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

September 1, 2026

Education

Philly moves back application window for 2027-2028 school selection after delay in reporting state test scores

by Molly McVety

The School District of Philadelphia has moved back the application window for the 2027-2028 school selection process to Oct. 5-Nov. 24 after the state reported delays in the most recent PSSA and Keystone testing scores.

August 31, 2026

Education

Philly's 52 schools without adequate cooling systems to have early dismissal in second week back

by Molly McVety

The School District of Philadelphia will dismiss students early at the 52 schools without adequate cooling systems due to excessive heat forecasted on Tuesday — just over a week into the 2026-2027 school year.

August 31, 2026

Crime

Philly man receives life sentence for 2021 killing of pregnant girlfriend

by Molly McVety

Justin Smith, 28, was found guilty of first- and third-degree murder in the 2021 killing of 21-year-old Dianna Brice and her unborn child. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Friday.

August 28, 2026

Crime

Montgomery County elementary school teacher faces child pornography charges

by Molly McVety

Eric Sanville, an elementary school teacher in the North Penn district, was arrested Thursday and charged with attempting to manufacture child pornography, prosecutors say.

August 28, 2026

Education

Superintendent has 'clear marching orders' to enact Philly's facilities plan, but he wants 'to keep dialogue open'

by Molly McVety

Superintendent Tony Watlington said Philly's facilities plan that calls for the closure of 17 schools is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity for the city, but he's also committed to 'staying at the table' to hear dissenting opinions.

August 28, 2026

Investigations

Philadelphia men charged in road-rage shooting on Route 202 in Chester County

by Molly McVety

Sophay Yem, 35, and Intanon Chay, 36, of Philadelphia, have been charged with attempted murder and related charges for their alleged roles in a road-rage shooting in Tredryffrin Township, the Chester County District Attorney's Office said.

August 27, 2026

Education

Philly school district to pay community 'influencers' to help boost attendance and meet other educational priorities

by Molly McVety

The School District of Philadelphia plans to roll out an ambassador program that pays parents and influential community members to help the district reach some of its goals, including better attendance.

August 27, 2026

Transportation

For the first time, travelers soon can fly from Philly to Vienna and Porto

by Molly McVety

American Airlines is adding new flights from Philadelphia International Airport to Reykjavik, Iceland; Porto, Portugal; and Vienna next spring.

August 26, 2026

Education

How can Philly students apply to criteria-based schools without their latest PSSA scores? The district is readying a plan

by Molly McVety

The School District of Philadelphia is finalizing a plan for students who are seeking to apply to criteria-based schools and do not have their latest PSSA and Keystone test scores. In the past, applications have required those results, but the release of the 2025-26 results has been delayed.

August 25, 2026

Food & Drink

Two Philly hot spots make Bon Appétit's list of 19 best new restaurants

by Molly McVety

Two Philly restaurants — Sao in South Philly and Honeysuckle in Poplar — were included on Bon Appétit's list of best new restaurants in the country for 2026, which was released Monday.