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

January 26, 2026

Health News

N.J. extends blood shortage emergency and American Red Cross offers gift cards to donors

by Molly McVety

New Jersey extended its blood shortage emergency for another two weeks after recent inclement weather disrupted collections across the country. American Red Cross is offering $20 gift cards to people who donate until Wednesday.

January 23, 2026

Courts

Man sentenced to 8 years in prison for Center City carjacking

by Molly McVety

Damon Bell, 32, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for a carjacking that took place in April 2024 at a parking lot at 13th and Vine streets in Center City, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

January 23, 2026

Pets

Abandoned basset hound rescued by couple in Kensington was 'emaciated' and 'dying,' PSPCA says

by Molly McVety

An abandoned basset hound was found 'emaciated' and 'dying' near railroad tracks in Kensington earlier this month, the Pennsylvania SPCA says. A couple rescued the dog, which is recovering at the PSPCA headquarters and is expected to be put up for adoption.

January 22, 2026

Development

ReAnimator Coffee to open sixth location with new shop planned in Mount Airy

by Molly McVety

ReAnimator Coffee is planing to open its sixth with a new shop slated for Mount Airy. Above, the chain's Fishtown location was was its first, opening in 2013.

January 22, 2026

Investigations

Villanova University says its campus is safe after investigating threat to academic building

by Molly McVety

Villanova University canceled classes and activities Thursday after receiving a threat of violence against an academic building. At 11 a.m., school officials said it was safe for students to leave their residence halls.

January 21, 2026

Food & Drink

Philly dining scene collects 13 semifinalist nominations for James Beard Awards

by Molly McVety

Thirteen Philadelphia restaurants and chefs were named James Beard Award semifinalists, including Kalaya for Outstanding Restaurant, Greg Vernick for Outstanding Restaurateur, and six area chefs in the Best Chef category.

January 21, 2026

Food & Drink

Greg Vernick branches out of Center City with Italian restaurant in Kensington

by Molly McVety

James Beard Award-winning chef Greg Vernick will open Italian restaurant Emilia on Monday in Kensington, marking his first foray outside Center City and his first establishment without his name on the front door.

January 20, 2026

Politics

Gov. Mikie Sherrill lays out plan for New Jersey in inauguration speech

by Molly McVety

Democrat Mikie Sherrill will become the second woman to serve as governor of New Jersey when she's sworn in Tuesday morning at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. Here's how to watch her inauguration.

January 20, 2026

Crime

Teen arrested in fatal hit-and-run of longtime DJ at Bob & Barbara’s

by Molly McVety

A 17-year-old turned himself in to the Philadelphia Police Department on Monday in relation to the Dec. 20 hit-and-run that killed Hector 'June' Rodriguez, a longtime DJ at Bob & Barbara's Lounge in Center City.

January 20, 2026

Development

Five-year, $338 million project begins to widen four-mile stretch of Pa. Turnpike in Chester County

by Molly McVety

A project to widen a four-mile stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Chester County began this week. The work is estimated to take around five years and cost approximately $338 million.