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 22, 2026

History

Barn collapses at Bucks County property once owned by musical theater icon Oscar Hammerstein II

by Michaela Althouse

A barn located on a Bucks County farm once owned by musical theater legend Oscar Hammerstein II collapsed during a storm Wednesday. Officials said they planned to demolish the structure and rebuild it as a theater education center.

May 22, 2026

Health News

Jefferson Methodist Hospital to reopen Saturday after power outage forced temporary closure

by Michaela Althouse

Jefferson Methodist Hospital is reopening at 7 a.m. Saturday. A power outage Tuesday forced the South Philly hospital to close down for several days. About 150 patients were transferred to other medical facilities.

May 21, 2026

History

African American Museum exhibit to tell story of Ona Judge, who escaped from enslavement by George Washington

by Michaela Althouse

The African American Museum in Philadelphia will launch a film exhibit on the life of Ona Judge, an enslaved woman owned by George Washington who escaped to freedom, and the free Black community in colonial Philadelphia.

May 21, 2026

Entertainment

Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott to headline Philly's Fourth of July concert

by Michaela Althouse

Christina Aguilera and Jill Scott are headlining the 2026 Wawa Welcome America concert on July 4 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, the Roots and Kathy Sledge also perform. Fireworks will follow.

May 20, 2026

History

President's House gets $25,000 grant for mobile display and documentary on preservation efforts

by Michaela Althouse

A historic preservation trust named the President's House one of the country's most endangered historic sites and awarded it a $25,000 grant that will fund a mobile exhibit which includes a documentary on its history.

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.