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

February 19, 2026

Courts

New Jersey sues Trump administration over cuts to energy affordability projects

by Kristin Hunt

New Jersey has joined 12 other states in suing the Trump administration. Their lawsuit claims the federal government terminated grant funding for energy efficiency projects to Democratic states as punishment for the shutdown.

February 18, 2026

Recreation

Bird-watching backpacks are now available at every Free Library branch

by Kristin Hunt

The Free Library of Philadelphia has made birding backpacks available at all of its branches — in time for the spring migratory season. The backpacks each contain binoculars, field guides and maps.

February 18, 2026

Transportation

SEPTA to scrap mobile Key Tix option for single fares in March

by Kristin Hunt

SEPTA is ending its mobile Key Tix option for single fares on March 2. Sales on the platform have declined since the system-wide adoption of contactless pay in April 2025.

February 17, 2026

Lawsuits

Parker vows, 'We will not allow anyone to erase our history,' following President's House lawsuit ruling

by Kristin Hunt

Mayor Cherelle Parker praised a court order requiring the Trump administration to restore the slavery exhibit at the President's House, saying the city will not allow anyone to erase its history.

February 17, 2026

History

How Jesse Jackson became a lightning rod in the contentious 1983 Philly mayoral race

by Kristin Hunt

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at the age of 84, sparked a monthslong media cycle in Philly in 1983 when he visited Temple University to endorse W. Wilson Goode, the man who would become the city's first Black mayor.

February 16, 2026

Entertainment

Figure skater Isabeau Levito is set for her Olympics debut. Here's a look at her path from South Jersey to Milan

by Kristin Hunt

Isabeau Levito, who grew up in South Jersey, is competing in her first Winter Olympics. The 18-year-old figure skater takes the ice Tuesday during the women's singles event in Italy.

February 13, 2026

Entertainment

New Franklin Institute exhibit explores Universal theme parks' rides, attractions

by Kristin Hunt

The Franklin Institute's special exhibit on Universal theme parks focuses on the rides and attractions spun off from the studio's properties. It runs through Sept. 7, 2026.

February 13, 2026

Streaming

Michael Rapaport says his brash personality on 'The Traitors' was part performance, part reality

by Kristin Hunt

Michael Rapaport, who recently appeared in Season 4 of 'The Traitors,' will headline three shows at Valley Forge Casino on Friday and Saturday. The actor initially aligned himself with Donna Kelce, and went viral for eating pasta.

February 12, 2026

Entertainment

John Legend is composing his first stage musical, an adaptation of 'Imitation of Life'

by Kristin Hunt

John Legend is composing his first stage musical. 'Imitation of Life' is based on the 1933 novel of the same name and 1934 and 1959 movie adaptations. It will open Off-Broadway in Manhattan this fall with director Liesl Tommy.

February 11, 2026

Business

Taylor Chip closes its two Philly cookie shops due to financial strains

by Kristin Hunt

Taylor Chip, the Lancaster-based cookie company, expanded to Philadelphia in 2024. But it has abruptly closed its Rittenhouse and Fishtown shops citing debt incurred by the permitting process.