Dave Davies has covered local politics and government in Philadelphia for more than 30 years.
He loves the speed, reach, and versatility of the ‘net but believes journalists should still check their facts, give folks in the hot seat their say, and think before they hit Send. He’ll write about local and national topics.
Dave is currently senior reporter for WHYY, and a contributor and fill-in host for Fresh Air with Terry Gross. He was a reporter and columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News for 19 years, and before that was city hall bureau chief for KYW News Radio and city hall correspondent for WHYY.
He’s a Texas native who’s spent his working life in Philadelphia. Before getting into journalism, he worked as a teacher, cab driver, and welder.
More from the Contributor
Brady aide Ken Smukler gets 18 months in prison, $75K fine for election law crimes
A jury found that Smukler helped arrange and cover up a $90,000 payoff to one of then U.S. Rep. Bob Brady’s opponents in the 2012 congressional election.
6 years ago
Williams first to hit the radio waves in Philly mayor’s race
State Sen. Anthony Williams has the first broadcast ads in the low-budget Philly mayor’s race.
6 years ago
Critiquing Kenney: Taking the pulse of Philly mayor’s old neighborhood
Interviews with voters in Kenney’s old neighborhood show a mix of opinions about him, but little support for his Democratic rivals.
6 years ago
Listen 5:32
Big Soda complies with new Philly law to reveal $604K in election spending
The American Beverage Association has complied with city regulations and disclosed its donors for $604,000 in city election spending. It all came from beverage companies.
6 years ago
Biden to enter 2020 race Thursday; Rendell, other Philly donors ready to help
Former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to enter the 2020 presidential race Thursday. Top Philadelphia Democrats, including former Gov. Ed Rendell will throw a fundraiser.
6 years ago
Philly mayor candidates clash over gun violence, stop-and-frisk at their first forum
Challengers hammered Mayor Jim Kenney on gun violence and hiring practices at Philadelphia black journalists forum.
6 years ago
Prominent Philly Democrats Rendell, Nutter plan Joe Biden fundraiser
Several prominent Philly Democrats including Ed Rendell and Michael Nutter are planning a fundraiser for Joe Biden, who is considering a presidential bid.
6 years ago
Street endorses Williams, Butkovitz attacks Kenney
Former Philly Mayor John Street endorses Williams over incumbent Kenney in mayor’s race; Butkovitz attacks mayor on diversity.
6 years ago
Unions, soda industry: See who’s spending the most on Philly’s local races
It appears Philly will have yet another election in which independent, outside groups spend more to influence votes than the top candidates themselves.
6 years ago
Citing sexual harassment allegations, Philly Dems dump sheriff from endorsed ticket
Citing sexual harassment allegations, Philadelphia’s Democratic ward leaders have dumped incumbent Sheriff Jewell Williams from the party’s endorsed ticket.
6 years ago
Super PAC airs first TV ad of Philly mayor’s race
The first ad in the Philadelphia mayor’s race comes from a labor-backed super PAC supporting Mayor Jim Kenney’s re-election bid.
6 years ago
30 Democrats scramble for five Philly Council nominations
Trump-driven activism drives a surge in Philly Council candidates. It's the highest number since 1979, which was in response to Frank Rizzo.
6 years ago