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

March 25, 2026

History

How a dozen men broke out of Eastern State Penitentiary through a tunnel in 1945

by Kristin Hunt

The most famous escape from Eastern State Penitentiary happened on April 3, 1945, when a dozen men broke out through a 97-foot-long tunnel. They included the bank robber 'Slick Willie' Sutton.

March 25, 2026

Shopping

Shuttered DoubleTree in Plymouth Meeting is selling everything, from ice machines to hotel art

by Kristin Hunt

The shuttered DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia West in Plymouth Meeting is hosting a liquidation sale starting Thursday. Beds, sheets, TVs and mini fridges from 250 guest rooms will be available for purchase.

March 24, 2026

Mahershala Ali to play a DEA agent on the next season of 'Task'

by Kristin Hunt

Mahershala Ali is joining Mark Ruffalo on Season 2 of 'Task.' The two-time Oscar winner will play Philadelphia DEA agent Eddie Barnes in the HBO series.

March 23, 2026

Crime

For first time in 50 years, Camden had no homicides over the winter

by Kristin Hunt

Camden is observing historically low levels of violent crime. For the first time in 50 years, the city had no homicide during the winter. Police say better community relations and drones have helped reduced violent crimes.

March 23, 2026

Education

Mayor Parker proposes raising rideshare tax to $1 per trip to fund public schools

by Kristin Hunt

Mayor Cherelle Parker is increasing her proposed rideshare tax from 20 cents to $1 per Uber or Lyft ride to help decrease the Philly school district's $300 million deficit.

March 20, 2026

Movies

Why 'Rocky' is weirdly crucial to the new sci-fi movie 'Project Hail Mary'

by Kristin Hunt

'Project Hail Mary' is mostly set in outer space, but Philly pop culture plays a key role in the Ryan Gosling movie, which is out Friday. The sci-fi film, and the Andy Weir book it's based on, rely on 'Rocky' to overcome a language barrier.

March 20, 2026

Recreation

Parks & Rec spoofs Sarah McLachlan ad in lifeguard recruitment video

by Kristin Hunt

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is recruiting lifeguards with $500 and $1,000 bonuses, plus a parody of Sarah McLachlan's commercial for ASPCA set to 'Angel.'

March 20, 2026

Lawsuits

N.J. files lawsuit to block ICE detention center in Roxbury Township

by Kristin Hunt

The state of New Jersey and Roxbury Township have sued the Trump administration over plans to convert a warehouse on Route 46 in Morris County into an ICE detention center.

March 19, 2026

Media

WXPN host Kathy O'Connell to retire after nearly 40 years of running 'Kids Corner'

by Kristin Hunt

WXPN host Kathy O'Connell is retiring after nearly 40 years at the public radio station. She created 'Kids Corner,' a Peabody Award-winning series for children ages 5-13. It will end in June.

March 19, 2026

Streaming

Streaming guide: Watch this Oscar nominee and these dramas about journalism

by Kristin Hunt

Here's what to watch on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Peacock and Disney+. 'It Was Just an Accident,' the recent Oscar nominee from Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, leads our recommendations.