
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
New group to monitor Philly police following car stop reforms
The Driving Equality Accountability Group will keep a close eye on how regulations limiting Philly police car stops for minor infractions are being implemented.
3 years ago
New Jersey’s recreational marijuana market open for business
New Jersey is now among 18 states, plus the District of Columbia, with legalized recreational marijuana markets.
3 years ago
A brighter solar future could come to Philly via excess energy credits
Solarize Philly helps solar power users donate energy credits to install renewable power in areas where people can’t afford the cost of installation.
3 years ago
Philly police see more suburban young people getting involved in city violence
Teens from the suburbs lured by social media are coming into Philadelphia and winding up shot or dead, according to Philly homicide investigators.
3 years ago
New senior housing in Strawberry Mansion hailed as example worth repeating
The 78-unit complex, situated on a former equestrian facility, is being touted as a model for providing seniors affordable, maintenance-free housing.
3 years ago
Community College of Philadelphia expands scholarship program
The expansion is designed to include students who have taken a break, and those who have graduated from a high school outside of Philadelphia, among others.
3 years ago
Following violent weekend, Philly DA Krasner points to COVID impact on crime prevention efforts
DA Larry Krasner says crime prevention programs are key to curtailing the violence that has spiraled out of control during COVID-19 pandemic.
3 years ago
The state of Delaware goes high tech with new mobile DMV unit
The almost quarter-million-dollar trailer is designed to offer almost everything you can get at a traditional DMV location.
3 years ago
Philly increasing pay for lifeguards and offering free training to boost the ranks
Free lifeguard training is underway for 16 to 24-year-olds in Philly. Officials want to use the pools as safe havens this summer.
3 years ago
Vice President Kamala Harris offers union support in Philadelphia visit
Hundreds of union workers came out to hear the Vice President talk about worker protections and the value of organized labor during a Philadelphia visit.
3 years ago
Philly falls short of local purchasing goals during pandemic
Just 26% of Philadelphia’s spending on goods and services went to local suppliers, well short of the city’s 58% goal.
3 years ago
Philly man accused of using 3D printer to make ‘ghost guns’ faces charges
The suspect is accused of buying some gun parts and creating others on a 3D printer at his Roxborough-Manayunk home to create untraceable firearms.
3 years ago