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.
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 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.September 16, 2024
Investigations
Demolition work begins on Frankford buildings that caught fire last week
Demolition work began Monday on the two commercial buildings that caught fire on the 1200 block of Adams Avenue in the Frankford section of Philadelphia on Friday, Sept. 13. No one was injured in the four-alarm blaze, which remains under investigation, but several residents were displaced.September 13, 2024
Healthy Eating
The FDA wants to put nutrition warnings on the fronts of food packages to reduce obesity, other health conditions
Food and drink packages may soon have front-of-package nutrition labels that warn of high amounts of added sugars, sodium or saturated fats. The FDA plans has been considering several label options and plans to make a formal proposal this October. The change is aimed at reducing obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions.September 13, 2024
Celebrities
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts reveals engagement to longtime girlfriend Bry Burrows
In photos published Friday with Essence, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Bry Burrows.September 13, 2024
Transportation
City Council lobbies for Harrisburg to fix SEPTA's $240 million budget deficit
Philadelphia City Council members are urging leaders in Harrisburg to provide more money for SEPTA, which is faced with a $240 million budget deficit.To boost revenue, on Sept. 23, SEPTA will reinstate parking fees for vehicles at its station lots. And it has proposed ending discounts for riders who use SEPTA Key cards and other contactless payment methods on buses, subways, trolleys and Regional Rail trains.September 12, 2024
2024 Election
City Council approves plan to help seniors at nursing homes with mail-in voting process
City Council approve the Platinum Voters initiative, which will help seniors with the mail-in voting process. The Office of the City Commissioners will distribute mail-in ballot applications to nursing homes. After seniors receive ballots, the office will set specific dates for secure collection, and receipts will be provided to voters.September 11, 2024
Investigations
Jaime Roman, the Philly police officer shot during traffic stop in June, dies
Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman died Tuesday at Temple University Hospital nearly three months after he was shot in the neck as a he pursued a man following a traffic stop in Kensington, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said. The alleged shooter, Ramon Rodriguez Vázquez, now has been charged with murder.September 11, 2024
Food & Drink
After starting a bakery out of her home, New June owner to open first store in Brewerytown
New June bakery, which is known for its vintage-style occasion cakes, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location this fall at 2623 W. Girard Ave. in Brewerytown. Owner Noelle Blizzard started the business out of her home and has built a loyal following through pop-up events and decorating classes.Just In
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- Haverford High School's Leon Smith named National Teacher of the Year
- Report: Phils ace Zack Wheeler to return Saturday vs. Braves
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