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

January 30, 2025

Education

Philly public school students have made some academic gains, but still lag behind nationally

by Kristin Hunt

The latest NAEP scores show academic improvement at Philadelphia public schools. Fourth grade math scores rose by 7 points since 2022, surpassing the national gains. Reading comprehension has remained stagnant.

January 30, 2025

Business

Liberty Kitchen, maker of the viral kale Caesar cutlet hoagie, opens third location in Chestnut Hill

by Kristin Hunt

Liberty Kitchen, the deli behind the viral kale Caesar cutlet hoagie, has opened its third location in Chestnut Hill. The TikTok-famous franchise also has outposts in Fishtown and University City.

January 30, 2025

Weekend

Founders Philly Freeze Out and a museum night for adults: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

Founders Philly Freeze Out returns to Manayunk this weekend, as does Northern Liberties Restaurant Week. The Please Touch Museum is also hosting its next event for adults ages 21 and over, and the Mae West comedy 'The Drag' is playing at EgoPo Classic Theatre.

January 29, 2025

Parties

Philly's own take on the Puppy Bowl returns to Craft Hall on Feb. 8

by Kristin Hunt

Craft Hall will host another Bark Bowl on Feb. 8 — the Saturday before Super Bowl Sunday. The Northern Liberties bar will open its indoor turf area to puppy players and offer 'yappy hour' specials to benefit the PSPCA.

January 27, 2025

Nature

Please Touch Museum exhibit inspired by classic Jules Verne story will take kids under the sea

by Kristin Hunt

Please Touch Museum's newest exhibit takes kids aboard a model submarine. 'Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures' is inspired by the Jules Verne book '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.' It will run Saturday through May 10.

January 27, 2025

Arts & Culture

Benjamin Franklin bust, believed to be earliest sculpture of the famous Philadelphian, heads to auction

by Kristin Hunt

The earliest known sculpture of Benjamin Franklin is heading to auction at Christie's on Friday, Feb. 7. By the artist John Michael Rysbrack, the bust dates back to the 18th century and once belonged to Pennsylvania artist Benjamin West.

January 27, 2025

Shopping

New Wells Fargo Center shop lets Flyers fans build their own Gritty plush

by Kristin Hunt

The Wells Fargo Center is opening a new retail store Monday dedicated to Flyers mascot Gritty. Fans can build their own stuffed animal and buy outfits or belly buttons for the plush at Gritty's Chaos Factory on the main concourse.

January 24, 2025

Arts & Culture

This Philly-based artist has been typing letters to the president for 21 years

by Kristin Hunt

Sheryl Oring, a Philly-based artist, has taken her vintage typewriter to the streets and asked passersby to send a letter to the president since 2004. She says she has transcribed well over 5,000 messages from Americans across 30 states. 'Secretary to the People,' an exhibit of the messages, will be at the Parkway Central Library for the first 100 days of the second Trump administration.

January 23, 2025

Weekend

Lunar New Year, 'DWTS' Live and a tattoo festival: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

Meet an ink master at the Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Festival or celebrate Lunar New Year at the Penn Museum this weekend. Dancing With the Stars Live also stops at The Met with Joey Graziadei and Stephen Nedoroscik.

January 23, 2025

Movies

Colman Domingo nabs second Oscar nod; 'Brutalist,' a postwar film set in Doylestown, earns 10 nominations

by Kristin Hunt

Colman Domingo has earned his second Oscar nomination for best actor for his role in 'Sing Sing.' The West Philly native was nominated in 2024 for 'Rustin.' 'The Brutalist,' set in postwar Doylestown, also nabbed 10 nominations. The Academy Awards will be broadcast Sunday, March 2 on ABC.