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

March 31, 2026

Food & Drink

Seven Philly bars, restaurants and chefs named 2026 James Beard Award finalists

by Michaela Althouse

Seven Philly chefs, restaurants and bars were named finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards. Kalaya, Emmett and the Lovers Bar, as well as Justine MacNeil, Jesse Ito, Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate were recognized Wednesday.

March 31, 2026

Food & Drink

Iron Hill Brewery to reopen Center City restaurant in mid-April

by Michaela Althouse

Iron Hill Brewery is reopening its Center City location in April, just over six months after it abruptly closed all its locations and declared bankruptcy. Five other restaurants are slated to reopen this summer, too.

March 31, 2026

Performances

On Stage in April: Philly Theatre Week, 'The Sound of Music' and 'Shucked'

by Michaela Althouse

In April, audiences can catch productions of 'Shucked,' '1776' and 'The Contrast,' which is considered America's first play. Plus, Philadelphia Theatre Week returns with pay-what-you-can shows.

March 30, 2026

Education

Haverford College students urge school to consider removing Howard Lutnick's name from its library

by Michaela Althouse

Haverford College students approved a resolution Sunday that urges President Wendy Raymond to form a committee to consider removing Howard Lutnick's name from the school library. Lutnick is facing scrutiny for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

March 27, 2026

Housing

City requires landlords to give verifiable contact information after some renters say they're unreachable

by Michaela Althouse

A newly approved bill requires landlords to have a physical address in Philadelphia or a point of contact in the city who can be reached if a property needs repairs. City Council hopes the legislation will help keep rentals in good condition.

March 27, 2026

Semiquincentennial

City launches app, grant program and business guide to help navigate events around 250th anniversary

by Michaela Althouse

Mayor Cherelle Parker offered details Friday about a new app, grant program and business resource that were recently launched to help navigate upcoming events around the semiquincentennial to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

March 26, 2026

Transportation

Is Philly ready to shift gears and share the road with autonomous vehicles?

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia City Council will explore the future of Waymo, the self-driving vehicle company, in Philadelphia at an upcoming hearing. Councilmember Jim Harrity, who called for the examination, spoke about his primary concerns.

March 26, 2026

Politics

City Council to go 'back to the drawing board' on amending resign-to-run law

by Michaela Althouse

City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas introduced legislation to repeal his proposal to amend Philly's resign-to-run law. He said he received feedback that it wouldn't have enough support from voters when it was put on the ballot in May.

March 25, 2026

Tyrese Maxey says he's 'Philly all the way,' but still roots for the Cowboys

by Michaela Althouse

76ers star Tyrese Maxey appeared on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' and discussed his sports rooting interests and his friendship with LeBron James. He also cast NBA players as 'Avengers' characters.

March 24, 2026

Obituaries

Kermit Gosnell, the West Philly abortion doctor convicted of murder, dies at 85

by Michaela Althouse

Kermit Gosnell, the West Philadelphia abortion doctor who was convicted of killing three babies delivered alive, died March 1 at 85. He was serving three consecutive life sentences.