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

September 4, 2026

Prevention

Philly reports its first West Nile Virus cases of 2026; here's how to avoid mosquito bites

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia has reported its first four cases of West Nile Virus of the year on Friday. The mosquito-borne illness can cause severe symptoms in some people. Here's how to prevent mosquitos from breeding and avoid bites.

September 4, 2026

Holiday

Christmas Village shoppers no longer will be allowed to enter booths

by Michaela Althouse

To make Philly's Christmas Village compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, sales counters and other barriers will be added to most booths, making them inaccessible to shoppers and requiring sellers to help customers select merchandise.

September 3, 2026

Wildlife

Ospreys in N.J. face breeding issues caused by shortage of main food source, scientists say

by Michaela Althouse

Scientists say ospreys in New Jersey are struggling to reproduce because of a severe food shortage. The 2025 breeding season was the worst in three decades, experts said, and 2026 looks like it might be worse.

September 3, 2026

Recreation

Why the Free Library says it just had its busiest summer in a decade

by Michaela Althouse

Free Library officials said the system saw a 57% increase from last year in attendance for programs this summer. They said 78,000 people participated in clubs, lectures and activities — the most in a decade.

September 2, 2026

Investigations

Penn grad killed in 'unprovoked' stabbing in Times Square

by Michaela Althouse

Erin Piacenti, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, was fatally stabbed on Monday afternoon in Times Square. Police say she and Tak Kam were stabbed by Pamela Cisneros in a 'random and unprovoked attack.' Cisneros was fatally shot by police.

September 1, 2026

In her final 6ABC broadcast, Cecily Tynan reflects on the 'fun' she had on air

by Michaela Althouse

6ABC meteorologist Cecily Tynan delivered her final broadcast Monday night after 31 years at the station. She reflected on her first broadcast and some of her favorite memories at Action News.

September 1, 2026

Illness

Type 1 diabetes cases in U.S. expected to rise by 37% by 2049, study finds

by Michaela Althouse

The number of type 1 diabetes cases in the United States is projected to rise from 1.49 million to 2.05 million — a 37.6% increase, new research suggests. The increase can be attributed to environmental factors, genetics and increased detection.

August 31, 2026

Books

This former 'Late Show' producer from Philly has penned her first mystery novel

by Michaela Althouse

In her debut novel, 'The Refuge,' Carly Hillman explores a multigenerational family mystery set in Montana. The Fort Washington native worked on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' for a decade before becoming a novelist.

August 31, 2026

Investigations

2 women found dead in suspected murder-suicide in Ogontz

by Michaela Althouse

Two women were found dead in a home in Ogontz on Sunday following a barricade situation. Police are investigating their deaths as a murder-suicide.

August 28, 2026

Entertainment

Where are the best places to watch the Philadelphia Cycling Classic as it returns Sunday after a 10-year hiatus?

by Michaela Althouse

After a 10-year hiatus, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic will make its return Sunday. Here are four of the best viewing areas along the 14.4-mile loop that starts and ends on Benjamin Franklin Parkway.