Malcolm Burnley Writer

Malcolm Burnley has been a journalist in Philadelphia since 2013. Before joining the masthead as a staff writer, he was a longtime freelancer for several outlets in the city, including the Citizen (some of his all-time favorite stories were pieces for the Citizen, like one about Philly’s voting-machine fiasco and a contribution in the Higginbotham series), Philly Mag, and WHYY. He’s also contributed work to Time, POLITICO magazine, The Atlantic, iHeartRadio and other outlets.

A native of Staten Island, NY, he is passionate about telling overlooked stories throughout Philadelphia. He’s also a podcast host and adjunct professor at Temple University’s Klein School of Communications. He wants to see Philadelphia at its best. And he wants a Dion Waiter statue.

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Stories by Malcolm Burnley:

The Wackiest Race for Local Judgeships Ever?

A Bob Brady conspiracy theory, a tax-dodging candidate and a huffing mess. This year’s low-excitement judicial races just got a little juicier

By Malcolm Burnley

Ideas We Should Steal: Polling Places in Jails

A way to get more people voting and make our communities safer? That’s what happened with a Colorado program Pennsylvania could easily replicate

By Malcolm Burnley

Can Philly Still Become “Cellicon Valley?”

Layoffs, vacant labs and NIH cuts are diminishing the once-booming biotech sector. But there is still promise for the region

By Malcolm Burnley

Will PA Ever Legalize Weed?

And, can it possibly be the problem-solver advocates — including Gov. Shapiro — are looking for?

By Malcolm Burnley

WATCH: Ultimate Job Interview with One Candidate for District Attorney

The latest edition of The Citizen’s job interviews for candidates for office featured this year’s top-of-the-ticket race for District Attorney. Both Larry Krasner and Pat Dugan were invited. Only one candidate showed up

By Malcolm Burnley

The Citizen Recommends … the Fashion District?

The East Market Street mall can’t be that bad. Right?

By Malcolm Burnley

Move to Philly. Invite a Friend.

A new nonprofit thinks that by diversifying our middle-income earners, we can create a path to prosperity for Philadelphians of all income levels

By Malcolm Burnley

Can Worker Co-ops Fix Our Busted Democracy?

City Councilmember Nic O’Rourke wants Philly to promote more democratically-run businesses as a way out of today’s political and economic doldrums

By Malcolm Burnley

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