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

July 18, 2025

Adult Health

Researchers find link between ADHD traits and sleep disorders

by Molly McVety

Researchers from the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience examined data from an online sleep survey based in the Netherlands to find links between ADHD traits and chronic sleep issues. In a separate study, the BMJ Group found that exercises like yoga, tai chi, jogging and walking can increase sleep time for people with insomnia.

July 17, 2025

Education

Temple and Pa.'s state-owned colleges have hiked tuition. Others may follow

by Molly McVety

New restrictions on federal funding for universities, coupled with new student borrowing limits, place new financial burdens on the higher education system. Temple University and Pennsylvania's state-owned universities have raised tuition for the upcoming academic year, and more schools may follow.

July 17, 2025

Transportation

SEPTA says bolstering enforcement efforts have helped reduce serious crime

by Molly McVety

SEPTA officials say increased enforcement efforts, aided by the agency's largest police force in over a decade, have significantly contributed to serious crimes like theft and aggravated assault remaining down after incidents skyrocketed during the COVID pandemic.

July 16, 2025

Mental Health

LGBTQ+ suicide hotline extension ends Thursday, concerning mental health professionals

by Molly McVety

The Trump administration will discontinue the national suicide hotline's extension for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults on Thursday, ending a service that a Philadelphia-area mental health professional called a 'lifeline.'

July 16, 2025

Development

West Fairmount Park's 19th-century fountain to undergo restoration project after decades of disrepair

by Molly McVety

The Fairmount Park Conservancy and architecture firm Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects released renderings for the future of John Welsh Memorial Fountain. After a two-year community engagement effort and ongoing fundraising campaign, the nearly 140-year-old fountain in front of the Please Touch Museum will soon be repaired to working condition.

July 15, 2025

Transportation

Neighbors call for new traffic pattern at intersection near South Street Bridge after 2 separate bike crashes

by Molly McVety

In less than a week, two cyclists were injured in separate crashes at the intersection between South and LeCount streets, just over the South Street Bridge. Residents near Fitler Square are urging the city to make their neighborhood streets safer while taking matters into their own hands as they wait for regulatory measures.

July 15, 2025

Arts & Culture

Fringe Festival announces 2025 lineup with 320 acts — more than ever before

by Molly McVety

FringeArts announced the featured acts for the 2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. The event will feature over 320 performances and experiences around Philly from Sept. 4-28 as part of an expanded Festival Hub program.

July 14, 2025

Arts & Culture

Fishtown's 'Front Street Walls' project returns with four new murals from local artists

by Molly McVety

Mural Arts Philadelphia debuted four new temporary installations in Fishtown on Thursday from local artists as a part of the 'Front Street Walls' project. Murals from Philly-based artists Anna Mraz, Chelsey Luster, Dan Fetters and Gianni Lee will be on display for the next two years.

July 14, 2025

Government

Is another city workers strike on the horizon? District Council 47 holds strike authorization vote

by Molly McVety

AFSCME District Council 47 is negotiating new contracts for Local 2186 and Local 2187, which represent supervisors and administrators at City Hall, the PPA and the PHA. Local 2187 members held a strike authorization vote, which concluded Monday afternoon. The results will be announced Tuesday.

July 11, 2025

Entertainment

Red Bull will have people running across a greased pole — and falling into the Delaware River — on Saturday

by Molly McVety

The Red Bull Championship Run — a competition in which people must cross a greased pole to grab a totem while risking a fall into the water below — takes places at Spruce Street Harbor Park in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 12 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.