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

May 20, 2026

Health News

Jefferson Methodist Hospital closed indefinitely after power outage forces evacuation

by Michaela Althouse

Jefferson Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia was evacuated Tuesday night after a power outage. The issue was reportedly caused by flooding in the facility's basement. Backup generators failed.

May 19, 2026

Transportation

Gas prices are rising, but not enough to reduce Memorial Day weekend traffic

by Michaela Althouse

Memorial Day weekend will bring busy roads despite increasing gas costs, according to AAA and Inrix. Nationally, automobile travel is expected to rise slightly from last year.

May 18, 2026

Celebrities

A.J. Brown marries fiancée Kelsey Riley in ceremony at California resort

by Michaela Althouse

Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown wed his fiancée Kelsey Riley on Saturday at a luxury resort in Laguna Beach, California. The couple got engaged in Philadelphia in May 2025 and share a son, Arthur Juan Jr.

May 18, 2026

2026 Election

Philly voters will answer these ballot questions during Tuesday's primary election

by Michaela Althouse

On Tuesday, May 19, Philadelphia voters will be asked to vote on two ballot questions in the primary election. One would create a retirement program for workers in the city and another would make the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson permanent.

May 18, 2026

Arts & Culture

Riverview Wellness Village sculptures to feature handiwork of its residents

by Michaela Althouse

A new art installation at the Riverview Wellness Village for addiction recovery will include sculptures made from forged steel, aluminum and enamel. Symbols and messages will be hammered into the metal by residents and staff.

May 15, 2026

Arts & Culture

Trump's proposed sculpture garden includes 23 U.S. heroes with Philly ties

by Michaela Althouse

President Donald Trump's proposed 'National Garden of American Heroes' includes 23 people with connections to the Philadelphia are. On Friday he announced that the site for the project will be West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C.

May 14, 2026

Nature

A rare corpse flower is in bloom at Temple's greenhouse in Ambler

by Michaela Althouse

A corpse flower, a rare plant that produces a smell similar to that of rotting flesh, is in bloom at Temple University's greenhouse in Ambler. The species only blooms every 3-7 years. When it does, it only blossoms for 36 hours.

May 13, 2026

Transportation

The Philly airport is preparing for an influx of travelers this summer. Here's how many it expects

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia International Airport expects to 9.4 million travelers this summer, a 6.3% increase from last year, due to the World Cup, MLB All-Star Game and America's 250th birthday.

May 13, 2026

Food & Drink

After 10 years in Maine, Romanian 'bread fanatic' brings his French baguettes to Port Richmond

by Michaela Althouse

Universal Bread Bakers, which started in 2014 in Maine, opened a new shop in Port Richmond. Owner Adrian Sulea, who's a lifelong 'bread fanatic,' hopes the shop will become the neighborhood's go-to spot to grab a loaf.

May 13, 2026

2026 Election

Jay Gillian wins fifth term as Ocean City mayor in election that centered on Wonderland Pier site

by Michaela Althouse

Jay Gillian won a fifth term as Ocean City's mayor during Tuesday's election, defeating Keith Hartzell and Pete Madden. The race largely centered on the future of the Wonderland Pier site on the boardwalk, where a developer has proposed a luxury hotel.