Matt O'Donnell

07/27/2021

Getting More People Vaccinated - Inside Story

Dr. Delana Wardlaw works with Twin Sister Docs to convince communities of color to get the COVID-19 vaccine. I asked her what is the one thing she hears the most about why people are vaccine hesitant. Her answer was surprising.
Watch the whole interview with Dr. Wardlaw and acting Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole on #insidestory here:

https://buff.ly/3i6KFgj

6abc Action News
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Twin Sister Docs

07/27/2021

New video shows fight leading up to fatal shooting outside of Pat's King of Steaks

The cell phone video shows how Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic is playing out in front of the public’s eyes.

New video shows the moments leading up to a fatal shooting outside of Pat's King of Steaks in South Philadelphia last week.

07/25/2021

These two doctors are racing against time, trying to prevent the Delta variant of COVID-19 from taking hold in the Philadelphia region. Their tool is vaccine. Their goal is to convince more people to get one.
Acting Philadelphia Health Secretary Dr. Cheryl Bettigole and Dr. Delana Wardlaw of the group Twin Sister Docs join me on Inside Story Sunday 11:30am on 6abc.

#insidestory
6abc Action News
Philadelphia Department of Public Health

These two doctors are racing against time, trying to prevent the Delta variant of COVID-19 from taking hold in the Philadelphia region. Their tool is vaccine. Their goal is to convince more people to get one.
Acting Philadelphia Health Secretary Dr. Cheryl Bettigole and Dr. Delana Wardlaw of the group Twin Sister Docs join me on Inside Story Sunday 11:30am on 6abc.

#insidestory
6abc Action News
Philadelphia Department of Public Health

07/22/2021

Man shot, killed at Pat's King of Steaks in South Philadelphia: Police

It started with two men arguing while they were in line waiting for food at the Philadelphia landmark. Half a dozen customers saw it happen.
The victim died at the hospital while a man matching the description of the shooter turned himself in.

A man was shot and killed while in line at Pat's King of Steaks, the landmark cheesesteak shop in South Philadelphia, police say.

07/22/2021

Seagull hits teen in face while on SpringShot ride in Wildwood, NJ

Have you hugged a seagull today? Unfortunately, this poor teenage girl did. Thankfully the bird only left a scratch.

YIKES! A group of friends celebrating a 14th birthday got something more than they expected -- a seagull joining the party high above the Jersey Shore.

07/21/2021

Teen pilot recounts emergency landing on Ocean City bridge: 'I'm gonna go in the ocean'

This 18-year-old pilot must have nerves of steel. He says he’s going back up today to continue his banner runs at the Jersey Shore.

"I'm gonna go in the ocean": A teen pilot is recounting the chaotic moments he was forced to land his banner plane on a Jersey shore bridge.

07/21/2021

Blue Origin launch will inspire the next generation of explorers, Franklin Institute expert predicts

I would go. Would you?

"Did we ever think that individuals from completely outside the space sector of industry would decide, 'Hey you know, I have $100 billion, I can make this happen myself."

07/19/2021

Connections power music's return and Matthew Aucoin's journey from 'College Kid' to rock artist

Remember the guy who held up a sign at a Philadelphia Springsteen concert reading: 'Can a College Kid play No Surrender with you?' ?
He got his chance, and now he's ready to take his performing to a new level.
Our 6abc digital producer Brock Koller has this one:

Catching Up With the 'College Kid:' The rebirth of live music coincides with Matthew Aucoin's return to the spotlight, five years after his show-stealing performance at Springsteen's Philly concert.

07/19/2021

6abc's Adam Joseph opens up about his family's COVID health scare

I’m sure it was difficult for Adam to share his family’s story, but I know he is doing it to help others - and to convince everyone that vaccination is not just to protect yourself. It is to protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

"We need to protect our children": 6abc's Adam Joseph is speaking out and warning others about the coronavirus after his children and others close to him were recently infected with the virus.

07/08/2021

Heinz 'Hot Dog Pact' campaign calls for equal packaging: Will you sign?

I'm pretty much on board with this, though I can't say I eat a whole lot of hot dogs these days...

Do you ever have extra hot dogs and not enough buns? Well, you're not alone!

07/06/2021

PA Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick on infrastructure, Jan. 6 commission, COVID-19 origins

Find out why the Bucks County congressman is excited about bipartisanship with the Problem Solvers Caucus.

One of the leading moderates in Congress discusses a host of topics, including bipartisanship, investigating Jan. 6 and unemployment.

