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 17, 2022

Protests

Philly Starbucks workers strike on Red Cup Day, joining union's nationwide work stoppage

by Kristin Hunt

Unionized Starbucks baristas, including those at four Philadelphia locations, went on strike during the coffee chain's annual Red Cup Day. The reusable, limited-edition holiday cup giveaway is one the company's biggest sales days.

November 16, 2022

Health News

Amazon launches online health clinic for common conditions. Who will use it?

by Kristin Hunt

Amazon Clinic, a new message-based telehealth service, is now available in 32 states, treating common conditions like acne, dandruff, allergies, erectile dysfunction, UTIs, pink eye, cold sores, hair loss and heartburn. It's the latest company to enter the expanding telehealth market, but it remains to be seen who it attracts, and whether it can provide cost-effective and quality care.

November 15, 2022

Government

Some Philadelphia police roles now can be given to civilian workers

by Kristin Hunt

An arbitration deal between Philadelphia and Fraternal Order of the Police allows civilians to take roles previously held by police officers, including jobs in traffic regulation, abandoned car removal, mail delivery, crime scene investigation and evidence examination. Body camera technicians may also be non-police officers.

November 11, 2022

Donations

Donating to a food bank? Give one of these overlooked pantry items

by Kristin Hunt

Food banks and pantries across Philadelphia report increased demand due to inflation this holiday season. Food banks like Philabundance and Bebashi recommend donating produce, cooking oil, box mixes, ramen, prepared meals, non-dairy or shelf-stable milks and cash.

November 10, 2022

Education

A few Philly high school students are learning to fly as part of a program that's finally getting off the ground

by Kristin Hunt

Frankford High School in Philadelphia offers students the chance to develop piloting skills through airplane and drone training thanks to a partnership with Tailwinds Flight School. Qualifying teens also may earn private pilot certificates. The program, dubbed the Frankford Aviation Academy, recently returned students to the skies after being temporarily grounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 4, 2022

Lawsuits

$10 billion opioid settlement from CVS and Walgreen's could mean drug treatment money for Pennsylvania

by Kristin Hunt

Walgreens and CVS combined to offer $10 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits from state, local and tribal governments for the pharmacies roles in the opioid crisis. After years of legal action against Big Pharma, states have turned to retailers who filled Oxycontin prescriptions.

November 3, 2022

Philly-native Jules Bass lives on through Christmas classics, like 'Rudolph,' and their pioneering animation style

by Kristin Hunt

Jules Bass, half of the Rankin/Bass holiday special powerhouse, died at the age of 87. His brand of "animagic" stop motion animation was seen in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Little Drummer Boy," "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and "The Year Without a Santa Claus."

November 2, 2022

Government

Philadelphia post offices will undergo audit for mail delays

by Kristin Hunt

The USPS Office of the Inspector General will audit post offices in Philadelphia and Wilmington. Mail delays and theft have plagued the Philly area, warranting a congressional hearing ahead of the midterm elections.

November 1, 2022

Environment

Compost your pumpkins at these community drop-off sites in Philly

by Kristin Hunt

Halloween jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins can be composted at community gardens across Philadelphia. The parks and recreation department launched its long-delayed Community Composting Network earlier this year. Composting reduces food waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

October 28, 2022

Government

Why doesn't the Philadelphia police require crisis intervention training?

by Kristin Hunt

The Philadelphia police officers have been undergoing crisis intervention reforms since the 2020 killing of Walter Wallace Jr in West Philly in 2020, which includes the the department spending $14 million to equip all officers with Tasers. Previously CIT training had been mandatory for all cops carrying stun guns, but now that training has become optional in order to speed up the rollout of the stun guns.