Kristin Hunt
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She/her. Senior staff writer @thephillyvoice. Words in @mental_floss, @vulture, @JSTOR_Daily, @washingtonpost. Tweets and puppy photos are my own
Articles by Kristin Hunt
Wildfire smoke could stick around through Saturday, National Weather Service says
The conditions may improve Friday afternoon, albeit temporarily. A Code Red air quality alert is in effect. Smoke from Canadian wildfires has settled over several Northeastern, Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states. The photo above depicts conditions in Philadelphia on Thursday morning. The haze blanketing the sky over Philadelphia is likely to remain through Saturday morning, but residents might get a break Friday afternoon.
NJ outdoor dining with a view
The summer movie calendar is usually clogged with superheroes, monsters and Minions. But traditionally, multiplexes have welcomed another genre during the hottest months: heist movies. Is it the chilly-looking bank vaults or fantasy of funding a luxury vacation? Whatever the reason, capers from "Baby Driver" to "The Thomas Crown Affair" (both versions) have hit screens in the summer.
Amid the cyclosporiasis outbreak, here's where to find local farmers markets
A national cyclosporiasis outbreak has made many wary of the produce aisle of their grocery stores. The gastrointestinal illness, characterized by "explosive" bowel movements, is caused by a parasite that hides in contaminated food and water. It's been hitting multiple regions of the U.S. unusually hard this spring and summer, with 34 states reporting cases.
Bryn Mawr Film Institute compiles list of every movie it's shown since 1926
Ever wonder what was playing in Delco movie theaters in 1926? The answer is now a click away. To ring in its 100th birthday, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute has compiled an archive of every movie screened at its historic Seville Theatre over the past century. The catalog is broken down into lists per year on Letterboxd, the social platform for film nerds. It contains over 12,000 titles.
WXPN taps 12 local musicians for 'Philly Anthems' album
July 4 is over, but WXPN is keeping the semiquincentennial alive with a new project exploring independence. "Philly Anthems" is a collection of 12 original songs from established and emerging musicians who call the region home. WXPN plans to roll out the tracks, which riff on freedom and identity, individually over the summer and fall. They will be released as an album on the next Record Store Day in April 2027.
The 'Task' and 'Mare of Easttown' crossover is finally happening
A main character from 'Mare' will appear in Season 2 of creator Brad Ingelsby's latest Delco crime drama. Julianne Nicholson, left, will reprise her 'Mare of Easttown' role in Season 2 of 'Task.' The long-rumored "Task" and "Mare of Easttown" crossover is becoming a reality. Julianne Nicholson will reprise her Emmy-winning role as Lori Ross, Mare's best friend, in the second season of "Task," Variety reported. The casting will unite the two HBO series.
Bucks County landlords ignored tenants' pleas to fix the heat for 13 years, lawsuit says
Bucks County is suing a pair of "crooked" landlords who allegedly exposed tenants to black mold, rodents and other unsafe living conditions while collecting weekly rent. MORE: $5,000 reward offered in arson of Northeast Philly mosque The lawsuit, spearheaded by District Attorney Joe Khan, has grown since its initial filing this spring to include 11 people who rented rooms from Richard and Ronald Goetter. The brothers, who did business as R & R Enterprises, owned an eight-bedroom home at 113 S.
SEPTA rides from the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game will be free
Baseball fans attending the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby can take a free SEPTA ride home. DraftKings is sponsoring fares on the Broad Street Line from NRG Station on Monday, starting at the end of the second round of the Home Run Derby. Rides will remain free until 11:59 p.m. MORE: Aritzia and True Religion among group of retailers to open stores in Cherry Hill Mall For the All-Star Game on Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Lottery is comping train fares.
Little-known Jersey Shore facts
The airship was spotted at a city airport, but it's heading home to Ohio. The Goodyear blimp landed in Philadelphia after its semiquincentennial tour of New York City. Eagle-eyed city residents spotted a celebrity touching down at Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Wednesday. No, it wasn't a Swift, Kelce or even a Bean (née Bacon) . It was the Goodyear blimp.
