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 2, 2026

PBS will spotlight Sun Ra and his Philly musical collective on 'American Masters'

by Kristin Hunt

Experimental jazz musician Sun Ra was known as the 'godfather of Afrofuturism.' He was the longtime bandleader of the Arkestra, based in Germantown. PBS will present his biography on 'American Masters' on Friday, Feb. 20.

February 2, 2026

Books

Fine dining turns deadly in new murder mystery 'To Kill a Cook'

by Kristin Hunt

Philadelphia author W.M. Akers' new mystery novel 'To Kill a Cook' follows a 1970s restaurant critic investigating a celebrity chef's death. The book features period cuisine including aspic, French fine dining and New American cooking.

January 30, 2026

Shopping

Urban Outfitters' discount Reclectic shop is moving from Franklin Mall to Willow Grove

by Kristin Hunt

URBN's discount shop Reclectic is moving out of Franklin Mall in Northeast Philly. It will reopen in Willow Grove Park Mall on Feb. 27. The store sells new and used items from Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Nuuly and Free People.

January 30, 2026

Pets

DeVon-tails Smith and 8 other dogs from Philly-area shelters are competing in the Puppy Bowl

by Kristin Hunt

Nine dogs from shelters in the Philly region are competing in the 2026 Puppy Bowl on Sunday. Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. One is named DeVon-tails Smith after the Eagles wide receiver.

January 29, 2026

Music

In Justin Faulkner, Philly's next generation of jazz musicians have a Grammy-nominated instructor

by Kristin Hunt

Justin Faulkner, drummer for the Branford Marsalis Quartet, is a nominee for best jazz instrumental album at the Grammys this weekend. He also is the jazz director for the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute.

January 29, 2026

Movies

Library of Congress adds 1993 drama 'Philadelphia' to National Film Registry

by Kristin Hunt

The Library of Congress has selected 'Philadelphia,' one of the first mainstream movies to address the AIDS crisis, for the National Film Registry. Other additions include 'Clueless,' 'The Karate Kid' and 'High Society' starring Grace Kelly.

January 28, 2026

Courts

Philly DA Larry Krasner forms coalition with other district attorneys to prosecute federal officers who break state laws

by Kristin Hunt

Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner has formed a coalition with district attorneys in Virginia, Texas, Arizona and Minnesota to prosecute federal officers, like ICE agents, who commit state crimes.

January 27, 2026

Businesses

D.C.-based bagel chain Call Your Mother to open shop in Fishtown this year

by Kristin Hunt

Call Your Mother, a D.C.-based bagel shop, will expand to Philadelphia. The chain also has locations in Colorado, Maryland and Virginia. Owners Andrew Dana and Daniela Moreira plan to open in Fishtown in the spring or summer.

January 27, 2026

Politics

Sen. Fetterman calls on Trump to fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem after ICE killings in Minneapolis

by Kristin Hunt

Sen. John Fetterman called on President Donald Trump to fire Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary following the ICE killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The Pennsylvania senator was among seven Democrats who voted to confirm her last year.

January 26, 2026

Movies

'Gettysburg 1863' movie crew spotted filming on location in Pennsylvania

by Kristin Hunt

The cast and crew of 'Gettysburg 1863,' an upcoming Civil War movie, have been filming on location in Pennsylvania. They have shot scenes at the Shriver House Museum and Dobbin House Tavern.