Guest Commentary:

The Abbott Elementary Blues

A local public elementary school teacher on what the Philly-based sitcom misses — and what teachers really need By Bet Mizgala

Guest Commentary: The Closure of Benefits Data Trust Could Harm Children’s Health

Policy pros from CHOP and Penn say with the end of BDT, health systems and local groups must ramp up efforts to get families the government benefits they need

By Madeline DeMarco, Aditi Vasan, and George Dalembert

Who’s Doing Arenas Right?

For two years The Citizen has chronicled win-win sports developments around the country. In light of the long-awaited feasibility study on a proposed Center City Sixers arena, here are some ideas Philly should consider stealing

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

New Urban Order: Should Philly Be More Like … Detroit?

The midwestern city has gone from bankrupt to transformational growth by embracing innovation and bling. Here, some ideas Philly might steal from Motor City

By Diana Lind

Guest Commentary: While You’re Celebrating Labor Day …

I’ll be biking hundreds of miles to raise funds for lung cancer patients with Ride Hard Breathe Easy. Here’s why.

By John Matthews

What Even Is an Auditor General?

The state’s chief fiscal watchdog is on the ballot in November. Here’s why that matters, the next in our Your City (Commonwealth) Defined series

By J.P. Romney

Public Speaking Can Win (or Lose) the Presidency

The ability to deliver a message effectively could determine our next POTUS — and is a skill, a long-time university president argues, that all students should learn

By Elaine Maimon

Big Rube’s Philly: Chubby’s Fantastic Flavors

The iconic photographer and chef introduces us to his buddy’s new ice cream shop that’s all about distinctive, down-home flavors and restoring community in the heart of Southwest Philly.

By Reuben Harley

Listen: Ali Velshi Inside Project 2025 … Inside Your Bedroom

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member on Project 2025's insidious reach into our lives, our families, and our bedrooms.

By Ali Velshi

Could Philly Become a City of Eds, Meds, Beds and … Gaming?

City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas and a local video game entrepreneur have teamed up on Philadelphia's second annual PHL Gaming Conference and Expo, an event The Citizen Recommends

By Christina Griffith

Guest Commentary: Are Voters Ready for a “Politics of Joy?”

Is Kamala Harris's presidential campaign more 1980 or 1968? That depends

By Kevin Sunday