'Task' scores 6 Emmy nods, but gets shut out of biggest category
Repeat winner 'Abbott Elementary' also earned 7 nominations. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 14. Tom Pelphrey, left, and Mark Ruffalo both received Emmy nominations for their performances in the debut season of 'Task.' The Philly region's summer in the national spotlight continued Wednesday with 13 Emmy nominations for "Abbott Elementary" and "Task." Delco's latest crime drama made a strong showing, but it couldn't break into the outstanding drama series category.
Little-known Jersey Shore facts
A 13-year-old boy died after being pinned under a farm tractor, New Jersey police said. Investigators from the Franklin Township and Elk Township police departments found the victim unconscious beneath the tractor around 5:35 p.m. Monday. The vehicle had overturned along the 1100 block of Swedesboro Road in Woolwich Township, also injuring an adult man. After officers freed the boy and attempted life-saving measures, they sent him via ambulance to Cooper University Hospital. He later died.
Scenic hidden wows in Jersey
A Philly mosque said it was the victim of a "hate attack" after an assailant sparked fire inside the building early Sunday morning. Firefighters arrived at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center on the 1400 block of Tyson Avenue at 2:11 a.m., and extinguished a blaze on the enclosed front porch, authorities said. Police found no occupants upon a search of the building. Fire marshals later determined the flames were incendiary, classifying the case an arson.
Bluebird Distilling to relaunch flagship location in Phoenixville with new pizzeria
Bluebird Distilling will show off its $2.2 million expansion Tuesday, when the Phoenixville distillery relaunches with a new name and new pizzeria. The Chester County liquor makers are rebranding their flagship space at 100 Bridge St. as Bluebird Distilling & Dough House. The change reflects recent upgrades, chief among them a Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria and restaurant.
Scenic hidden wows in Jersey
Thunderstorms and flooding Monday caused road closures and structural damage in South Jersey. The roof of a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township partially collapsed Monday amid severe storms. Thunderstorms that rolled through New Jersey on Monday caused traffic delays, power outages and structural damage. Extreme flooding along Route 35 led to a partial roof collapse at a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, a dramatic incident that was caught on video and quickly spread on social media.
Scenic hidden wows in Jersey
The American Library Association is auctioning off pieces featuring Paul Newman, David Bowie and others. Bidding is open through Friday. Taylor Swift posed for an ALA 'READ' poster with a copy of 'The Giver.' The Berks County native appeared in a 2014 movie adaptation of the Lois Lowry novel. Bookworms can bid on posters of Taylor Swift and Shaquille O'Neal cracking open a novel — but time is running out.
Scenic hidden wows in Jersey
Boston may be best known for its public acts of resistance to British taxes, but Philly hosted a tea party of its own in the lead-up to the Revolutionary War. A rare document commemorating this lesser-known protest sold at auction Wednesday for $177,800. The broadside, one of the highest sellers in Christie's "America at 250" collection, was penned on Nov. 27, 1773 by the so-called Committee of Taring and Feathering.
Scenic hidden wows in Jersey
The School District of Philadelphia owes 729 former employees a combined $2.8 million in unused paid time off, a new audit released Thursday by City Controller Christy Brady shows. The audit found the School District of Philadelphia had not paid leftover PTO to the workers, who are entitled to this compensation within 30-75 days of their departure. In some cases, employees who left the school district over five years ago had not received payment.
Scenic hidden wows in Jersey
New Jersey officials have charged 31 people in connection with a drug trafficking ring in Camden County Correctional Facility. The suspects allegedly smuggled fentanyl, cocaine and other illegal substances into the jail through papers disguised as legal correspondence. Detectives say Howard Dunns, a 50-year-old Millville man held at Cumberland County Correctional Facility, was one of the ringleaders of the operation.
Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross get bobbleheads for America's 250th birthday
Pint-sized versions of Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross can soon wobble on your desk. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has put together a special collection of figurines for the country's big birthday this weekend. The semiquincentennial set includes several notable Americans and a copy of the Declaration of Independence that jiggles.
