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
First group of Philly’s public safety enforcement officers sworn in
The new city workers, made up of 125 civilians, will free up more police officers to work the streets and keep Philadelphia safe.
3 years ago
After six-week strike, Temple reaches tentative deal with grad student union
The deal comes after a six-week strike and includes movement on many of the key issues that led the union to walk off the job.
3 years ago
Temple University Police Department receives $1.7 million for campus security upgrades
Temple says the money will be used for tech upgrades, including gunshot detection devices, license plate readers, and CCTV cameras.
3 years ago
‘Foal cam’ offers ‘miraculous’ look at next generation of Pennsylvania-born race horses
The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association and Delaware Valley University in Doylestown offer a glimpse at the miracle of equine birth live.
3 years ago
Philly City Council considers moving budget hearings to in-person
Last fall, council meetings moved back to in-person, but committee meetings have still been held online since the start of the pandemic.
3 years ago
Mayor Kenney’s final Philly budget gets mixed reaction from City Council
The spending plan includes millions for programs ranging from violence prevention to pre-K to libraries, but the City Council is ready to tinker.
3 years ago
Mayor Kenney’s final budget plan designed to make the city more equitable for all its residents
Mayor Kenney’s budget proposal doesn’t increase taxes and calls for a wage tax cut.
3 years ago
Listen 1:13A senior-specific PHA high-rise gives spectacular Philly views and a chance to age in place
Harrison Plaza Senior Towers includes special amenities for those living out their years in city-sponsored housing.
3 years ago
Philly bike share program to expand in historically-marginalized communities
The city wants to nearly double the number of bike share stations and will concentrate on underserved areas in historically-marginalized communities.
3 years ago
New SEPTA trolleys will soon replace an aging fleet
The new vehicles will replace 40-year-old trolleys which are at the end of their usable life.
3 years ago
Philly City Council President Clarke opts not to run for re-election
Clarke has been head of council for more than a decade. He plans to stay active until his replacement is inaugurated.
3 years ago
Parker gets her first endorsement in Philly mayoral race from Building Trades union
The union’s endorsement of Parker comes without support of the powerful electricians union, who abstained from the vote as they ponder who to support.
3 years ago











