Shannon McDonald
Shannon founded NEast Philly in 2008 – a hyperlocal news site focused on the under-reported neighborhoods in Northeast Philadelphia – for which she served as editor, community manager, events coordinator, salesperson and lead reporter. The site closed in 2013, and the archives are now available on PlanPhilly.com.
During that time, Shannon also worked for WHYY, serving as NewsWorks.org’s social media strategist, and leading a $1 million grant project to test mobile products and improve public media audience research and metrics analysis.
Shannon has a bachelor’s in journalism from Temple University, where she currently teaches Multimedia Storytelling to undergrads. She lives in Fishtown, but is just as likely to be found walking around someone else’s neighborhood.
Uncertain future for North Philly horse riding club, famous worldwide and beloved at home
New stables were completed right after “Concrete Cowboys” wrapped, but the animals' grazing pasture on Fletcher Street is slated for development.
2020 guide to Philly gift guides: Keep it local with pop-ups, independent shops and virtual holiday markets
How to skip the big chains and safely support makers, artists and entrepreneurs in your community.
These maps track updated COVID case counts by Philadelphia ZIP code
The city health department updates numbers daily.
Eagles bounty, revenge arson and a jail escape: 7 headlines from Philly’s Thanksgiving Day past
The coronavirus has upended the holiday as we know it, but some things never change
Chickenjoy! Filipino cult fave Jollibee is opening a Philly location
Known for its fried chicken and spaghetti meals, the chain is on a U.S. expansion tear.
Giuliani v. Philadelphia: A recap of the former NYC mayor’s losing battle against Philly
From Four Seasons to “Eagles basketball,” five times the Trump campaign lawyer called out the city — and how that worked out for him.
Fire forces evacuation of COVID-positive residents, new Philly quarantine hotel opens Monday
There’s now a “repair or demolish” order on the Rodeway Inn, which is in a historic Center City property.
Less than a week before deadline, Wells Fargo relents on pandemic mortgage relief
Philly homeowners were approved for CARES Act aid, only to get rejection letters from the bank — which then reversed its position (again).
How to actually enjoy the holiday season this year, even if you skip travel
Take a moment to check in with loved ones and talk about what really matters.
‘There is no bar business anyway’: Thanksgiving Eve booze ban disappoints, confuses Philly restaurant owners
Pa. suspended on-site alcohol sales for the pre-holiday party night — but to-go cocktails are allowed.
Pop-up events and text alerts: How Philly might distribute the coronavirus vaccine
With little concrete information, the city health department is trying to work out logistics.
Getting a tree this year? Instagram startup ‘Cousin Eddie’s’ offers home delivery
Two Philly pals teamed up for a venture that’ll get a Douglas fir to your doorstep for $75 flat.
Mayor Kenney, City Council advance on $14 million Taser buy for Philly police
The proposed five-year contract for thousands of electronic weapons comes less than a month after Walter Wallace Jr.’s shooting.
Aldi on North Broad sets December 3 opening next to Divine Lorraine
Philly's pre-pandemic supermarket boom is slowly continuing to roll out.
As demand surges, some Rite Aid and other free COVID test sites in Philly are closed
There are still dozens of options available, although many have long wait times and longer turnaround.
Coronavirus outbreak at Philly federal prison in Center City leads to full lockdownÂ
In a facility with nearly 200 COVID cases over the past month, attorneys say their clients are being deprived of basic rights.
Philly to open second quarantine hotel for vulnerable COVID patients as cases surge
The 30 beds at the first site sometimes fill up, officials said, with people from shelters or those experiencing homelessness.
Grey Lodge and Bridgewater’s Pub closing for good as COVID bans strike key Philly beer bars
For both venues, the final blow was Philly's latest ban on indoor dining.
How to cancel Thanksgiving if your family just doesn’t understand
After speaking with brave souls who made the move, we collected a list of tips on how to break the news.
Local 98 bribery case: Philly Democrats are fundraising to pay Councilmember Henon’s legal fees
Indicted by the feds alongside union chief John Dougherty, the three-term lawmaker is heading for a January trial.