Eastern State Penitentiary has a new exhibit on its synagogue, the nation's first in a prison
The newest permanent exhibit at Eastern State Penitentiary tells stories of the Jewish people incarcerated at the former prison — and the synagogue they built over a century ago. MORE: Joe Frazier sculpture installed at base of art museum steps where Rocky statue used to stand That synagogue, the first established within an American prison, was originally restored in 2009. It opened that spring along with an exhibit on Judaism at Eastern State, located next door.
Franklin Fountain is selling Statue of Liberty sundaes for $17.76
Fresh off its charcuterie board ice cream experiment, Franklin Fountain is rolling out a sundae "torch" for the Fourth of July. The treat is a blend — or melting pot, if you will — of lemon-lime sorbet, vanilla bean ice cream, mango sorbet and raspberry compote. It's finished with whipped cream and served in a green cup that you can grip and hoist like the Statue of Liberty herself. But this special isn't quite as permanent as that monument.
Norristown man charged with roping 50 people into $3.8 million Ponzi scheme
A Montgomery County man convinced dozens of people to sink over $3.8 million into investment opportunities that were really a Ponzi scheme, prosecutors say. MORE: Philly photographer sued for allegedly failing to show up to weddings State police filed charges against Richard L. McNeil on Friday. The 59-year-old Norristown resident allegedly solicited money from victims by offering profitable investments that would generate consistent returns.
FIFA Fan Festival to shift hours this week while extreme heat watch is in effect
FIFA Fan Festival is shifting its hours this week in response to the incoming heat wave. The outdoor World Cup watch party will open later in the day on Thursday and Friday, when temperatures could surpass 100 degrees.
Bradley Cooper's first movie 'Wet Hot American Summer' returns to theaters
Long before he got an Oscar nod or voiced a space raccoon, Bradley Cooper was just another counselor at Camp Firewood. The Jenkintown native's first film credit came from the 2001 summer camp comedy "Wet Hot American Summer," now considered a cult classic. To celebrate the movie's 25th anniversary, Focus Features is bringing it back to theaters. It will play at the Regal UA King of Prussia and Cinemark Somerdale 16 on Sunday, Aug. 16, and Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Police uncover evidence of narcotics grow operation, explosive material at Olney home
Philadelphia police are investigating a complex case involving narcotics, explosives and a missing woman. The active case began on the morning of June 19, when a U.S. Park Police ranger noticed a black BMW parked on the 600 block of Market Street. A man inside the vehicle appeared to be threatening a female passenger, prompting the ranger to intervene.
PennDOT work to close some highway lanes in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties into the fall
Road resurfacing work will temporarily close traffic lanes in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties into the fall. The travel restrictions begin Tuesday, July 7. From that date through Wednesday, Sept.
Barbara Mason helped make the Philly sound as a teen in the '60s. A new generation has found her on TikTok
Barbara Mason cracked the Billboard charts multiple times in the 1960s and 1970s with her soulful, often self-written ballads.
Free World Cup fan festival this weekend
The Bellevue Hotel is honoring an inventor and one of its earliest contractors through a swanky new restaurant. Mr. Edison, a more current spin on 1940s supper clubs, opened inside the Center City hotel Thursday. This homage to Thomas Edison, who designed the Bellevue's original lighting, is the latest project from Jeffrey Chodorow, the Penn grad and restauranteur behind the China Grill Management group.
Fantasy Faire coming to WheatonArts
The Fourth of July is supposedly a celebration of America's founding — and this year is a big one, in case you missed all those commemorative trains and wines — but for some of us, Philadelphia is the country we love. Get in the patriotic spirit by watching these extremely Philly movies that recently arrived on streaming services.
7 secret destinations to explore in NJ
A few weeks ago, Daryl Hall received a kidney from a "very kind and generous living donor," the Hall & Oates co-founder shared Tuesday. His doctors have indicated the transplant was a success, he said, and he hopes to be playing and making music again in a few months. The Pottstown native's surgery reflects a growing trend in kidney transplants, and organ transplants more broadly. Though the majority of donations still come from deceased individuals, living organ donations are on the rise.
