WHYY reporter Tom MacDonald is a lifelong Philadelphia-area resident who has worked in the region since the mid-1980s. Tom started in commercial radio covering the MOVE standoff with police for WFIL-AM. He was also City Hall Bureau Chief, covering government and politics for more than a decade, for WWDB-FM.
Tom has been heard on numerous stations in the region during the decade he worked for Metro Traffic, doing news, traffic, and weather.
Tom has also been heard nationally, filing reports for NPR, ABC News Radio, NBC Radio, and CBS Radio.
He has won the Associated Press award for his coverage of the protests of the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia and a Religious Communicators award for a post-9/11 documentary he did with the late Peter Jennings.
More from the Contributor
Wrongly installed Philly speed bumps not up to standards, city controller report finds
The traffic calming measures are not up to code and some are too high, which could increase danger as drivers swerve to avoid them.
2 days ago
Center City still moving forward with new residential, creative development, report claims
Over $2 billion worth of development is being tracked by the Center City District in both residential and commercial construction.
3 days ago
New bill helps cover costs associated with fraudulent home theft in Philadelphia
The bill refunds the realty transfer tax to the rightful homeowner instead of the thief who has been convicted of stealing the property.
5 days ago
Listen 1:02
LOVE Park’s ‘flying saucer’ could take off with a new concept by summer
Philly’s oval-shaped landmark and former visitors center has been shuttered for a decade. It could reopen in time for the semiquincentennial.
5 days ago
Listen 1:06
Philly moves forward with plan to make youth ombudsperson office permanent
The office helps improve safety and quality of services to ensure young people in residential placements are being taken care of properly.
6 days ago
Listen 1:09
Maryland trains now rolling on SEPTA tracks to help reduce overcrowding
The newly leased trains from Maryland Area Regional Commuter system will fill the gap when older SEPTA cars need more frequent maintenance.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:10
Snow emergency remains in effect for Philadelphia as winter storm makes an icy turn
The Philly area expects at least 10 inches of snow. Crews are battling the snow and preparing for an expected transition to sleet and freezing rain.
3 weeks ago
Philadelphia region prepares for an expected major winter weather event
The storm could blanket the region with snow and ice and impact transportation services for a day or more.
3 weeks ago
Philly Saves retirement program will go to voters for approval on May ballot
The program would automatically sign people up without a company-supported retirement program and deduct 3–6% for a Roth or traditional IRA.
4 weeks ago
Listen 1:11
PHA, building trades unions strike deal to rebuild shuttered Brith Sholom House
PHA announced a $100 million agreement to restore the apartment tower in Wynnefield Heights, creating “deeply affordable” senior housing and hundreds of jobs.
4 weeks ago
Listen 1:18
The fiberglass Liberty Bell replicas are designed to show the city’s diversity as part of the Bells Across PA project.
4 weeks ago
Listen 1:14
Krasner also defended Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, who got national attention last week when she said she would "bring the smoke" against ICE.
1 month ago
Listen 1:14