Jessica Kartalija
Jessica came to Philadelphia in 2018 from Baltimore, where the Emmy-award winning journalist anchored the 5 p.m. news. Prior to that, she worked in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Yuma, Arizona.
Although Jessica was born and raised in San Diego, her family is originally from Pennsylvania. She graduated from Penn State University, majoring in Broadcast Journalism and minoring in Spanish. While in college, she completed a semester abroad, living in Sevilla, Spain, and became fluent. She also has her Master's in Communications from The Johns Hopkins University.
Jessica is on the Dean's Advancement Council for the Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State. She is also on the advisory board of Horizons Greater Philadelphia, a camp for children with cancer. She has worked with the Special Olympics, The House of Ruth Maryland, The Women's Initiative Network (WIN) at Kennedy Krieger Institute, and was on the Board of Trustees at the Irvine Nature Center.
She also teaches a Journalism and Public Speaking course at Villanova University.
Fun fact: viewers can see Jessica in the Philadelphia-based TV series "Servant," "House of Cards," and the movie "Transformers."
Jessica lives with her husband and son just outside of Philadelphia. They have two rescue dogs from the PSPCA. On weekends, you can find her on the sidelines at lacrosse games, reading, and traveling whenever she can.
Jessica's Stories
Shoppers saying farewell to the landmark Macy's store in Center City Philadelphia
While many try to find great bargains, most of the people are taking pictures with the famous eagle and listening to the organ play.
Best college wrestlers compete in Philadelphia for NCAA Championship
The best college wrestlers in the country are competing here in Philadelphia starting Thursday.
Cherry Hill School Board proposes new budget after cut in state funding
The proposed $256 million budget would eliminate 19 support staff positions and restructure middle schools into a junior high model, eliminating an advisory period.
New Jersey's 'Pothole Patrol' is out in full force
Starting Monday, The New Jersey Department of Transportation began a campaign to repair potholes throughout the Garden State.
5 injured but 'everybody survives' after small plane crashes in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
According to audio from Air Traffic Control, the pilot told the Lancaster Airport control tower that his plane "has an open door we need to return for landing."
Body Worlds goes beneath the surface at Philadelphia's Franklin Institute
A world-renowned exhibit that gives visitors an unprecedented look inside the human body is now open at The Franklin Institute.
Man accused of ramming police vehicle, injuring officer in Philadelphia's Bustleton section
A man was being served a protection from abuse order is accused of ramming his vehicle into a police SUV, injuring an officer.
Measles confirmed in unvaccinated Montgomery County child; other people may have been exposed
Health officials in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania have confirmed a case of measles in a child, and say it's possible members of the public were exposed.
Thousands evacuated from schools, homes after gas leak in the Ogontz section of Philadelphia
Thousands of people were evacuated from schools and homes on Thursday after a gas leak in the Ogontz section of Philadelphia.
Video shows sinkhole swallowing SUV in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia
Incredible video of a sinkhole swallowing an SUV in Port Richmond is making the rounds on the neighborhood group chat.