Philly stars in Netflix's 'The American Experiment' alongside Hillary Clinton and Mike Pence
With the nation's semiquincentennial right around the corner, Netflix is releasing a new series exploring America's improbable, fractious founding. MORE: Tierra Whack debuts new mixtape and music video featuring vintage Eagles gear and urban cowboys "The American Experiment," arriving Wednesday, explores the events that led to the Revolutionary War, the conflict itself and the country's formative first years under President George Washington.
Two Philly pastors charged with sexual abuse of minors
Two clergymen at Philadelphia churches have been charged with the creation of child pornography and sexual abuse of minors. Isaiah Banks, a former senior pastor at the Second Pilgrim Baptist Church, and Bryan Jackson, a senior pastor at the Garden of Prayer World's Center, were arrested earlier this month for allegedly committing numerous sexual offenses. City prosecutors said Banks, 30, groomed more than one minor in his community to make pornographic material.
Philly woman pleads guilty to voting twice in 2024 presidential election
A Philadelphia woman pleaded guilty in an election fraud case concerning the 2024 presidential race. Miya Pack, 40, admitted to casting two ballots. First, she voted at an early polling location in Teaneck, New Jersey, on Oct. 26, 2024. Ten days later, she voted again at the Christy Recreation Center in Cobbs Creek on Election Day.
Coca-Cola, Pepsi products to include QR codes with more detailed ingredient information on the can
Several major soda brands will add QR codes linking consumers to detailed ingredient information on their cans and bottles in an effort to provide "greater transparency." The American Beverage Association, a trade group representing hundreds of producers and distributors, said it would expand an ongoing digital initiative over the next two years. The QR codes will take customers to a database built by the association that lists information on over 140 ingredients.
Soccer fans pack Philly sports bars to cheer on Team USA in World Cup
As the U.S. and Australian soccer teams prepared to face off at Seattle's Lumen Field on Friday afternoon, fans across Philly crowded into sports bars to watch the World Cup match. MORE: Despite just getting a permit to stay open until 4 a.m., Warehouse on Watts says it's closing for two months this summer Both countries are coming off decisive victories, setting up the key Group D matchup. Team USA defeated Paraguay 4-1 last Friday, while the Aussies captured a 2-0 win over Turkey on Sunday.
Tierra Whack debuts new mixtape and music video featuring vintage Eagles gear and urban cowboys
Tierra Whack has dropped her newest release "Whack's Museum" — and like her previous work, it features ample references to her hometown of Philadelphia. MORE: Kevin Bacon becomes Kevin Bean for meatless Wednesday campaign The 12-part mixtape debuted Juneteenth alongside a music video for "Siren," the seventh song on the tracklist. Whack raps from inside what looks like an old-school sandwich shop, with scenes from the city spliced in between her verses.
Langhorne dental clinic ordered to pay misled patients about $517,000
A Bucks County dental clinic that state prosecutors say misled elderly or low-income patients about expensive services will pay them roughly $517,000 in restitution. MORE: NPS doesn't need to restore original slavery exhibits at President's House, appeals court rules Alpha Dental Excellence, which maintains an office in Langhorne, allegedly upsold pricey procedures to its patients on the promise that Medicare would cover them.
Must-shop deals at NJ flea markets
A federal appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration does not have to reinstall the original slavery exhibits at the President's House. Three judges vacated a previous injunction compelling the National Parks Service to restore the panels it stripped from the historic site in January.
World Cafe Live says it's entering an 'exciting new era.' Workers and its landlord still have issues with its past
About 100 people filed into World Stage, the West Philly venue long known as World Cafe Live, on April 4, the day before Easter. They had arrived to see the Grateful Dead tribute band Box of Rain, and for the first time in weeks, the music hall was serving alcohol. But barely 20 minutes after the doors opened, a former bartender for the venue recalled, flashlights flooded the area.
Fairmount residents say they've received parking tickets for World Cup restrictions despite having permits
Last month, the Philadelphia Parking Authority said it would only allow residents of surrounding neighborhoods to parknear Lemon Hill, the site of the FIFA Fan Festival. But some people who live in Fairmount say they've been unfairly penalized since the start of the World Cup. MORE: Penn President J.
