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
Philly says it’s ready to welcome migrants sent by bus from Texas with ‘open arms’
The city will use its experience helping other immigrant arrivals to aid those being sent to Philadelphia from the Texas border.
3 years ago
Philadelphia City Council committee approves what they call ‘cutting edge’ abortion bill
The bill is designed to protect the right to abortion and guard against discrimination based on pregnancy, among other things.
3 years ago
Dramatic fire demo outside Philly City Hall promotes stronger sprinkler requirements
Two identical rooms were set ablaze to demonstrate how sprinklers can stop a fire.
3 years ago
John Fetterman wins U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania
Fetterman had strong grassroots support, aiming to bring alienated voters back into the party’s fold.
3 years ago
Groups in Philadelphia sponsoring major get out the vote effort
The American Federation of Teachers and Unite Here unions are part of a national get out the vote effort which claims to have influenced many Philadelphians.
3 years ago
Former corrections officer accused in smuggling ring at Riverside Correctional Facility
Philadelphia prison officials claim they are working to stop smuggling in the city’s jail system.
3 years ago
A pro pickleball tournament heads to the Jersey Shore next year
Hundreds of pickleballers of all skill levels will descend on Avalon next year to take part in a major tournament.
3 years ago
Philly’s juvenile justice center workers take overcrowding plight to City Council
The Juvenile Services Center has a capacity of 180, but its current population fluctuates between 220 to 280 young people.
3 years ago
At Philly forum, Buttigieg hears calls to diversify federal contracting
With $1 trillion at stake, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the Biden administration is looking to diversify infrastructure spending.
3 years ago
Commissioner Danielle Outlaw joined the FOP challenging a city controller’s report that said police responded faster to white neighborhoods.
3 years ago
Impact of inflation starting to show in Philly revenue report
Economic signs show the start of inflation’s impact on city revenue sources, including sales tax and beverage tax.
3 years ago
Former Philly cop could face new charges after judge tossed murder case last week
A former Philadelphia Police officer who had his murder charges thrown out last week could still face trial.
3 years ago