Molly McVety

Molly McVety is a staff writer for PhillyVoice with interests in both the natural and man-made environment, community debates and all things pop culture. She has previously written for DelawareOnline / The News Journal and received her bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Delaware. When she’s not writing Molly enjoys making and listening to music, taking long walks and cooking.

molly@phillyvoice.com

October 2, 2025

Government

Why is the Liberty Bell closed but the U.S. Mint open during the government shutdown?

by Molly McVety

While eight Philly landmarks are closed during the government shutdown, institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, U.S. Mint and Philadelphia Zoo that don't rely on federal employees or money will remain open.

October 1, 2025

Donations

Penn receives $5 million gift to build new 325-seat performing arts theater

by Molly McVety

A new performing arts center at the University of Pennsylvania received a $5 million donation from Edward W. Kane and his wife, Martha Wallace, to build a 325-seat theater space. The facility is set to be completed by early 2027.

September 30, 2025

Transportation

Section of City Avenue to be reduced to one lane both ways for nearly two years

by Molly McVety

Starting Wednesday, the portion of City Avenue between Bryn Mawr Avenue and 47th Street will be reduced to one lane in both directions as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation conducts a $22 million bridge repair.

September 30, 2025

Business

Riot Nerd, which has been hosting theme parties around Philly since 2016, could be forced to shut down

by Molly McVety

The owner of Riot Nerd, which has been hosting inclusive dances, drag shows and themed parties around Philly since 2016, says that financial strains and declining attendance threaten the future of the company.

September 29, 2025

Adult Health

Cardiovascular events don't strike out of the blue. Nearly all of them are preceded by warning signs

by Molly McVety

Nearly all cardiovascular events — heart attacks, heart failure and strokes — occur in people who have at least one of four modifiable risk factors, a new study finds. They are either smokers or have suboptimal levels of blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar.

September 29, 2025

Food & Drink

Dancerobot, a new restaurant from the chef behind Royal Sushi & Izakaya, puts a twist on traditional Japanese fare

by Molly McVety

Dancerobot, a new Japanese restaurant from acclaimed Philadelphia chef Jesse Ito, opens Tuesday at 1710 Sansom St. in Rittenhouse. Ito also runs the acclaimed Royal Sushi & Izakaya in Queen Village.

September 26, 2025

Food & Drink

3 Philly restaurants, including Kalaya, named among 50 best in North America

by Molly McVety

Kalaya, Friday Saturday Sunday and Royal Sushi & Izakaya were named to North America's 50 Best Restaurants list published by William Reed. Kalaya's chef Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon was named the continent's best female chef.

September 26, 2025

Immigration

Immigrants have helped Philly region stave off population decline and spurred economic growth, report finds

by Molly McVety

An influx of immigrants in the Philadelphia region has staved off population decline and coincided with increases in household income and educational attainments, and a decrease in poverty, a new report from The Welcoming Center shows.

September 25, 2025

Food & Drink

Tria opens Rittenhouse event space that will host wine-tastings and classes taught by sommeliers

by Molly McVety

Tria wine bar opened a new event space in Rittenhouse, dubbed Tria Events, that will offer wine tastings and classes taught by sommeliers. The venue, at 1720 Sansom St., also can be rented out for private events.

September 25, 2025

Streaming

What to Stream: 'Abbott Elementary,' 'Death Becomes Her,' 'The Lost Bus'

by Molly McVety

'Abbott Elementary' will debut its fifth season on ABC in October. Also new to streaming are comedy/horror classic 'Death Becomes Her' (on Netflix) and action thriller 'The Lost Bus' (on Apple TV).