
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
Philadelphia City Council sets date set for special election to replace Henon
Council President Darrell Clarke set May 17 for the special election to replace Bobby Henon, who resigned after being convicted of federal corruption charges.
3 years ago
Philabundance teams ups with elected leaders to offer meals during Ramadan
The food giveaway is tied to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the breaking of fast each night and sharing food with those in need.
3 years ago
SEPTA teams up with businesses to offer six months of free rides for workers
SEPTA hopes to re-invigorate ridership while also offering a perk for businesses in the region whose employees are already into using mass transit.
3 years ago
Philly Jewish Federation delegation heads to Poland with supplies for Ukrainian refugees
“People fled out with what they could carry, and our ability to assist them at this very desperate time is vital,” said Michael Balaban.
3 years ago
Philly police say social media a catalyst for gun violence among young people
The use of social media for bragging about violent acts is on the increase in Philadelphia. Police say young people aren’t realizing the true reality of their actions.
3 years ago
Philly historic sites to donate Saturday proceeds to help children in Ukraine
The African American Museum, Constitution Center, and Betsy Ross House are among those donating 100% of Saturday’s admissions proceeds to help refugee children in Ukraine.
3 years ago
Diversity a key factor in new research facility under construction at Philly’s Navy Yard
The project at 1201 Normandy Place aims to increase wealth in Black communities through its development.
3 years ago
Philly finances OK for now, but the city’s budget is not ready for a rainy day
A review of Philadelphia’s spending shows the city is following its budget blueprint and making ends meet with help from federal pandemic funds.
3 years ago
Jury trials increase in Philadelphia to help eliminate 34,000 case backlog
DA Larry Krasner says hiring more prosecutors and more investigators is just the start to resolving a major criminal case backlog in the city.
3 years ago
Philly’s rental assistance program marks quarter billion dollar milestone
The $250 million program helped 39,000 in Philly stay in their homes and prevent an eviction to show on their record for future rentals.
3 years ago
‘Significant increase’ in Philly’s domestic violence, especially involving guns
Domestic assaults with guns have almost doubled over the last five years. Philadelphia City Council heard from victims and others about how to work on the issue.
3 years ago
Philly plans permanent statue honoring Harriet Tubman
The newly commissioned permanent statue will be larger than the temporary Tubman statue currently at City Hall.
3 years ago