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

January 16, 2026

Business

Val's Lesbian Bar to open in Queen Village this spring

by Kristin Hunt

Val's Lesbian Bar will open in Queen Village this spring, becoming Philly's first lesbian bar since Toasted Walnut closed in 2021. It will be the only one in Pennsylvania.

January 16, 2026

Government

Immigrant advocates push N.J. Gov. Murphy to sign protections into law before his term ends

by Kristin Hunt

Over 100 advocacy groups have asked New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to sign three bills strengthening immigrant protections before he leaves office on Jan. 20. Local chapters of the NAACP and ACLU signed a letter, along with labor unions.

January 15, 2026

Entertainment

FIFA says it received over 500 million ticket requests for the World Cup

by Kristin Hunt

FIFA said it received over half a billion ticket requests for the World Cup during its latest random selection draw, which ended Tuesday. The most popular pick was the Colombia vs. Portugal match in Miami on June 27.

January 15, 2026

Food & Drink

Love City to take over the former Fat Lady Brewing space in Manayunk

by Kristin Hunt

Love City Brewing is preparing to open a second location this spring while maintaining its flagship spot in Callowhill. The new taproom and events space in the 4323 Main St. building in Manayunk was last occupied by Fat Lady Brewing.

January 14, 2026

Courts

Penn groups seek to block creation of federal 'registry' of Jewish students and faculty

by Kristin Hunt

Five groups associated with the University of Pennsylvania are seeking to intervene in a federal lawsuit the EEOC filed against Penn for failing to furnish lists of Jewish clubs and their members.

January 14, 2026

Will Smith scales a 300-foot ice wall in 'Pole to Pole' premiere

by Kristin Hunt

Will Smith scales an ice wall and walks across Antarctica in the premiere of 'Pole to Pole.' The National Geographic travel series aired Tuesday night and is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

January 13, 2026

Arts & Culture

Philly's youth poet laureate now is a finalist for U.S. title

by Kristin Hunt

Malaya Ulan, named Philadelphia's youth poet laureate in 2024, is one of four finalists for the national title. The winner will be crowned at an April ceremony in Nebraska.

January 13, 2026

Courts

Philly woman sentenced to prison for role in Medicaid fraud scheme totaling $1.76 million

by Kristin Hunt

A Philly woman will serve 9-23 months in prison and pay $1.39 million in restitution with her co-conspirators for her role in a Medicaid fraud scheme. Barbara Thomas, 46, was the office manager of ComfortZone Home Health Care.

January 12, 2026

Social Justice

New Jersey residents with criminal convictions now can serve as jurors

by Kristin Hunt

New Jersey residents with prior criminal convictions now are eligible for jury duty under an executive order signed Sunday by Gov. Phil Murphy, who leaves office Jan. 20.

January 12, 2026

Food & Drink

These local movie theaters are giving out free popcorn on Jan. 19

by Kristin Hunt

Looking to score free movie theater snacks in Philly for National Popcorn Day? Here are the chains offering deals on Monday, Jan. 19, including Regal Cinemas, Marcus Theatres, Cinemark and Philadelphia Film Society.