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

June 1, 2026

Entertainment

FIFA Fan Festival in Lemon Hill to kick off with performance by 'Despacito' singer Luis Fonsi

by Molly McVety

Latin Grammy Award winning artist Luis Fonsi will perform a free concert during the opening day of the FIFA Fan Festival in Lemon Hill after the first match of the tournament on Thursday, June 11.

May 29, 2026

Arts & Culture

KulfiGirls push the boundaries by mixing Indian classical instrument into punk rock sounds

by Molly McVety

KulfiGirls, a Philly-based rock band led by Abi Natesh, incorporates a seven-stringed instrument typically used in South Indian classical music into American punk rock sounds.

May 29, 2026

Government

Mayor Parker says hospitality leaders back her proposed hotel tax hike. Three major tourism groups say they don't

by Molly McVety

Mayor Cherelle Parker says her revised proposal to raise Philadelphia's hotel tax rate has the support of hospitality leaders in the city. But three major tourism groups now say they oppose the proposal.

May 29, 2026

Transportation

Sweeping changes to SEPTA's bus service are set to begin in August

by Molly McVety

SEPTA’s plan to alter its bus routes was approved by the SEPTA board on Thursday. Beginning in August, bus routes will be added, altered or eliminated throughout the city.

May 28, 2026

Investigations

Delaware County shooting leads police to charge Philly man for an unsolved Cheltenham homicide

by Molly McVety

Jihad Henderson, 38, of Philadelphia, has been charged with fatally shooting Rithina Torn in a road rage incident in Cheltenham, Montgomery County, in 2018. A ballistics investigation linked him to that homicide and a 2024 shooting behind a Target in Springfield, Delaware County, police say.

May 28, 2026

Arts & Culture

Jason Kelce races around NASCAR track and tries to hit a 100-mph fastball in new YouTube series

by Molly McVety

Former Eagles center Jason Kelce will try his hand at driving race cars, dunking a basketball and hitting a fastball in a new series, ‘Kelce Versus,’ premiering on YouTube next week.

May 27, 2026

Transportation

Uber escalates ad campaign against Mayor Parker’s $1-per-ride tax as vote looms

by Molly McVety

Uber has increased its efforts to suppress support for Mayor Cherelle Parker’s proposal to levy a $1 tax on every rideshare transaction in the city to help address the school district’s budget deficit.

May 27, 2026

Government

City, hospitality leaders reach tentative deal on hotel tax increase, which would generate millions for homeless services

by Molly McVety

A tentative agreement has been reached between city officials and hospitality leaders on an increase to the hotel tax, which Mayor Cherelle Parker estimates will generate around $75 million over five years for homeless services.

May 26, 2026

Arts & Culture

Penn professor's new book explores impact of Black storytellers on American culture

by Molly McVety

Penn professor Sarah J. Jackson interviewed dozens of modern-day journalists and filmmakers for ‘A Second Sight.’ The book, which comes out June 16, explores impact of Black media members on American culture.

May 26, 2026

Courts

Three men exonerated of killing North Philly woman nearly 3 decades ago

by Molly McVety

Three men convicted of killing a 73-year-old woman in North Philadelphia in 1997 have had their murder convictions vacated after new evidence discredited witness testimony given during their trial. Jermal Shuler, Marc Brittingham and Rasheed Smith were expected to be released from prison Tuesday.