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

November 14, 2023

Illness

Climate change may allow infectious diseases to spread further and linger longer, federal report warns

by Kristin Hunt

Infectious diseases could spread even further and linger longer into the fall and winter seasons if climate change worsens, according to the latest National Climate Assessment released by the U.S. government. Ticks, mosquitos and other animals carrying Lyme disease, meat allergies and rabies already have expanded their usual habitats.

November 13, 2023

Investigations

Danelo Cavalcante allegedly stole a knife, razor and rifle during 2-week manhunt, prosecutors say

by Kristin Hunt

Danelo Cavalcante, the convicted murderer who led authorities on a 14-day manhunt after escaping from Chester County Prison earlier this year, has been charged with burglary, theft and trespassing, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said Monday, Nov. 13, 2023.

November 13, 2023

Transportation

Thanksgiving travel expected to be busiest since 2019

by Kristin Hunt

AAA predicts 55.4 million people will travel by car, plane, bus, train or cruise ship for Thanksgiving. That's the highest number of travelers since 2000, when the motor club association began tracking holiday travel trends. The four-hour period of 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22 will be the worst for road traffic.

November 10, 2023

Donations

5 Philly food drives collecting cans and cash for Thanksgiving

by Kristin Hunt

Nonprofits and community groups focused on hunger are hosting multiple food drives this Thanksgiving season. Donate nonperishable items or direct funds to Philabundance, Bebashi, Sunday Love Project, the South Philly Community Fridge or Dock Street Brewery, which is delivering its pies to homeless shelters.

November 10, 2023

Music

Philadelphia Orchestra picks up Grammy Award nomination

by Kristin Hunt

The Philadelphia Orchestra earned a Grammy nomination for its recording of symphonies from two pioneering Black composers. 'Florence Price: Symphony No. 4 – William Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony' will compete for best orchestral performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards on Feb. 4.

November 9, 2023

Entertainment

National Dog Show returns to Oaks for 15th year later this month

by Kristin Hunt

See the National Dog Show in person before it airs on NBC on Thanksgiving at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. The 2023 competition will be held Nov. 18-19 and feature nearly 2,000 dogs across 200 breeds.

November 9, 2023

Food & Drink

Federal Donuts eyes expansion into Las Vegas

by Kristin Hunt

Federal Donuts is expanding to the other side of the country with a new Las Vegas location in 2024. The shop will be located in the food court of the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. The Philly chain also will rebrand to Federal Donuts & Chicken.

November 8, 2023

Weekend

Flannel Fest, park cleanups and an ice rink: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

Dilworth Park's ice rink and holiday market opens Friday, Nov. 10 for the winter season. Over the course of the weekend, volunteers will clean up Philly parks and Germantown will host Flannel Fest.

November 8, 2023

Social Justice

Nicetown man exonerated and released after 15 years in prison

by Kristin Hunt

David Sparks was exonerated for a wrongful murder conviction and released from prison on Monday after spending 15 years behind bars. Sparks, of Nicetown, was implicated in the shooting death of 19-year-old Gary Hall.

November 7, 2023

2023 Election

Working Families Party candidates win Philly City Council's at-large seats over Republicans

by Kristin Hunt

All seven of Philadelphia City Council's at-large seats will be held by Democrats and members of the progressive Working Families Party, marking the first time in the city's history that Republicans will not have at least one of the two at-large seats reserved for the minority party. WFP incumbent Kendra Brooks won reelection and Nicolas O'Rourke edged out GOPers Jim Hasher and Drew Murray. Democrats Isaiah Thomas, Katherine Gilmore-Richardson and Jim Harrity were each reelected, and Nina Ahmad and Rue Landau were newly elected to council.