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 makes pact with SEPTA to channel more federal money into Philly neighborhoods
The goal is to use federal infrastructure money to stimulate the economy in areas SEPTA serves by purchasing goods and services locally.
3 years ago
A new neighborhood could rise at the Navy Yard if a plan comes together
A 611-unit residential development, a new hotel, and more life sciences buildings are in the 20-year blueprint for the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia.
3 years ago
Philly DA Krasner concerned Supreme Court ruling could impact Pa. gun rules
DA Krasner said last week’s Supreme Court gun ruling could impact Pennsylvania gun regulations, making it harder to arrest people for violations.
3 years ago
Not just summer school, but a summer enhancement effort starts in Philly
The goal is to educate and entertain students to keep them happy, safe, and prepare them for class come September.
3 years ago
Ballot question will ask: Should technical ed students receive a hiring preference for Philly jobs?
The charter change would add graduates of career technical programs to the groups receiving a preference in civil service exams.
3 years ago
One longtime resident reported a drop in pressure to the water department on Monday. “We can’t take a bath, we can’t eat," she said. "Who’s going to make up for that?”
3 years ago
Federal grant helps counsel Philly homebuyers on buying and retaining their homes
The plan will use $350,000 in federal Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Brendan Boyle to help people buy a home or prevent foreclosures.
3 years ago
Fishtown celebrates a big redo for a city pool that’s officially re-opened for business
The Lederer pool had been closed for years due to a lack of proper maintenance and crumbling infrastructure. Now it's state of the art.
3 years ago
Amid a COVID recovery, major fire disrupts Chinatown businesses
The fire has caused an almost complete shutdown of the Chinatown business area because of closed streets and hoses stretched to douse the flames.
3 years ago
Work begins on one of Rebuild Philly’s biggest project yet: $20 million rebuild at Vare Rec Center
The facility will have a new athletic field, a new recreation center, sprayground, and other amenities, including both indoor and outdoor classrooms.
3 years ago
Philly named as a host city for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Philadelphia is one of more than a dozen cities in North America that will host the FIFA World Cup games in 2026.
3 years ago
Listen 0:51
Philly City Council reaches deal on budget with property and wage tax relief
Budget negotiations were fraught with concerns over steep increases in property valuations that threatened big tax hikes for many Philly homeowners.
3 years ago