Michaela Althouse

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

September 23, 2024

Courts

Bam Margera must stay in jail for drug and alcohol evaluation after DUI charge, judge says

Former 'Jackass' star Bam Margera must remain in custody pending the results of a drug and alcohol evaluation that will be administered Tuesday, a Chester County judge ruled Monday. Margera was arrested last week on a DUI charge — a violation of his probation terms. His attorneys requested that he be released to a rehab facility.

September 23, 2024

Festivals

Fishtown Fall Feastivale returns this weekend with DJs, dunk tanks and games for kids

The Fishtown Fall Feastivale returns on Frankford Avenue this Saturday, Sept. 28. The event includes more than 50 vendors, tons of local eats and sips, and games for kids.

September 20, 2024

Music

After 35 years, Chris' Jazz Cafe keeps evolving to help Philly's music scene continue to grow

Chris' Jazz Cafe is celebrating its 35th anniversary this month. Over the past few decades, the Sansom Street music club has fostered young musicians, added a livestream for international fans and upgraded its menu.

September 19, 2024

Food & Drink

Boozy Mutt to host matchmaking event for dog lovers who are looking for love

Fairmount bar the Boozy Mutt will host Single's Sip, a dog-friendly matchmaking night, on Friday, Oct. 4. For $80, participants will answer a questionnaire at the start of the night and receive one match from an algorithm halfway through the event.

September 18, 2024

Investigations

Man who worked as Sesame Place character allegedly exchanged sexually explicit photos with girl online

Don-Diego Parkman, 19, of Hamilton, New Jersey, is facing sexual assault charges for allegedly exchanging sexually explicit messages and photos with a preteen girl from Missouri, Mercer County prosecutors say. Parkman previously worked as a costumed character at Sesame Place and had been hired by Six Flags Great Adventure, but had not yet started.

September 18, 2024

Funerals

Funeral services for Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman begin early Thursday

Slain Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman's funeral continue early Thursday morning with a procession followed by a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Roman died Sept 10 from injuries he suffered after being shot duty in Kensington on June 10.

September 18, 2024

Funerals

The funeral Mass for police officer Jaime Roman, held at the basilica, is being livestreamed

The funeral Mass for Philadelphia police officer Jaime Roman, who was killed in the line of duty, takes place at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City. Roman was shot while pursuing a suspect after a traffic stop in Kensington on June 22. He died last week at Temple University Hospital.

September 18, 2024

Courts

Five former employees sue Register of Wills office and elected official John Sabatina for discrimination

Five former employees sued Register of Wills John Sabatina and the Philadelphia office for discrimination, claiming the Democrat fired them for not supporting him during his campaign. Sabatina fired 19 staffers of color and replaced them with white workers, the court filing says.

September 17, 2024

Government

Former Project HOME executive to lead Philly's Office of Homeless Services

Cheryl Hill was appointed as the new head of Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services. She comes to the role after serving as a senior vice president at Project HOME, and as the office faces financial scrutiny for overspending its budget in recent years.

September 16, 2024

Festivals

It's Oktoberfest season. The first celebrations of German beer, food and culture are on tap for this weekend.

Oktoberfests take place across the Philadelphia region in September and October, with both kid-friendly and 21-and-older options. There will be pretzel tossing, costume contests, German brews and stein-holding competitions.

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