Kristin Hunt

Kristin Hunt is a senior staff writer for PhillyVoice. A history and pop culture junkie, she spends her spare time stalking the Free Library shelves and binge watching TCM. She has previously contributed to Vulture, GQ, Mental Floss, JSTOR Daily, and The Washington Post.

kristin@phillyvoice.com

September 19, 2023

Environment

Pa. to increasingly monitor waterways for PFAS contamination

by Kristin Hunt

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is keeping a closer eye on the "forever chemicals" found in many state waterways. The DEP announced increased monitoring of PFAS in untreated surface water after a report found the substances in 76% of sampled streams.

September 19, 2023

Events

Enter your dog in a costume contest during a fundraiser for homeless pets at the Navy Yard

by Kristin Hunt

The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society will host its 17th annual Mutt Strut fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 7. The event includes a scenic walk, costume contest, food trucks and live music. Top fundraisers will receive prizes.

September 18, 2023

Celebrities

Jerry Blavat's dining set is now on sale at a secondhand furniture store in Fishtown

by Kristin Hunt

Thunderbird Salvage in Fishtown is selling a 10-piece dining set that originally belonged to Jerry Blavat, the Geator with the Heater. The longtime disc jockey died in January at age 82.

September 18, 2023

Nonprofits

The Red Cross has a national blood shortage; here's where to donate in Philly

by Kristin Hunt

The American Red Cross says its blood supply has dropped by nearly 25% since early August due to natural disasters like Hurricane Idalia. It's now calling for donations to end a national blood shortage. Here's where to donate blood in Philadelphia.

September 15, 2023

Adult Health

Many popular cold medicines contain an ineffective ingredient; here's what to take instead

by Kristin Hunt

A decongestant commonly found in cold medicines, including some NyQuil, Sudafed, Tylenol and Mucinex products, is ineffective, an FDA panel unanimously ruled this week. The FDA may decide to recall products containing phenylephrine, but there are alternative decongestants on the market.

September 15, 2023

History

New book explores folklore from the Delaware Valley's first people

by Kristin Hunt

In the new book 'On the Turtle's Back,' authors Camilla Townsend and Nicky Kay Michael collect and contextualize folklore from the Lenape, also known as the Delaware people, who lived in modern-day Pennsylvania and New Jersey before English settlers arrived in America.

September 14, 2023

Development

76ers arena legislation will be drafted, councilmember says, but when it'll be introduced is uncertain

by Kristin Hunt

The 76ers arena proposal appears to be on the track for legislative approval. Councilmember Mark Squilla, who represents the Center City neighborhoods where the arena would be built, indicated that an ordinance authorizing the project is being drafted. He plans to introduce it but say it needs "some community stakeholder support."

September 13, 2023

Weekend

Oktoberfest, Restaurant Week and a bunch of bees: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

Center City Restaurant Week continues this weekend in Philly. Oktoberfest celebrations begin on Saturday, Sept. 16, and the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild hosts a honey festival.

September 13, 2023

Government

Citizen complaints about Philadelphia police officers still take longer than a year to resolve, report finds

by Kristin Hunt

Misconduct complaints against Philadelphia police officers still take more than a year to resolve, a new report from the Citizens Police Oversight Commission finds. There have been greater improvements in other reforms, including more severe punishments for officers who are repeat offenders.

September 12, 2023

Lawsuits

Philly ethics board case against Jeff Brown super PAC dismissed

by Kristin Hunt

The Philadelphia Board of Ethics lawsuit against a super PAC affiliated with Jeff Brown has been dismissed. The board had accused For a Better Philadelphia of illegally coordinating with the former mayoral candidate and exceeding campaign finance limits.