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 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 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.

June 18, 2025

Entertainment

'Superman' drone show will fly over Citizens Bank Park after the Phillies game on Sunday night

by Michaela Althouse

After the Phillies game on Sunday night, 300 drones will fly over Citizens Bank Park in formations related to the upcoming 'Superman' movie. The film, which will be out in theaters July 11, stars Philly native David Corenswet.

June 18, 2025

Education

Philadelphia teachers union votes to authorize strike amid contract negotiations

by Michaela Althouse

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers voted to authorize a strike Tuesday night. The move gives the union the option to strike if a new collective bargaining agreement is not in place when the current deal expires on Aug. 31. Students return to class on Aug. 25.

June 17, 2025

Food & Drink

Mawn's Phila Lorn wins James Beard Award for best emerging chef

by Michaela Althouse

Phila Lorn, the owner of Cambodian noodle house Mawn in South Philadelphia, won best emerging chef at the James Beard Awards ceremony Monday night. Other Philadelphia nominees, including Lovers Bar, and chefs Jesse Ito, of Royal Sushi & Izakaya, and Amanda Shulman, of Her Place Supper Club, went home empty-handed.

June 17, 2025

Recreation

Lights, colors and jellyfish take center stage at Adventure Aquarium's new Kaleidoscope Cove

by Michaela Althouse

Adventure Aquarium's new Kaleidoscope Cove exhibit will open Saturday, June 28. Visitors can check out a glow-in-the-dark jellyfish wall, touchable sea star display and a giant LiteBrite with movable pieces.

June 16, 2025

Music

Philly musicians rebuke World Cafe Live for firing workers after walkout last week

by Michaela Althouse

Singer Rae.Dianz and the punk band The Taxpayers are showing solidarity with the World Cafe Live workers who were terminated after staging a walkout last week. Rae.Dianz canceled her June 26 concert at the venue. The Taxpayers are demanding World Cafe Live rehire the workers, or it will cancel its June 27 show.