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 3, 2026

LGBTQ

After tumultuous year for William Way, the LGBTQ+ center's new director looks to focus on community outreach

by Michaela Althouse

William Way LGBT Community Center appointed Darius McLean, its acting leader, as its new executive director. He hopes to expand the organization's community outreach as he oversee operations through a building renovation.

February 3, 2026

Transportation

PPA resumes ticketing cars for parking infractions as Philly continues snow removal efforts

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Parking Authority has resumed enforcing parking violations for the first time since the Jan. 25 snowstorm. Violators face fines and some cars may be towed or impounded.

February 2, 2026

Music

Philly had three winners at the Grammy Awards — Will Yip, Andre Harris and Christian McBride

by Michaela Althouse

At the Grammy Awards, three Philly artists — producer Will Yip, jazz bassist Christian McBride and songwriter Andre Harris — each won Grammys. Pop star Sabrina Carpenter was nominated in six categories, but did not win.

January 30, 2026

Performances

On Stage in February: 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Caesar' and 'The Sex Lives of Puppets'

by Michaela Althouse

Shows featured in Philly-area theaters in February include retellings of Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' and 'Henry IV,' a play inspired by the Sixers arena saga and the Broadway tour of 'Beauty and the Beast.'

January 30, 2026

Courts

Abrupt removal of President's House slavery exhibits was pulling 'pages out of a history book with a razor'

by Michaela Althouse

A federal judge made no official decision Friday on whether the recently removed President's House slavery exhibits will be able to be displayed again, but she said nothing more can be taken from the site on Independence Mall.

January 29, 2026

Government

Proposed ICE restrictions appear to have enough City Council support to become law without mayor's signature

by Michaela Althouse

A legislative package that would put new restrictions on federal immigration agents has the support of 15 City Council members — enough to become law without Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's signature, council members say.

January 28, 2026

Lifestyle

For many couples, McGillin's is 'more than just a bar.' It's where their love stories began

by Michaela Althouse

Hundreds of couples have met McGillan's Olde Ale House in Philadelphia over the decades. The Center City bar documents their love stories in its books, and is hosting a couples reunion on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.

January 28, 2026

Investigations

Bucks County man allegedly killed his parents and sister before standoff with police

by Michaela Althouse

Kevin Castiglia, 55, of Bucks County, was charged with three counts of homicide for allegedly killing his parents and sister at a home in Northampton Township, police said. He was taken into custody Monday after a five-hour standoff with police.

January 27, 2026

Weather

Philly lifts snow emergency, but frigid temperatures may make cleanup efforts more difficult

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia ended its snow emergency at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Crews are still trying to clear 9.3 inches from the city's streets, but their efforts may be hampered by frigid weather. The forecast calls for low temperatures near 1 degree later this week.

January 27, 2026

Government

City Council members lay out 'ICE Out' legislation that includes ban on agents wearing masks

by Michaela Althouse

City Council members will introduce an 'ICE Out' legislative package that would prohibit agents in Philly from using face masks, unmarked vehicles and city-owned property for raids. It also bans city agencies from collaborating with ICE.