Must-shop deals at NJ flea markets
Two men and a teenager have been charged in a series of armed robberies that unfolded in Center City and North Philadelphia last fall. A combination of "old policing and new policing" led to the arrests of Carlos Bristow, 28, Nyere Gredic, 24, and Hasan Robinson, 17, District Attorney Larry Krasner said Monday. The trio allegedly stole license plate tags and committed multiple robberies at gunpoint last September and October.
Penn President J. Larry Jameson plans to step down next summer
J. Larry Jameson plans to end his tenure as president of the University of Pennsylvania next summer. The Ivy League educator said Friday that will step down at the end of the academic year on June 30, 2027. Jameson has held the position since late 2023, when his predecessor Liz Magill resigned amid backlash to her Congressional testimony on antisemitism.
Georgia man robbed Facebook Marketplace seller at knifepoint in Camden County, police say
Gloucester Township police have apprehended the man they say robbed a Facebook Marketplace seller at knifepoint. The incident occurred at Commerce Square Plaza on Blackwood-Clementon Road over a month ago. Officials say the victim was hoping to sell an expensive watch and had arranged to meet a potential buyer on May 24. But the buyer allegedly brandished a large knife upon arrival and stole the accessory, fleeing the area on foot.
7 secret destinations to explore in NJ
The majority of "Disclosure Day," the latest alien escapade from Steven Spielberg, takes place in the Midwest. The sci-fi movie follows a whistleblower (Josh O'Connor) hopping from hiding places in Indiana and a newscaster in Kansas City (Emily Blunt) discovering her newfound clairvoyance as shady government contractors chase them both across the heartland.
Philly school district will not cut 340 jobs after city leaders commit to finding funding
The School District of Philadelphia has reversed course on its plans to eliminate 340 staff positions after city officials pledged Wednesday to find a new source of funding. Mayor Cherelle Parker said she and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson would identify a regular stream of revenue to help the school district retain the positions. They will collaborate over the next year to locate a recurring annual $48 million.
7 secret destinations to explore in NJ
Perhaps in an effort to facilitate more vacation hookups, multiple streaming services just dropped a ton of romantic comedies. And while you probably shouldn't actually take dating advice from Matthew McConaughey or J. Lo, watching them fall in love is a solid way to spend a rainy (or excessively muggy) summer afternoon. These four rom-coms hit the libraries of Netflix, Peacock and Prime at the start of the month.
Going to the FIFA Fan Festival? Here's what to do around Lemon Hill between World Cup matches
FIFA Fan Festival organizers are expecting up to 25,000 people to descend daily on Lemon Hill for its World Cup watch parties this summer. While the freshly upgraded section of Fairmount Park will offer fans plenty of amenities — including a free concert from "Despacito" singer Luis Fonsi after the tournament's opening match Thursday — the neighborhoods surrounding it have several cultural gems of their own.
7 secret destinations to explore in NJ
The floating deck that pulled alongside 56th Street Plaza at Bartram's Garden early Wednesday morning didn't exactly blend into the background. Coated in a fluorescent shade of yellow, the spiraling steel structure clashed with the muted blues of the Schuylkill River and the cloudy gray sky above it. But when it opens in September, this unnatural object will help Philadelphia residents connect with the tidal wetlands and creatures that call it home.
7 secret destinations to explore in NJ
Hersheypark is turning off the faucet on its long-running water ride. Tidal Force will close on Sept. 7 at the end of the summer season. The flume, which has been splashing riders since 1994, boasts a 100-foot incline and speeds past 50 mph.
Must-shop deals at NJ flea markets
District Attorney Larry Krasner took the unusual step of hand-delivering an open letter to Mayor Cherelle Parker on Monday, asking her to reconsider budget appropriations for his office. Krasner is seeking another $5.7 million to continue operations and "avoid layoffs" within several of his office's units and task forces, he said ahead of his special delivery. Prior, private efforts to reach an agreement had failed, he said.
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