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

August 14, 2024

Business

Blink Fitness to close its Philadelphia gyms after filing for bankruptcy

by Kristin Hunt

Blink Fitness will close its two Philadelphia gyms on Aug. 30. The locations at 5597 Tulip St. in Wissinoming and 330 W. Oregon Ave. in South Philly were its only gyms in Pennsylvania. The chain filed for bankruptcy Monday, citing $280 million in debt.

August 14, 2024

Odd News

SEPTA workers rescue cat, 5 kittens trapped inside a Market-Frankford Line station

by Kristin Hunt

SEPTA workers found and rescued a cat and her five kittens from the wall and ceiling of 63rd Street Station in West Philly. The Stray Cat Relief Fund animal rescue is seeking foster homes.

August 13, 2024

Music

Philly singer and hip-hop trio make it on Barack Obama's annual summer playlist

by Kristin Hunt

Former President Barack Obama has released his annual summer playlist, recommending TikTok hits, dad rock and throwbacks from Philadelphia artists Jill Scott and Digable Planets.

August 13, 2024

History

Reporter who received stolen files from 1971 heist of Delco FBI office reflects on working on Ed Helms' podcast

by Kristin Hunt

Journalist Betty Medsger wrote about the FBI's surveillance of U.S. citizens and abuses of power based in information contained in files stolen from the Media, Delaware County FBI office in 1971. The story of the burglary and its aftermath is being revisited in Season 2 of the podcast 'Snafu,' which Medsger executive produced.

August 13, 2024

Investigations

Swastika spray painted on Farmer Jawn barn in West Chester, police say

by Kristin Hunt

A vandal spray-painted a swastika on the floor of a barn at Farmer Jawn, the 123-acre farm in West Chester, police said. Founder Christa Barfield said an employee found the antisemitic symbol last week, adding that it's the second hate crime against the organization this year.

August 12, 2024

Celebrities

Part of Master Street to be renamed for Philly native actress Erika Alexander

by Kristin Hunt

The section of Master Street between Broad and Carlisle streets near Freedom Theatre will be renamed Erika Alexander Way on Sept. 21. The dedication honors the 'American Fiction' and 'Living Single' actress.

August 12, 2024

Government

Montgomery County to install free tampon and pad dispensers in public buildings

by Kristin Hunt

Montgomery County will install free tampon and pad dispensers in public buildings including courthouses, historic sites, health centers and parks. The expansion follows a nationwide push to make period products free in schools and prisons.

August 9, 2024

Women's Health

Stronger pain medications should be offered during IUD placements, CDC says

by Kristin Hunt

The CDC has updated its guidelines for intrauterine devices insertion, laying out more options for pain management and irregular bleeding. Women who use that form of birth control have long complained the procedure requires better medication.

August 9, 2024

Festivals

XPoNential Music Festival, headlined by Rosanne Cash and Guster, returns Sept. 20-22

by Kristin Hunt

The XPoNential Music Festival will feature 23 bands and solo musicians at Wiggins Park in Camden the weekend of Sept. 20-22. Tickets are being sold on the event's website. The Walkmen, Rosanne Cash and Guster are the headliners.

August 8, 2024

Crime

Hundreds of pounds of tuna stolen from semi-truck at Food Distribution Center in South Philly

by Kristin Hunt

Thieves stole 350-400 pounds of tuna stolens from refrigerated tractor trailer making delivery to Samuels Seafood Co. early Thursday morning at the Food Distribution Center in South Philly.