Citizen Must Reads

Your Weekly Guide to Surviving the News

Untangling Trump’s televised speech, Australia’s good example, a love letter to Rob Reiner and more news …

By The Philadelphia Citizen Staff
Guest Commentary

A Republican Road Map to Fixing Obamacare

The Affordable Care Act is under scrutiny again in Congress. A Wharton professor who served in the first Bush administration offers Republicans a path to reform

By Mark V. Pauly
Guest Commentary

Why I Won’t Debate Science With RFK Jr.

Anti-vaccine activists, including the country’s top health official, offered renowned CHOP immunologist and RFK target $1 million to debate them on vaccine safety

By Paul Offit
How To Really Run A City

“Spare Me Your Bullsh*t”

Maryland’s Martin O’Malley talks with former mayors Michael Nutter of Philadelphia and Kasim Reed of Atlanta about the only form of governance that matters. (Hint: It’s where sh*t gets done.)

By J.P. Romney
Guest Commentary

Special Needs Students Need School Choice

Some PA public schools outsource special education to private schools. But the barriers to secure these services and support are too high, argues a think tank’s education policy analyst

By Rachel Langan

Reforming Resign to Run … Without Reform

The City law requiring elected officials to quit before running for another office makes elections less competitive. Council’s new proposal won’t fix it — without a change

By Jon Geeting

Things to Do on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Philadelphia

From fireworks to kid-friendly countdowns to full-on glam, there are so many ways to ring in 2026.

By Laura Swartz

Could Philly’s $2 Billion Bet on Housing Help Cut Gun Violence?

Research has found that fixing up abandoned homes can make a city safer. The H.O.M.E Plan calls for building and rehabbing 30,000 homes in four years

By Mensah M. Dean
Listen

Ali Velshi Talks Trump’s Attack on Legal Immigration

The MS NOW host and Citizen board member reports that naturalization ceremonies across the country are being canceled at the last minute.

By Ali Velshi

Fun Things to Do in Philly this Week and Weekend

This week Trans-Siberian Orchestra comes to town, plus the Vintage Punk Rock Flea Market, Vivaldi's The Seasons, The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mütter, a women's lineup at Punch Line Philly, and much more

By Christina Griffith