07/04/2021

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), one of the few moderates in Congress these days, joins us on Inside Story Sunday 11:30am on 6abc.
We talk about his push for a bipartisan infrastructure plan, the emerging Problem Solvers Caucus, origins of COVID-19, how the opioid epidemic was even worse during the pandemic and why he continues to revere these United States on this Independence Day.
We hope you’ll watch.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), one of the few moderates in Congress these days, joins us on Inside Story Sunday 11:30am on 6abc.
We talk about his push for a bipartisan infrastructure plan, the emerging Problem Solvers Caucus, origins of COVID-19, how the opioid epidemic was even worse during the pandemic and why he continues to revere these United States on this Independence Day.
We hope you’ll watch.

07/03/2021

Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the True Philadelphia Podcast

How is Yannick Nézet-Séguin so full of life, so animated as he conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra?
He tries to explain in this episode of the True Philadelphia Podcast.

Full interview:
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ymk5r3bj
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4j33mtys

And watch our 6abc special "Hail to the Heroes" featuring the Orchestra's first live performance in more than a year today at 7pm on 6abc.

07/02/2021

Don Liuzzi and Matt O'Donnell Bang on the Timpanis

Timpani master Don Liuzzi, percussionist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, has also seen 2001: A Space Odyssey and also loves the massive drumming during the movie's epic opening. So we played it together in a storage room at the Kimmel Center. Because, why not?

Make sure you watch Liuzzi and the rest of the Orchestra perform during our 6abc special Hail to the Heroes Saturday at 7pm on 6abc.

07/01/2021

Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the True Philadelphia Podcast

Many businesses and institutions are using what they learned during the pandemic to seek change, to include, to get better.
That is exactly what Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Philadelphia Orchestra is doing too.
Watch the full interview in the True Philadelphia Podcast:

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ymk5r3bj
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4j33mtys

And watch our 6abc special "Hail to the Heroes" featuring the Orchestra's first live performance in more than a year Saturday at 7pm on 6abc.

07/01/2021

Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the True Philadelphia Podcast

The public was starved of live music during much of the pandemic. Philadelphia Orchestra music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin compared that to takeout - and the Orchestra's triumphant performance at the Mann Center this year as a return to indoor dining, or "the feast".
Watch the full interview in the True Philadelphia Podcast:

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ymk5r3bj
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4j33mtys

And watch our 6abc special "Hail to the Heroes" featuring the Orchestra's first live performance in more than a year Saturday at 7pm on 6abc.

06/30/2021

Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the True Philadelphia Podcast

Philadelphia Orchestra Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin talked about how he kept himself upbeat and positive during the hardships of the pandemic.
Watch the full interview in the True Philadelphia Podcast:

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ymk5r3bj
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4j33mtys

And watch our 6abc special "Hail to the Heroes" featuring the Orchestra's first live performance in more than a year Saturday at 7pm on 6abc.

06/29/2021

Yannick Nézet-Séguin Talks to Matt O'Donnell Ahead of Special Frontline Workers Performance

Make sure you watch the Philadelphia Orchestra's tribute to our frontline workers: "Hail to the Heroes" Saturday at 7pm on 6abc.
Ahead of the special, take a look at my candid interview with Orchestra music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin AND my drum session with orchestra timpani player Don Liuzzi in the latest episode of the True Philadelphia Podcast.

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewKD6BM_Mao&t=1s

Apple Podcasts link:
https://tinyurl.com/4j33mtys

TRUE PHILADELPHIA PODCASTThe music director and conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 2012 has been starved of performing live music since the shutdo...

06/28/2021

Good morning everyone! It’s been a while, what’s new?

06/18/2021

Here are ways to celebrate Juneteenth Day around the Delaware Valley this weekend

It is a day I wish I would have learned about when I was much younger. Now, with its status as a federal holiday, we can all learn together.

The federal holiday is new, but Juneteenth celebrations are not. Here's how the Delaware Valley is marking the day.

06/15/2021

Get a sense of the main issues in the race for New Jersey governor. The candidates are set: Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy faces Republican primary winner Jack Ciattarelli in November.

https://6abc.com/politics/murphy-ciattarelli-discuss-2021-election-for-nj-gov/10776358/

06/13/2021

Inside Story Sunday 11:30am on 6abc:
Governor Phil Murphy (D-New Jersey) explains why he should get another four years.
GOP primary winner Jack Ciattarelli lays the case for why Trenton needs new leadership.
6abc Action News

06/12/2021

Just a couple of guys talking golf. The smooth-as-silk Harry Donahue and I discuss the many uses of a four iron (or metal) plus why the sport is always backwards on #insidegolf Sunday at 10am.

