Things to Do This Week For America’s 250th

Your curated list of the best semiquincentennial events, exhibits, and activities happening in and around Philly

By Christina Griffith
The Citizen Recommends

Cory Doctorow’s The Reverse Centaur’s Guide To Life After AI Book Launch

Join The Citizen on June 25 to hear from the bestselling author and critic about making AI work for humans — not the other way around

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Guest Commentary

Nutrition as New Vital Sign

The CEO of a statewide anti-hunger nonprofit makes the argument that Pennsylvania must integrate food into healthcare

By Stuart I. Haniff
In Memoriam

Dito van Reigersberg, Philadelphia’s Entertainer

Here's to the person behind the cabaret performer extraordinaire, Martha Graham Cracker, who made our faces hurt in the best of all possible ways

By Christine Speer Lejeune
Guest Commentary

Harrisburg, Help Seniors Stay at Home

An advocate for people with disabilities sees Pennsylvanians losing their independence because of PA’s meager reimbursement rates for at-home care

By Steven Mack
The New Urban Order

The Great Aesthetics Debate of 2026

Amid Washington, D.C.’s return to classical (and gilt-adorned) architecture, can Chicago’s Obama Presidential Center reinvigorate America’s waning affinity for modern design?

By Diana Lind
Guest Commentary

How To Build A Better City Budget

Ideas are out there, in places like New York, Chicago and Pittsburgh, to mitigate federal cuts. A local tax and economic policy analyst asks: Why doesn’t Philly steal them?

By Rita Jefferson
Ideas We Should Steal

Books for Every Pennsylvania Child

Like 22 other states, the PA House passed a Montco Rep’s bill to encourage reading in every household. The inspiration? Dolly Parton

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Recap

Integrity Icon 2026 Celebration

We heralded city workers in fields ranging from sanitation to violence prevention, leaving hundreds of attendees feeling inspired — and empowered to uplift our beloved Philadelphia

By Jessica Blatt Press
Listen

Ali Velshi On Journalism, Citizenship, And Moving To Prime Time

The MS NOW host and Citizen board member is taking over The 11th Hour. Today, he gives a final word on the vitally important role of reporters bearing witness to the people.

By Ali Velshi