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

June 25, 2025

Business

Roy Rogers opens location in Cherry Hill — its first in the Philly area in decades

by Michaela Althouse

Fast food chain Roy Rogers opened a new location at 614 Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill, New Jersey on Wednesday. It's the chain's first location in the Philadelphia area in decades.

June 25, 2025

Real Estate

Mount Vernon Cemetery sells for $1 to buyer who plans to bring eco-friendly burials to Philly

by Michaela Althouse

The owner of New Jersey-based Steelmantown Cemetery Company plans to purchase Mount Vernon Cemetery in Strawberry Mansion for $1. Once the sale goes through, he plans to clean up the overgrown property, restore the gatehouse and turn it into an eco-friendly burial space.

June 24, 2025

Transportation

Fourth of July traffic expected to hit record numbers — and airports will be busy, too

by Michaela Althouse

AAA estimates that 61.6 million people will drive at least 50 miles from their homes between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 6. That amount would set a new record and mark a 2% increase over last year. Another 10 million people will take flights.

June 24, 2025

Podcast

New podcast focuses on Philly businesses that balance profits with greater societal impacts

by Michaela Althouse

The new podcast 'Get Down to Business' features interviews with the founders of B Corp companies. Its first season debuts July 8 and focuses on four Philadelphia companies: Triple Bottom Brewing, Solar States, Re:Vision Architecture and NOOR by Grant Blvd.

June 23, 2025

Health Insurance

Health insurers commit to making prior authorizations easier and less common

by Michaela Althouse

Major health insurers have committed to streamlining the prior authorization process and making the requirement less common. The moves are expected to help patients access treatment more quickly and improve efficiency among insurers.

June 23, 2025

Courts

Trial for accused killer of Temple police officer Christopher Fitzgerald starts Monday

by Michaela Althouse

The trial for the man who allegedly fatally shot Temple University police officer Christopher Fitzgerald on Feb. 18, 2023 starts Monday. Miles Pfeffer, 20, of Bucks County, is charged with first degree murder and related charges. Prosecutors have declined to seek the death penalty — a decision criticized by the Fitzgerald family.

June 20, 2025

Weather

Philly declares heat emergency for Sunday through Wednesday with temperatures expected to near 100

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia declared a heat emergency starting noon Sunday and going until Wednesday at 8 p.m. During that time, cooling centers will be open with extended hours and the city's heatline will be active.

June 20, 2025

Transportation

Philly airport adds nonstop flights to Cape Cod for the summer

by Michaela Althouse

American Airlines will offer a nonstop flight from the Philadelphia International Airport to the Cape Cod Gateway Airport every day during the summer. Round-trip tickets start at $188.

June 18, 2025

Arts & Culture

Phillies owner John Middleton's art collection to be on display at show opening next year

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts will host a joint exhibit for the semiquincentennial celebration featuring works from the collection of Phillies owner John Middleton. The show centers around historic and modern pieces depicting life in America.

June 18, 2025

Weather

Keep your home cool with these tips as the summer's first heat wave arrives

by Michaela Althouse

Here's a comprehensive guide to cooling off your home during a heat wave, including the best methods for using fans, how to ease the burden on your air conditioning system and how to make your home more energy efficient.