Just a couple of guys talking golf. The smooth-as-silk Harry Donahue and I discuss the many uses of a four iron (or metal) plus why the sport is always backwards on #insidegolf Sunday at 10am.

06/09/2021

Activist Mark Segal talks Pride Month, Stonewall, increased visibility for LGBTQ+ cause

"You couldn't be a teacher, you couldn't be a doctor, you couldn't be a lawyer if you were LGBT."
Philadelphia Gay News founder Mark Segal talks about the progress of his movement during this Pride Month and where it still needs to go on Inside Story.

A titan in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, Mark Segal joins Inside Story to discuss his role in the Stonewall Protests and the continued battle for LGBTQ+ rights.

06/07/2021

US traffic deaths up 7% last year, highest number since 2007

It is despite the fact that Americans drove 13% fewer miles last year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration blamed the increase on drivers taking more risks on less-congested roads, failing to wear seat belts, or driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Even with fewer cars on the road and people driving less miles, preliminary data shows a 7% increase in fatalities over 2019's numbers.

06/07/2021

Crews battle fire at historic McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey

The expansive property has been left to decay for decades and has attracted trespassers and vandals. Having two fires break out at different sites will obviously raise intense suspicion.

Firefighters were working to put out a fire at the McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey, on Monday morning.

06/06/2021

Philadelphia Gay News founder Mark Segal joins us on Inside Story to talk about the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, the progress it has made and what still needs to be done. Mark also offers a very personal story as he reflects on Pride Month. A stirring interview on #InsideStory Sunday 11:30am on 6abc.

Philadelphia Gay News founder Mark Segal joins us on Inside Story to talk about the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, the progress it has made and what still needs to be done. Mark also offers a very personal story as he reflects on Pride Month. A stirring interview on #InsideStory Sunday 11:30am on 6abc.

06/04/2021

Philadelphia Flower Show 2021: Seth Pearsoll, Director of Design

He is the one who helped imagine and execute the setup for the first outdoor Philadelphia Flower Show in history. We caught Seth Pearsoll, director of design, right as he was putting the finishing touches on the show ahead of Saturday morning's public opening.

Matt O'Donnell sits down with Philadelphia Flower Show 2021's Director of Design Seth Pearsoll.

06/04/2021

Philly Flower Show 2021: Ginger Zee reports for GMA

Good Morning America's Ginger Zee joked that she's here so often, some wonder if she is moving to Philadelphia permanently. We love it when Ginger stops by our big events like the 2021 Flower Show. Watch our conversation here:

Matt O'Donnell sits down with 'Good Morning America's' Ginger Zee to preview the Philadelphia Flower Show.

06/04/2021

Philly Flower Show 2021: Sam Lemhaney, Chief of Shows

The Philadelphia Flower Show opens to the public 8am on Saturday and masks are no longer required on the premises.
As for whether future shows might remain outdoors - that's what we asked Chief of Shows Sam Lemheney.

Matt O'Donnell sits down with Philadelphia Flower Show's Chief of Shows Sam Lemhaney.

06/04/2021

Live from the Philadelphia Flower Show in FDR Park. Outdoors for the first time! Join us now on Action News Mornings.

06/03/2021

Corn Mo Performs Jingle for Matt O'Donnell on Action News

Up-and-coming musical supertalent Corn Mo wrote a jingle just for Matt, thanking him for his dedicated fandom.
Yes, Corn Mo is the guy who appears in the NJM Insurance commercial we air every weekday during Brighter News on 6abc streaming.
Thanks Corn Mo!

Watch the whole segment here, it's pretty humorous!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2-z2N3eDXw

06/01/2021

SEPTA returns to 100% capacity, marks renovation to 5th Street Station

Septa will hold a ribbon cutting at the refurbished 5th Street Independence Hall Station today. And it looks pretty good!

SEPTA is returning to 100% capacity on its vehicles as it marks a big renovation to one of its stations.

05/27/2021

Wells Fargo Center issues statement after fan throws popcorn on player during 76ers game

Russell Westbrook, the recipient of the popcorn dump, had to be restrained from retaliating against the fan.
"I wouldn't come up to me on the street and throw popcorn on my head, because you know what happens," Westbrook said afterwards.

The Wells Fargo Center issued a stern warning to 76ers fans ​after an incident involving Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook during Game 2 of the NBA playoffs in Philadelphia.

05/26/2021

AAA says Memorial Day travel will be up 60% across area

So where are all of you going this year?
I tried to remember what I did last year. I think I cut the lawn.

This Memorial Day weekend is about a look a lot different than last year with travel expected to increase by nearly 60%.