Guest Commentary

What PA Dems can Learn from Zohran Mamdani

It’s not the progressive stances of the New York City mayoral primary winner. It’s his practical solutions for low- and middle-income communities that appeal to voters

By Oliver Bateman
Listen

Ali Velshi Banned Book Club on How World War Z Reveals Our Weaknesses

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member talks with Max Brooks about the underlying theme of his contemporary classic novel

By Ali Velshi

Fun Things to Do in Philly this Week and Weekend

This week in Philly, we pay tribute to Live Aid on its 40th Anniversary, The Barnes hosts a block party, Reading Terminal hosts an ice cream fest, a new exhibit at Al-Bustan opens, Ab-Soul is in town, and much more

By Christina Griffith
Citizen Must-Reads

The Words that Made America, the Big Bill that May Destroy It …

… and other news from around the nation to help you make sense of the week

By The Philadelphia Citizen Staff

This July 4th, Let’s Stand Up for Philadelphia Values

Remember the 1776 rallying cry that launched our country’s fight against tyranny? It’s time to raise our voices again

By Elaine Maimon

Mister Softee, Please Shut Up

A local resident, and her neighbors, have had it with the constant, torturous ice cream truck jingle, not to mention the lack of food safety licenses. Is there anything they can do?

By Kristen Demilio

What’s Hidden in Parker’s Housing Plan?

Mayor Parker’s $2 billion initiative to build or rehab 30,000 affordable homes includes $800 million in municipal bonds — which might come with their own hefty price tag

By Jade Craig
Guest Commentary

Remembering a Man Redeemed

The former director of the local Anti-Defamation League met a neo-Nazi on his way to redemption. Here’s why Tom Martinez, who died last month after years spent in hiding, mattered

By Barry Morrison
Ideas We Should Steal

More Democracy in Development Decisions

Some Philly Registered Community Organizations give individuals outsized power to shut down housing proposals in their neighborhoods. A better approach can be found in D.C.

By Jon Geeting