmakers propose using 'rainy day funds' to support food banks when SNAP benefits freeze
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
Performances
On Stage in November: 'Macbeth,' 'The Snow Queen' and a reimagined story of Martin Luther King Jr.'s last night
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 28, 2025
Environment
Philly's waterways are polluted by billions of gallons of sewage each year, report finds
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 27, 2025
History
250 years ago, Ben Franklin met with a French spy in Old City to urge support for American independence
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 27, 2025
Investigations
Multiple shooters suspected in fatal Lincoln University shooting, Chester County D.A. says
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 24, 2025
Holiday
In West Philly, there's a 'Fright Registry' for homes that decorated for Halloween
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
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.Just In
- Primo Hoagies is covering adoption fees for large dogs at this N.J. animal shelter
- Liz Moore to lead Netflix adaptation of her hit novel 'The God of the Woods'
- Jury weighs fate of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. in child abuse case
- Drinking tea instead of coffee may be better for your bones
- Report: Phillies add righty reliever Brad Keller on two-year deal
- Surgery expected to sideline Flyers' Tyson Foerster for rest of regular season
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