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

July 2, 2026

Education

Philly school district owes $2.8 million to former employees, city controller says

by Kristin Hunt

The School District of Philadelphia owes 729 former employees a combined $2.8 million in unused paid time off, according to a new audit. City Controller Christy Brady noted violations of labor agreements and state law.

July 2, 2026

History

A flyer from Philadelphia's tea party protest in 1773 fetches big sum in 'America at 250' auction

by Kristin Hunt

Christie's recently auctioned off a 1773 leaflet warning Delaware River sailors not to help a ship carrying tea from London and threatening Captain Ayres with tarring and feathering. It is a relic of Philadelphia's tea party protest.

July 1, 2026

Shopping

Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross get bobbleheads for America's 250th birthday

by Kristin Hunt

Ahead of America's 250th birthday, a bobblehead museum is releasing a semiquincentennial set of collectibles. Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and the Declaration of Independence are part of the series.

July 1, 2026

History

Eastern State Penitentiary has a new exhibit on its synagogue, the nation's first in a prison

by Kristin Hunt

Eastern State Penitentiary will open a new permanent exhibit on Jewish life at the prison Thursday. It includes the site's synagogue, the first in a U.S. prison, and details on Supreme Court cases on religious freedom.

July 1, 2026

Courts

Inmates at Camden jail allegedly sent drug-laced letters disguised as legal correspondence

by Kristin Hunt

New Jersey investigators have busted a drug trafficking ring operating out of Camden County Correctional Facility. Inmates and conspirators outside the jail allegedly smuggled fentanyl through fake legal letters.

June 30, 2026

Food & Drink

Franklin Fountain is selling Statue of Liberty sundaes for $17.76

by Kristin Hunt

Franklin Fountain is offering limited-release specials for America's 250th birthday, including a Statue of Liberty sundae for $17.76. The scoop shop is also making Liberty Bell bars with Shane Confectionery.

June 29, 2026

Courts

Norristown man charged with roping 50 people into $3.8 million Ponzi scheme

by Kristin Hunt

A Montgomery County man has been charged in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded victims of over $3.8 million. Richard L. McNeil of Norristown allegedly promised at least 50 people steady returns on investments.

June 29, 2026

Entertainment

FIFA Fan Festival to shift hours this week while extreme heat watch is in effect

by Kristin Hunt

The FIFA Fan Festival in Philadelphia is changing its hours in response to a heat wave. The free World Cup watch parties at Lemon Hill will shift to later hours Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and end earlier on July 4.

June 26, 2026

Music

Barbara Mason helped make the Philly sound as a teen in the '60s. A new generation has found her on TikTok

by Kristin Hunt

Barbara Mason has been credited with the first example of the Philadelphia sound through her 1965 hit 'Yes, I'm Ready.' Gen Z has discovered her on TikTok through her 1968 cover of the Marvelettes' 'Forever.'

June 26, 2026

Transportation

PennDOT work to close some highway lanes in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties into the fall

by Kristin Hunt

PennDOT resurfacing work will close traffic lanes in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties starting Tuesday, July 7. The travel restrictions will be in place weekday mornings and afternoons through September and October.