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

June 28, 2024

Prevention

Frequent social media users are more likely to get vaccinated regardless of political party, Penn study finds

by Kristin Hunt

Greater social media use is linked to a greater likelihood of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza, new research from the University of Pennsylvania finds. The trend is true of Republicans and Democrats, though their reason for getting vaccinated differ. The findings suggest tailored social media campaigns can boost vaccination rates.

June 28, 2024

History

Before the internet, the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard of Philadelphia connected LGBTQ callers with safe spaces

by Kristin Hunt

The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard of Philadelphia connected callers with LGBTQ organizations, bars and services from 1972 to 1998. The free, confidential hotline was started by Keith Clark, the co-owner of Philadelphia Gay News, and staffed by volunteers. It operated from various apartments and LGBT centers over the years.

June 27, 2024

Weekend

Fireworks, espresso ice cream and TooManyGames: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

The last weekend of June in Philadelphia will feature fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July. A new "Espresso"-inspired ice cream flavor also comes to Van Leeuwen, and Pride Month ends with dance parties.

June 26, 2024

History

The smallest NPS site is in Old City. It honors a Polish military expert who helped America win its independence

by Kristin Hunt

Thaddeus Kościuszko, who led an uprising for Polish independence in 1794, cut his freedom fighting teeth during the Revolutionary War, where he proved to be a key ally. His national memorial is the smallest NPS unit in America.

June 25, 2024

Entertainment

Summer pop-up at Eakins Oval with mini golf, beer garden and live music opens July 11

by Kristin Hunt

Eakins Oval will bring back its summer pop-up for seven weeks between Thursday, July 11, and Sunday, Aug. 25. The park will feature a beer garden/restaurant, mini golf course from Libertee Grounds and plenty of free events.

June 24, 2024

Fundraising

S.S. United States Conservancy seeks $500k to relocate the ship docked in South Philly for nearly 30 years

by Kristin Hunt

The S.S. United States conservancy seeks to fundraise $500k to move the historic ship from South Philly to a new home. The crowdfunding campaign follows the ocean liner's eviction from Pier 82. It has until Sept. 12 to find a new home.

June 21, 2024

Family-Friendly

Philadelphia Polo Classic set to return late this summer with local players competing

by Kristin Hunt

Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Philadelphia Polo Classic on Saturday, Sept. 21. The two-match event in Fairmount Park benefits the city's Work to Ride program, that teaches horseback riding to city youth.

June 21, 2024

Government

Sen. Casey becomes latest Democrat to press major retailers about possible price gouging

by Kristin Hunt

Sen. Bob Casey is asking the CEOs of Target, Amazon and Walmart to explain skyrocketing prices in the face of stabilizing inflation. His letters follow similar efforts by the Connecticut AG and other U.S. senators.

June 20, 2024

Transportation

Amtrak, NJ Transit service suspended amid power outage, fire near New York City

by Kristin Hunt

Amtrak from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia and NJ Transit service was been suspended Thursday, June 20, 2024, due to a power outage and fire. Trains operating between 30th Street and New Haven Union in Connecticut stations are now halted.

June 20, 2024

Weekend

Chinese Lantern Festival and Kidchella: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

Searching for things to do in Philadelphia the weekend of June 21-23? Check out the Chinese Lantern Festival, an open public pool or ongoing Pride Month events.