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

March 23, 2026

Education

Mayor Parker proposes raising rideshare tax to $1 per trip to fund public schools

by Kristin Hunt

Mayor Cherelle Parker is increasing her proposed rideshare tax from 20 cents to $1 per Uber or Lyft ride to help decrease the Philly school district's $300 million deficit.

March 20, 2026

Recreation

Parks & Rec spoofs Sarah McLachlan ad in lifeguard recruitment video

by Kristin Hunt

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is recruiting lifeguards with $500 and $1,000 bonuses, plus a parody of Sarah McLachlan's commercial for ASPCA set to 'Angel.'

March 20, 2026

Movies

Why 'Rocky' is weirdly crucial to the new sci-fi movie 'Project Hail Mary'

by Kristin Hunt

'Project Hail Mary' is mostly set in outer space, but Philly pop culture plays a key role in the Ryan Gosling movie, which is out Friday. The sci-fi film, and the Andy Weir book it's based on, rely on 'Rocky' to overcome a language barrier.

March 20, 2026

Lawsuits

N.J. files lawsuit to block ICE detention center in Roxbury Township

by Kristin Hunt

The state of New Jersey and Roxbury Township have sued the Trump administration over plans to convert a warehouse on Route 46 in Morris County into an ICE detention center.

March 19, 2026

Media

WXPN host Kathy O'Connell to retire after nearly 40 years of running 'Kids Corner'

by Kristin Hunt

WXPN host Kathy O'Connell is retiring after nearly 40 years at the public radio station. She created 'Kids Corner,' a Peabody Award-winning series for children ages 5-13. It will end in June.

March 19, 2026

Streaming

Streaming guide: Watch this Oscar nominee and these dramas about journalism

by Kristin Hunt

Here's what to watch on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Peacock and Disney+. 'It Was Just an Accident,' the recent Oscar nominee from Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, leads our recommendations.

March 18, 2026

Food & Drink

Val's owners say opening Philly's only lesbian bar comes with a 'big sense of responsibility'

by Kristin Hunt

Val's Lesbian Bar, the first lesbian bar in Philly since the Toasted Walnut closed in 2021, opens Wednesday in Queen Village. It is one of just 37 remaining in the U.S.

March 18, 2026

Transportation

As Americans pay more at the pump, how do gas prices in Pa. and N.J. compare with the rest of the U.S.?

by Kristin Hunt

Gas prices have increased in the U.S. since the war in Iran began. The average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline is now $3.842 nationally and $3.800 in Pennsylvania. Rates are even higher in the Philadelphia metro area.

March 17, 2026

Food & Drink

Irish bars in Philly boycotted Guinness 26 years ago. At least one still does

by Kristin Hunt

Irish bar owners in Philadelphia led a boycott of Guinness in 2000 over its partnership with Irish Pub Co., the 'bar-in-a-box' turnkey firm responsible for Fadó. McGillin's Olde Ale House still won't serve the stout.

March 17, 2026

Transportation

As Philly airport closes more security checkpoints, officials urge travelers to budget an extra half hour

by Kristin Hunt

Two more security checkpoints will temporarily close Wednesday at Philadelphia International Airport. The hubs at Terminals A-West, C and F will be restricted until further notice due to TSA staffing shortages.