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 28, 2026

History

Philly's 1926 world's fair for America's 150th anniversary was the 'flop heard 'round the world'

by Michaela Althouse

In 1926, Philadelphia hosted a world's fair in honor of the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But the event proved to be a massive financial and cultural failure.

May 27, 2026

History

For the centennial in 1876, Philly hosted a world's fair that was a showcase of American innovation

by Michaela Althouse

In 1876, Philadelphia officials organized a world's fair to honor the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The result was a showcase of American innovation, and the spark that revived celebrating July 4.

May 27, 2026

Podcasts

Tina Fey says on 'New Heights' she still occasionally falls into her Delco accent

by Michaela Althouse

During an appearance on the 'New Heights' podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, Upper Darby native Tina Fey said she still occasionally falls into her Delco accent and revealed that she thinks some of the funniest people are from the area.

May 27, 2026

Nature

Philadelphia Zoo's bear exhibit to reopen after $25 million renovation project

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Zoo is reopening its bear exhibit on June 4 following the completion of a two-year, $25 million renovation project. The exhibit includes upgraded habitats for the zoo's Andean and sloth bears and new viewing areas for visitors.

May 26, 2026

History

For America's 50th birthday, Philly began appreciating its revolutionary roots

by Michaela Althouse

In the lead up to the 1826 jubilee, honoring the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia began to appreciate its significance in the Revolutionary War and the country's founding.

May 26, 2026

Investigations

Shooting in Fairmount Park resulted from conflict over stolen car, police say

by Michaela Althouse

Gunshots were fired near Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park early Tuesday morning after the owner of a Dodge SRT tracked it down, Philadelphia police say. The shooting occurred at 2:30 a.m. at Kelly and Sedgley drives.

May 25, 2026

History

Ahead of the semiquincentennial, here's a look back on life in Philly in 1776

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia has a lot of celebrations planned through 2026 for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Here's a quick history lesson on the making of the document, the Revolutionary War and life in 1776.

May 25, 2026

Books

Summer reading: Check out these 7 books from Philly-area authors

by Michaela Althouse

In need of a beach read? Check out these seven books from Philly-area authors — from a new short story collection to a kitchen-themed murder mystery to a deep-dive on Black journalism in America.

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.