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

November 2, 2023

Family-Friendly

Franklin Institute's 'Wondrous Space' exhibit lets kids build their own rockets and astronaut suits

by Kristin Hunt

The new 'Wondrous Space' exhibit at the Franklin Institute lets kids build their own space suits and rockets. The $8.5 million, two-story collection opens Saturday, Nov. 4. It includes NASA space suits, meteorites and interactive games.

November 2, 2023

History

Bayard Rustin organized the March on Washington. Three months later, the FBI started watching him

by Kristin Hunt

Shortly after he organized the 1963 March on Washington, civil rights activist Bayard Rustin became the subject of a decades-long FBI surveillance operation. The file, declassified in 2009, reveals an obsession with the MLK confidant's communist ties. 'Rustin,' the Netflix biopic starring Colman Domingo, is now in theaters.

November 1, 2023

Weekend

Weirdo Fest and the Veterans Parade: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

During the first weekend of November, catch the new Wondrous Space exhibit at the Franklin Institute or the Philly Veterans Parade. 'Wicked' also returns to Kimmel, and Weirdo Fest celebrates art in East Kensington.

November 1, 2023

Health Insurance

ACA open enrollment has begun; here's how to pick a health insurance plan

by Kristin Hunt

During open enrollment, Americans without employer-sponsored health insurance or Medicaid can enroll in an ACA plan. Here's how Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents can sign up through Pennie and Get Covered NJ.

October 31, 2023

Food & Drink

Late-night ramen bar inspired by 'Blade Runner' opens Thursday in Rittenhouse

by Kristin Hunt

Chika, a new, late-night ramen bar inspired by 'Blade Runner,' opens Thursday in Rittenhouse Square. Chika will serve noodles, sake and cocktails until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, or midnight during the week.

October 31, 2023

Entertainment

Ring is offering money for video of 'alien sightings' — and people are getting creative

by Kristin Hunt

Ring’s Million Dollar Search for Extraterrestrials contest calls on users to submit doorbell-video evidence of alien life. But they can also score smaller prizes of $500 Amazon gift cards for joking interpretations. Watch some of those submissions here.

October 30, 2023

Performances

Watch 'Nightmare Before Christmas' or 'Elf' as the Philly Orchestra performs the movies' music

by Kristin Hunt

The Philadelphia Orchestra will play the scores to 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and 'Elf' as the movies are shown at Verizon Hall this holiday season. 'Nightmare' is being played Nov. 24-26. 'Elf' is being played Dec. 22-23. Tickets to both shows begin at $36.

October 30, 2023

Adult Health

Penn scientists predict cardiovascular deaths from extreme heat will spike as the planet warms

by Kristin Hunt

Cardiovascular deaths from extreme heat will spike as the planet warms, according to a study conducted by University of Pennsylvania scientists. The research, published in Circulation, found that Black people and the elderly will particularly be at risk.

October 27, 2023

Religion

'It feels like 9/11 all over again': Harassment against local Muslims and Arabs on rise amid Israel-Hamas war

by Kristin Hunt

Muslim and Arab communities in Philadelphia describe an increase in Islamophobic harassment since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7. Mosques are seeking grants to improve security. Children report being called bombers and terrorists. And police are investigating an act of vandalism at the United Muslim Islamic Center in Point Breeze.

October 27, 2023

Wildlife

The black bear spotted at Plymouth Meeting Mall has been caught, police say

by Kristin Hunt

A black bear first spotted in the Plymouth Meeting Mall parking lot in Montgomery County on Thursday morning has been caught, Plymouth Township police said. The Pennsylvania Game Commission will relocate the animal.